Etoricoxib (Arcoxia) is a new COX-2 selective inhibitor from Merck & Co. The recommended dosage of Etoricoxib is 60 to 120 mg/day. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires additional safety and efficacy data for Etoricoxib before approval. Etoricoxib drug is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Etoricoxib drug contains the active ingredient etoricoxib, which is a type of medicine known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs work by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase, which is involved in producing prostaglandins, in response to injury or certain diseases. These prostaglandins cause swelling, pain and inflammation. Because NSAIDs block the production of these prostaglandins, they are very effective at relieving pain and inflammation. Cyclo-oxygenase does not only produce prostaglandins that cause inflammation but also produces prostaglandins that have useful roles in the body. There are generally two different forms of cyclo-oxygenase, COX-1 and COX-2. COX-2 is the form that produces prostaglandins that cause inflammation. COX-1 does not produce inflammatory prostaglandins, but produce others that have useful effects, including some that are involved in maintaining a healthy stomach and intestinal lining. Etoricoxib belong to a new generation of NSAIDs that selectively block the action of COX-2. This means that it stops the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, without stopping the production of prostaglandins that guard the stomach and intestines. It therefore reduces pain and inflammation, but is less likely than conventional NSAIDs to cause side effects on the stomach and intestines.