Parecoxib is a drug, which reduces pain and inflammation and is used as an alternative to opoid analgesics. It is used to treat post-operative pain, example, after kneecap surgery. It is a product of Pfizer Inc., which is widely available worldwide, including the European Union mostly under the brand name Dynastat.

As the only injectable COX-2 specific inhibitor, Parecoxib provides physicians and patients with an important option in the treatment of acute pain in the post-surgical setting. Administered for short periods of time under the supervision of a healthcare professional, Parecoxib has been shown to reduce the need for opioids to control pain following surgery.

Earlier the COX-2 class of pain medicines underwent an extensive review by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency. The agency concluded that, based on the overall safety data and with appropriate labeling, "the benefits of Parecoxib continue to offset the risks." Further, many other regulatory agencies worldwide conducted similar reviews and arrived at a common conclusion.

It is the first selective cycloxygenase-2 inhibitor for parental administration.  Parecoxib is licensed for the short-term treatment of post-operative pain.  It has been shown to be comparable to treatment doses of ketorolac when administered after dental, orthopaedic and gynecological surgery.  In addition it has been shown to be effective when administered before dental surgery.

Dosage of Parecoxib

Firstly 40 mg is given as IV or IM injection, followed by 20-40 mg every 6-12 hours. The dosage for elderly people or people less than 50 kg is 20mg initially with maximum dose of 40mg daily.

Side Effects of Parecoxib

Gastrointestinal disturbances, CNS effects, vertigo, fluid retention, renal failure, and photosensitivity.