Cyclooxygenase 2
Also known as: COX-2, COX2, PTGS2
Enzyme induced by inflammation that produces pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive prostaglandins. It is the selective target of coxibs (celecoxib, etoricoxib).
Selective COX-2 inhibitors spare COX-1 and have lower gastrointestinal risk, but retain cardiovascular (thromboembolic) and renal risk; interactions with anticoagulants remain relevant.
Substrates: arachidonic acid (yields PGE2, prostacyclin).
Inhibitors: celecoxib, etoricoxib, parecoxib; classic NSAIDs at anti-inflammatory doses also inhibit it.
Inducers: not applicable.
Celecoxib is metabolised by CYP2C9 — combination with fluconazole increases exposure; it retains additive bleeding risk with anticoagulants.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Celecoxib label; EMC-UK (MHRA) — SmPC
