rofecoxib

1.

(Chem. & Med.) A chemical substance (C17H14O4S, molecular weight 314.36) used in medicine as an analgesic to alleviate pain and inflammation; it is a synthetic compound, and is marketed by Merck & Co. under the trade name Vioxx, in tablets giving dosages of 12.5 or 25 milligrams. It is classed as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Chemically, it is 4-[4-(methylsulfony)phenyl]-3-phenyl-2(5H) furanone. Its chemical structure contains two phenyl rings and a furanone ring. It is believed to act by inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis, through inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); unlike aspirin, it does not inhibit cyclooxygenase-1.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

rofecoxib - a Cox-2 inhibitor (trade name Vioxx) that relieves pain and inflammation without harming the digestive tract; voluntarily withdrawn from the market in 2004 Vioxx Cox-2 inhibitor - an anti-inflammatory drug that fights pain and blocks Cox-2 activity without impeding the activity of Cox-1; increases the risk of heart attacks; "Cox-2 inhibitors reduce the symptoms of arthritis without endangering the stomach and kidneys"