COX-2 inhibitor

noun

: any of a class of drugs used to treat the pain and inflammation of arthritis by selectively blocking the variant of cyclooxygenase causing these symptoms

Examples of COX-2 inhibitor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Celebrex is a selective COX-2 inhibitor that targets inflammation with fewer gastrointestinal side effects, whereas ibuprofen is a nonselective NSAID that inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. T'keyah Bazin, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of COX-2 inhibitor was in 1994

Dictionary Entries Near COX-2 inhibitor

Cite this Entry

“COX-2 inhibitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/COX-2%20inhibitor. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

COX-2 inhibitor

noun
variants also COX-2 blocker
: any of a class of drugs (as celecoxib) that are NSAIDs which selectively block the isoform COX-2 but not the isoform COX-1 of cyclooxygenase and are used chiefly to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis while minimizing gastrointestinal side effects
COX-2 inhibitors, as their name implies, were designed to block just the inflammatory functions of the COX-2 enzyme, leaving the stomach-protecting functions of the COX-1 form intact.Alice Park, Time
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