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Multiple studies in osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and several acute pain models indicate that the cyclooxygenase-2-specific inhibitors celecoxib and rofecoxib are equally effective as the conventional nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Both drugs are approved for the treatment of OA and RA in a daily dosage of 2×100 mg, 1×200 mg, and 2×200 mg (celecoxib) or 1×12.5 mg and 1×25 mg (rofecoxib). In addition, rofecoxib has also been approved by the FDA for the treatment of postsurgical pain in a dosage of 50 mg. Normally celecoxib is used in a dosage of 1×200 mg for OA and 2×200 mg for RA, whereas both 12.5 and 25 mg rofecoxib are used for the treatment of OA and 25 mg for the treatment of RA. Coxibs might also be used for the treatment of seronegative spondarthritides, as is indicated by a successful study using celecoxib for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.