Rofecoxib

A to Z Drug Facts

Rofecoxib

 Actions
 Indications
 Contraindications
 Route/Dosage
 Interactions
 Lab Test Interferences
 Adverse Reactions
 Precautions
Patient Care Considerations
 Administration/Storage
 Assessment/Interventions
 Patient/Family Education


(roe-feh-cox-ib)>
Vioxx
Tablets: 12.5 mg
Tablets: 25 mg
Tablets: 50 mg
Class: Analgesic
NSAID

 Actions Decreases inflammation, pain, and fever, probably by inhibition of prostaglandin, by way of inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2.

 Indications Relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; treatment of primary dysmenorrhea; management of acute pain in adults.

 Contraindications History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

 Route/Dosage

Osteoarthritis: ADULTS: PO 12.5 to 25 mg once daily. Rheumatoid Arthritis: ADULTS: PO 25 mg once daily (max, 25 mg/day). Primary Dysmenorrhea and Management of Acute Pain: ADULTS: PO 50 mg once daily.

 Interactions

ACE inhibitors: Antihypertensive effects may be decreased. Aspirin: Risk of GI complications (eg, ulceration) may be increased. Lithium, methotrexate: Rofecoxib may increase plasma levels of these drugs, which may increase activity and adverse effects. Loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics: Diuretic effects may be decreased. Rifampin: May decrease rofecoxib plasma levels, which may cause a decrease in activity. Warfarin: The risk of bleeding may be increased.

 Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

 Adverse Reactions

CARDIOVASCULAR: Hypertension; angina pectoris; irregular heartbeat; bradycardia; premature ventricular contraction; tachycardia; palpitations. CNS: Asthenia; fatigue; dizziness; headache; syncope; hypesthesia; insomnia; migraine; muscular spasm; parethesia; sciatica; somnolence; vertigo; anxiety; depression; decreased mental acuity. DERMATOLOGIC: Alopecia; atopic dermatitis; basal cell carcinoma; blister; cellulitis; contact dermatitis; nail disorder; perspiration; rash; pruritus; erythema; urticaria; xerosis. EENT: Sinusitis; dry mouth; esophagitis; blurred vision; cerumen impaction; conjunctivitis; dry throat; epistaxis; laryngitis; nasal congestion; nasal secretion; ophthalmic injection; otic pain; otitis; otitis media; pharyngitis; tinnitus; tonsillitis. GI: Abdominal pain, tenderness, and distension; GI bleeding; diarrhea; dyspepsia; epigastric discomfort; heartburn; duodenal ulcers; nausea; aphthous stomatitis; constipation; gas symptoms; dysgeusia; flatulence; gastritis; gastroenteritis; bloody stools; hemorrhoids; vomiting. GU: UTI; breast mass; cystitis; dysuria; menopausal symptoms; menstrual disorder; nocturia; urinary retention; vaginitis. METABOLIC: Hypercholesterolemia. RESPIRATORY: Upper respiratory tract infection; bronchitis; asthma; cough; dyspnea; pneumonia; pulmonary congestion. OTHER: Flu-like condition; pain; back pain; chest pain; pelvic pain; flushing; peripheral edema; upper extremity edema; allergy; muscle pain, cramp, stiffness, and weakness; myalgia.

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Avoid in late pregnancy because rofecoxib may cause premature closure of ductus arteriosus. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy not established. Elderly: Initiate therapy with lowest recommended dose. Asthma: Use with caution in patients with pre-existing asthma. GI effects: Serious GI toxicity (eg, bleeding, ulceration, performation) can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Renal disease: Use with caution. Liver disease: Not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic insufficiency.


PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS


 Administration/Storage

 Assessment/Interventions

 Patient/Family Education

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© 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts