Etoricoxib Thiocolchicoside

Etoricoxib is a new COX-2 selective inhibitor. Current therapeutic indications are: treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic low back pain, acute pain and gout. Like any other COX-2 selective inhibitor, Etoricoxib selectively inhibits isoform 2 of cyclo-oxigenase enzyme (COX-2). This reduces the generation of prostaglandins (PGs) from arachidonic acid.

Thiocolchicoside is a muscle relaxant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It acts as a competitive GABAA receptor antagonist and also glycine receptor antagonist with similar potency and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to a much lesser extent. It has powerful convulsant activity and should not be used in seizure-prone individuals.

This reduced activity is the cause of reduced gastrointestinal toxicity, as demonstrated in several large clinical trials performed with different COXIB (see below links on NEJM and The Lancet). Some clinical trials and meta-analysis showed that treatment with COXIB lead to increased incidence of cardiovascular adverse events compared to placebo

Has been shown to cause chromosomal aneuploidy and male infertility. Should be avoided during all stages of pregnancy, lactation and puberty. Is a potential risk factor for cancer.

For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic low back pain, acute pain and gout.

For the treatment of muscle spasms.