Which NSAID is selective for COX-2?

Which NSAID is selective for COX-2?

• A. Aspirin (ASA)
• B. Celecoxib (Celebrex)
• C. Ibuprofen (Advil)
• D. Naproxen (Aleve)

Answer: (B)

Selective inhibition of COX-2 means blocking the enzyme that drives inflammation while sparing COX-1, which helps protect the stomach lining and supports normal platelet function. Celecoxib is designed to preferentially inhibit COX-2, giving anti-inflammatory relief with fewer GI side effects compared to nonselective NSAIDs. The other common NSAIDs here inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, so they aren’t selective for COX-2: aspirin irreversibly inhibits both enzymes with a strong COX-1 effect, and ibuprofen and naproxen block both enzymes without COX-2 preference. Therefore, celecoxib is the COX-2 selective option. It’s also useful to note that while COX-2 selectivity reduces GI risk, it can carry cardiovascular risks due to the imbalance of prostaglandins.

Selective inhibition of COX-2 means blocking the enzyme that drives inflammation while sparing COX-1, which helps protect the stomach lining and supports normal platelet function. Celecoxib is designed to preferentially inhibit COX-2, giving anti-inflammatory relief with fewer GI side effects compared to nonselective NSAIDs. The other common NSAIDs here inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, so they aren’t selective for COX-2: aspirin irreversibly inhibits both enzymes with a strong COX-1 effect, and ibuprofen and naproxen block both enzymes without COX-2 preference. Therefore, celecoxib is the COX-2 selective option. It’s also useful to note that while COX-2 selectivity reduces GI risk, it can carry cardiovascular risks due to the imbalance of prostaglandins.