Cox-2 inhibitor
A type of drug that selectively blocks the enzyme cox-2 (cyclooxygenase-2).
Blocking this enzyme impedes the production of the chemical messengers called prostaglandins that cause the pain and swelling of arthritis inflammation.
Cox-2 inhibitors may not pose as great a risk of injuring the stomach or intestines as cox-1 inhibitors.
Cox-2 inhibitors now on the market include celecoxib (brand name: Celebrex) and rofecoxib (brand name: Vioxx)