Rofecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor NSAID used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, primary dysmenorrhea, and migraine attacks. This compound belongs to the stilbenes.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of NSAIDs appear to result from the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Although the exact mechanism of action has not been determined, these effects appear to be mediated through the inhibition of the COX-2 isoenzyme at the sites of inflammation with subsequent reduction in the synthesis of certain prostaglandins from their arachidonic acid precursors. Rofecoxib selectively inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is important for the mediation of inflammation and pain. Unlike non-selective NSAIDs, rofecoxib does not inhibit platelet aggregation. It also has little to no affinity for COX-1.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain in adults, and primary dysmenorrhea, as well as acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without auras.Curator reviewed
- Formula / weight
- C17H14O4S · 314.356 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1999
- Code names
- MK-0966 · MK 966 · MK 996 · TRM-201
Resolves to
RZJQGNCSTQAWON-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCS(=O)(=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)C1=C(C(=O)OC1)C1=CC=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Rofecoxib, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account