Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Etoricoxib (IUPAC: 4-[5-(4-Ethylbenzyl)-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-1,2-oxazol-4-yl]benzenesulfonamide) is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor with molecular formula C23H25N3O3S and molecular weight 423.53 g/mol. Structurally, it contains a sulfonamide moiety, an oxazole ring, and a piperazine group, classifying it as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Therapeutically, it is used for managing pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It exhibits high oral bioavailability, extensive plasma protein binding (>99%), and a half-life of ~22 hours. Its mechanism involves reversible inhibition of COX-2, reducing prostaglandin synthesis while sparing COX-1, thereby minimizing gastrointestinal toxicity.