What is the Chemical Name for Vioxx?
Vioxx was a prescription NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that was distributed by Merck & Co. and was extremely popular and widely prescribed. In recent times, however, Merck has voluntarily withdrawn Vioxx from the market and ceased its manufacture of the drug. This was due to studies that indicated that Vioxx was statistically linked to cardiac problems in those who took large doses of it for an extended period of time.
Identification
Vioxx has a chemical name of "rofecoxib." This chemical name is much lesser-known, of course, than the name "Vioxx" which was a trade name that was developed by Merck & Co. to sell the drug. Its IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) name is "4-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-3-phenyl-5H-furan-2-one."
Function
Rofecoxib is a falls into a category of NSAID called COX-2 inhibitors. Basically speaking, there is a substance known as cyclooxygenase (abbreviated as COX) found within the human body that has two unique manifestations. These two forms of COX are referred to as COX-1 and COX-2. The function of COX-1 is irrelevant, but COX-2 is used to synthesize certain compounds within the body that help us to feel pain. Vioxx and other COX-2 inhibitors work to diminish pain by interfering with COX-2 and its functionality.
Significance
The significance of COX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx is the fact that they inhibit only COX-2, not COX-1 as well. This is important because NSAID's that interfere with COX-1 and COX-2, such as naproxen, can cause ulcers in patients with prolonged usage. This is why VIoxx was so widely and enthusiastically prescribed to those suffering from chronic pain.
History
Unfortunately, though, it eventually became apparent to Merck & Co. that its wonder drug, Vioxx, was an actively ticking time bomb. This is because Vioxx use, in high doses and over extended periods of time, is linked to cardiovascular problems. It was particularly suspected that prolonged use of Vioxx could cause heart attacks. Because of the studies which indicated this, Vioxx was voluntarily removed from the market by Merck on September 30, 2004.
Considerations
While Vioxx is no longer available, there are many similar drugs which are. There are many other different types of COX-2 inhibitors that may be able to help those who were aided by Vioxx, but which do not seem to carry with them the same risk of cardiovascular issues. Some of the most popular types of COX-2 inhibitors on the market today are Arcoxia, Celebrex and Bextra.
Tags: COX-2 inhibitors, body that, chemical name, Chemical Name Vioxx, COX-1 COX-2, from market, types COX-2