Vioxx

Brand name: Vioxx Generic name: Rofecoxib Indication: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain in adults, primary dysmenorrhea Drug classification: COX-2 inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, nonopioid analgesics Mechanism of action: inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by decreasing the activity of the enzyme, cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), which results in decreased formation of prostaglandin precursors. It does no inhibit (COX-1) at therapeutic concentrations Dosage: ostheoarthritis:12.5mg od RA: 25mg daily Pain and dysmenorrhea: 50mg od Special precaution: elderly or deliberated patients, history of CV disease, pregnancy Pregnancy risk category: C Adverse reaction: CNS: aseptic meningitis, fatigue CV: cardiovascular thrombotic events, hypertension, lower extremity edema GI: GI bleeding, nausea Others: anemia, anaphylaxis Contraindications: hypersensitivity, history of asthma, urticaria, allergy to aspirin, advanced renal disease, late pregnancy, lactation, hepatic impairment

Form: tablets 50mg, oral suspension 25mg/5ml Nursing responsibilities:  Assess client’s BP, RR, PR  Ask client for any pain felt  Monitor client for any adverse effects