parecoxib sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Selective COX-2 inhibitor NSAID
Licensed use
Postoperative pain in adults
Administration
Injection into a vein or muscle by a healthcare professional
Under 18s
Not recommended: safety and effectiveness are not established
What is parecoxib sodium used for?
The selected UK products are licensed for:
Short-term treatment of postoperative pain in adults.
How does parecoxib sodium work?
Parecoxib is rapidly converted to valdecoxib, which selectively blocks cyclo-oxygenase-2 and reduces prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation. It does not provide aspirin-like antiplatelet protection.
parecoxib sodium preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 40 mg
How to take parecoxib sodium
Parecoxib sodium is prepared and given by a doctor or nurse. It is not swallowed.
It may be injected into a vein or deeply into a muscle.
The powder is reconstituted using a compatible solution and aseptic technique.
It must not be mixed with opioids or other medicines in the same syringe.
Do not drive or operate machinery if dizziness, vertigo or sleepiness occurs.
parecoxib sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation or wind
- Raised or lowered blood pressure
- Dizziness or reduced skin sensation
- Swollen ankles or feet from fluid retention
- Back pain
- Itching or increased sweating
- Reduced urine output or abnormal kidney-function tests
- Postoperative anaemia
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Severe skin reaction with rash, blisters, peeling, or mouth or eye sores
- Stomach or intestinal ulceration or bleeding
- Heart attack, stroke or blood clot in the lungs
- Severe low blood pressure or collapse
- Acute kidney failure
- Jaundice or hepatitis
parecoxib sodium in pregnancy
Parecoxib sodium is contraindicated during the third trimester. Earlier in pregnancy, it should be considered only when clearly necessary by a specialist or prescriber. Exposure from week 20 can impair fetal kidney function, reduce amniotic fluid or constrict the ductus arteriosus. Tell the clinical team if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or having fertility investigations.
parecoxib sodium while breastfeeding
The selected UK products must not be administered while breastfeeding, even though measured transfer into milk after a single administration was low. A prescriber should select an alternative.
parecoxib sodium interactions
The clinical team should review current medicines before administration, particularly:
Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants
Bleeding risk increases; anticoagulation, including INR where relevant, needs close monitoring.
Aspirin
Gastrointestinal ulceration or other complications may become more likely.
Other NSAIDs
Concurrent use should be avoided because adverse effects may increase.
Common questions about parecoxib sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is parecoxib sodium an NSAID?
Yes. It is an injectable selective COX-2 inhibitor converted to active valdecoxib in the body.
Can it be taken by mouth?
No. The selected products are powders prepared for injection into a vein or muscle.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.