COX Enzymes: What They Do and How Medications Target Them
When you take an aspirin or ibuprofen for a headache, you’re not just masking pain—you’re interfering with something called COX enzymes, cyclooxygenase enzymes that produce prostaglandins, chemicals responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. Also known as cyclooxygenase, these enzymes are at the heart of how your body responds to injury and illness.
There are two main types: COX-1, a protective enzyme that helps maintain the stomach lining and supports kidney function, and COX-2, an enzyme that kicks in during injury or infection to trigger swelling and pain. Most over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen block both. That’s why they help with arthritis pain but can also upset your stomach. Newer drugs like celecoxib were designed to target only COX-2, hoping to cut side effects—but they aren’t risk-free.
Understanding this difference matters because it affects everything from which painkiller you choose to how your body reacts long-term. If you have a history of ulcers, blocking COX-1 might not be safe. If you’re managing chronic inflammation from arthritis, knowing which enzyme drives your symptoms helps you and your doctor pick the right treatment. Even some heart medications interact with COX enzymes, which is why your pharmacist asks about your pain meds when you pick up a blood thinner.
The posts here don’t just list drugs—they show you how real people use them, what works, what doesn’t, and why side effects happen. You’ll find comparisons between NSAIDs and alternatives, deep dives into how drugs like celecoxib behave in the body, and practical advice on avoiding complications. Whether you’re dealing with joint pain, managing a prescription, or just wondering why your headache medicine gives you stomach trouble, the answers are rooted in how COX enzymes work—and what happens when you shut them down.
The Science Behind Etodolac: How It Reduces Inflammation and Relieves Pain
Etodolac is an NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain by selectively blocking COX-2 enzymes. Learn how it works, its benefits over other painkillers, side effects, and who should use it.
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