The second generation of COX-2 inhibitors: clinical pharmacological point of view.

Valdecoxib, parecoxib, etoricoxib and lumiracoxib represent the second generation of selective COX-2 inhibitors. In comparison to the first generation, they show an at least equivalent efficacy in the treatment of pain and inflammation. However, the postulated gain of safety is yet difficult to determine and seems to be, if any, small.