Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Valecoxib (VALDECOXIB)

Valecoxib, also known as Valdecoxib, is a small molecule drug that targets Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2, a key enzyme involved in pain and inflammation. Originally developed by Pharmacia, it is now owned by Pfizer. It was FDA approved in 2001 for the treatment of acute postoperative pain. Valecoxib is off-patent and has no active generic manufacturers. It has a half-life of 7.4 hours and bioavailability of 83%.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Acute postoperative pain

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Drug interactions

• fluconazole
• voriconazole

Key clinical trials

• Effect of Intravenous Dynastat on Postoperative Sore Throat (PHASE2)
• A Dose-Ranging Study Of Valdecoxib 5 Mg, 10 Mg, And 20 Mg Once Daily Versus Placebo In Patients With Osteoarthritis Of The Knee (Japan) (PHASE2)
• A Double-Blind, Double Dummy, Randomized Comparison Study Of The Efficacy And Safety Of Valdecoxib 10mg Once Daily And Naproxen 500mg Twice Daily In Treating The Signs And Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis Of The Knee Or Hip In Taiwan (PHASE3)
• Analgesic Efficacy Of Valdecoxib In Patients Following Bunion Surgery (PHASE3)
• A Double Blind, Double Dummy, Randomized, Comparative Study Of The Efficacy And Safety Of Valdecoxib 40 Mg Twice Daily, As Needed In The First Menstrual Cycle Day And Then Once A Day, And Piroxicam 40 Mg Once A Day In The Treatment Of Patients With Primary Dysmenorrhea (PHASE4)
• A Double-blind, Double-dummy, Multicenter, Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Tolerability of Valdecoxib 40 mg Versus Rofecoxib 50 mg in Treating the Symptoms of Ankle Sprain (PHASE4)
• Effect of Valdecoxib Pretreatment on Pain and Secondary Hyperalgesia in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE4)
• Predicting Patients' Response to Spinal Manipulation (NA)

Primary sources

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