from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
rofecoxib \rofecoxib\ (Chem. & Med.)
A chemical substance ({C17H14O4S}, molecular weight 314.36)
used in medicine as an analgesic to alleviate pain and
inflammation; it is a synthetic compound, and is marketed by
Merck & Co. under the trade name {Vioxx}, in tablets giving
dosages of 12.5 or 25 milligrams. It is classed as a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Chemically, it
is 4-[4-(methylsulfony)phenyl]-3-phenyl-2(5H) furanone. Its
chemical structure contains two phenyl rings and a furanone
ring. It is believed to act by inhibition of prostaglandin
biosynthesis, through inhibition of the enzyme
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); unlike {aspirin}, it does not
inhibit cyclooxygenase-1.
[PJC]