Ace the Anesthesia Pharm Exam 2026 – Ignite Your Path to Pain-Free Mastery!

COX-2 selective NSAIDs are designed to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme more than COX-1, reducing inflammation with less impact on the protective COX-1–mediated gastric lining. Celecoxib achieves this selectivity through its molecular structure that preferentially targets COX-2, making it the COX-2 selective option among common NSAIDs. Ketorolac, ibuprofen, and diclofenac inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 (nonselective), leading to a higher risk of GI side effects and no true selectivity. Therefore, celecoxib (Celebrex) is the COX-2 selective NSAID.