Which medication is classified as a COX-2 inhibitor?

Celecoxib is classified as a COX-2 inhibitor, which means it specifically targets the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, involved in inflammation and pain pathways. Unlike traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib are designed to minimize gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with COX-1 inhibition while still effectively reducing pain and inflammation.

This selective action makes celecoxib particularly useful for conditions like arthritis, where inflammation is a primary concern. In contrast, medications like prednisone are corticosteroids that function primarily as anti-inflammatory agents through different mechanisms, while ibuprofen is a non-selective NSAID that affects both COX-1 and COX-2. Oxycodone, on the other hand, is an opioid analgesic that works primarily on opioid receptors to relieve pain and does not have any significant effect on COX enzymes. Therefore, of the listed medications, celecoxib is clearly identified as a COX-2 inhibitor.