2.2. COX-2 Inhibitor Use in Elderly Patients

Elderly patients are frequently prescribed a COX-2 specific NSAID like celecoxib to manage acute and chronic pain. Several issues surface with COX-2 inhibitor use in elderly patients, including potential adverse effects and drug interactions. NSAID-induced gastrointestinal toxicity is prevalent in the elderly; therefore, COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib or nonselective NSAIDs plus proton pump inhibitors may offer safer alternatives to these patients. Renal toxicity as well as adverse central nervous system effects are more prevalent in elderly patients due to changes in metabolism, underlying disease states, and concurrent drug therapy and should be considered prior to prescribing celecoxib, especially in higher doses. The potential for increased cardiovascular risk with COX-2 inhibitor use is also a factor when evaluating NSAID therapy in elderly patients. Elderly patients prescribed celecoxib, especially those at higher risk, should be evaluated for appropriateness of therapy as well as potential for drug-drug interactions. Appropriate therapy duration and dosages should also be assessed. Preventive measures such as gastric antisecretory agents administered should be considered in some individuals to reduce GI complications. Medication profiles of elderly patients greater than 60 years of age prescribed celecoxib in high doses or in patients with increased risk factors for adverse events or drug-drug interactions will be reviewed.