PRODUCT PROGNOSIS
POLMAFLEX-2 TM is formulated with 2 mg of polmacoxib which is a novel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a new COX-2 inhibitor. It is designed to ease issues about the side effects of conventional NSAIDs. Since there isn’t a cure for osteoarthritis, treatment strategies focus on reducing pain and enhancing function, and Polmaflex-2 can offer encouraging outcomes in the treatment of joint-related disorders such as osteoarthritis.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Polmacoxib is one such pain killer (Coxib) that has a dual mode of action, in contrast to existing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It has been developed with a dual mode of action: inhibiting COX-2 and binding to high-affinity carbonic anhydrase (CA) subtypes CA I and CA II.
A key function of CA is to regulate the pH level in the body through the interconversion between carbon dioxide and bicarbonate. This mechanism reduces COX-2 inhibitory activity when COX-2 and CA coexist. Preliminary experiments show varying amounts of CA in the CV system, suggesting polmacoxib’s dual action mechanism may minimize adverse CV effects. Low-dose administration has a negligible effect on overall CA function. 1
PHARMACOKINETICS
Polmacoxib’s pharmacokinetic properties, including its well-absorbed, moderately high bioavailability, and hepatic digestion, make it suitable for daily dosing, providing comfort to patients. 2
PHARMACOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Polmacoxib effectively inhibits COX-2, a key COX chemical, reducing the generation of torment-causing prostaglandins, and potentially reducing the antagonistic effects of conventional NSAIDs which hinder both COX-1 and COX-2.
Compared to conventional NSAIDs, polmacoxib may be utilized as an OA pain reliever with fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects. Potentially, it lessens the adverse effects of typical NSAIDs on the cardiovascular system. It has been shown polmacoxib can be considered safe for long-term use. 2
CLINICAL STUDIES
The study found that a 2 mg dose of polmacoxib was well-tolerated and demonstrated efficacy and safety similar to celecoxib 200 mg over a 6-week treatment period. Compared to celecoxib, polmacoxib had greater efficacy and a speedier onset than celecoxib. 2
INDICATIONS
- Localized Primary Osteoarthritis of Knee
- Localized Primary Osteoarthritis of Hip
- Rheumatoid joint pain
- Postoperative torment
- Potential Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in OA patients
ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION
Oral
DOSAGE
The recommended dose for adults is one film-coated tablet (2mg) once a day, to be administered after a meal or as directed by a physician. Do not exceed the 2mg daily dose.
POSSIBLE SIDE / ADVERSE EFFECTS
No drug-related adverse effect has been recorded with polmacoxib.
DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS
Combining Polmacoxib with Captopril (FDA-approved medication used in the management of hypertension) increases the risk of renal failure, hyperkalemia, and hypertension.
Using Abciximab or acenocoumarin with polmacoxib increases bleeding and hemorrhage risks. Combining aceclofenac, acetaminophen, and polmacoxib increases adverse effects.
Combining acetohexamide (medication used to treat diabetes) with polmacoxib decreases protein binding, and increases renal failure and hypertension risks.
Combining ambrisentan (a drug used for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension) with polmacoxib decreases therapeutic efficacy, increases nephrotoxicity risk, and increases renal failure, hyperkalemia, and hypertension risks. 2
CONCLUSION
Polmacoxib was approved in 2015 by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KMFDS) for the management of osteoarthritis. The goal of Polmaflex-2’s development was to lower the likelihood of adverse effects linked to the majority of traditional NSAIDs and looks promising in osteoarthritis management and other joint-related diseases.
FAQs
What drug class does polmacoxib fall under?
Polmacoxib (brand name Polmaflex-2), is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) used to treat osteoarthritis.
Is Polmacoxib better than Celecoxib?
After six weeks of treatment, patients with OA showed that polmacoxib 2 mg was quite well tolerated and had efficacy that was both superior to placebo and non-inferior to celecoxib.
Is Polmacoxib a painkiller?
Yes, Polmacoxib is a painkiller, it inhibits specific enzymes involved in inflammation, which decreases the synthesis of proinflammatory chemicals (prostaglandins).
Polmacoxib is not a steroid?
That’s right—Polmacoxib is an NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, it is not a steroid. Although NSAIDs and steroids can both have anti-inflammatory properties, they belong to different drug classes and function differently chemically and in different ways.
REFERENCES
1. Clin Orthop Surg. 2017 Dec; 9(4): 439–457. 2. Adake et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 889-902│ Vol 13, Issue 1, 2024. │
