Human Ingestions of Veterinary Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors

Mathias B Forrester

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Background: Deracoxib and firocoxib are cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors approved for veterinary use, but not for use in humans. Information on the outcome of human ingestions of these drugs is not readily available.

Objective: To describe human ingestions of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors reported to poison centers.

Methods: All human ingestions of deracoxib and firocoxib reported to Texas poison centers during 2003–2009 were identified, and the distribution of ingestions by demographic and clinical factors was determined. Final medical outcome was determined by poison center staff, based on adverse clinical effects that are observed or expected.

Results: Of 72 total ingestions, 56.9% involved deracoxib and 43.1% involved firocoxib. One tablet or less was ingested in 87.7% of cases in which the number of tablets was known. The patients were 62.5% female, 51.4% aged 0–5 years, 6.9% aged 6–19 years, and 41.7% aged 20 years or more. The patient was managed on site in 94.4% of the cases. The distribution of cases by final medical outcome was 44.4% no effect, 18.1% not followed but judged nontoxic, 34.7% not followed but minimal effects possible, and 2.8% effects probably not related to the ingestion.

CONCLUSIONS: Human ingestions of deracoxib and firocoxib reported to Texas poison centers were relatively uncommon. Such ingestions usually involved 1 tablet or less. Cases followed to known outcome did not result in serious outcomes and were frequently managed on site.

J Pharm Technol 2010;26:107-10