Which medication is a COX-2 selective NSAID used to treat pain?

• A. Celebrex oral
• B. naproxen oral
• C. ibuprofen oral
• D. Aleve oral

Answer: (A)

COX-2 selective NSAIDs specifically inhibit the COX-2 enzyme that drives inflammation and pain, while sparing COX-1 activity, which helps protect the stomach. This makes them analgesic options with comparatively lower risk of GI irritation. Celecoxib, sold as Celebrex, is the COX-2 selective NSAID among the options, so it’s the best choice for treating pain when a COX-2–selective agent is desired. The other drugs listed are non-selective NSAIDs—they inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2—providing pain relief but with a higher potential for GI side effects. Aleve is naproxen, ibuprofen is another non-selective NSAID; neither is COX-2 selective.