COX inhibitors are drugs that block the activity of COX enzymes, thereby reducing the production of prostaglandins. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common COX inhibitors. There are non-selective NSAIDs that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, and selective COX-2 inhibitors, known as coxibs, which specifically target COX-2 to reduce inflammation while minimizing gastrointestinal side effects.
