Cyclooxygenase 3 inhibitor

Cyclooxygenase 3 (COX-3) inhibitors are a class of drugs that selectively inhibit the COX-3 enzyme, which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain and inflammation. Their clinical significance lies in their potential to provide analgesic effects with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). An example is paracetamol, which is often used for pain relief but can lead to hepatotoxicity in overdose situations.