Etoricoxib Eye Medicine: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Etoricoxib is an anti-inflammatory medicine, specifically an NSAID, used to treat certain eye conditions like scleritis and inflammatory ocular pain.

Drug class	NSAID (Oral, COX-2)
Type	Single
Forms	Tablet
Common strength	60 / 90 / 120 mg
Common Indian brands	Etoshine, Nucoxia
Prescription status	Prescription

What Etoricoxib is used for

Etoricoxib is an anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by ophthalmologists to manage specific eye conditions. It helps to reduce inflammation and pain associated with these conditions.

Scleritis
Inflammatory ocular pain

How it works

Etoricoxib belongs to a class of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It works by selectively blocking an enzyme in your body called COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2). This enzyme plays a key role in producing substances that cause inflammation and pain. By inhibiting COX-2, Etoricoxib helps to reduce the inflammation and pain experienced in conditions like scleritis and inflammatory ocular pain.

How it’s used

Etoricoxib is available in tablet form and is typically taken orally. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe the correct strength and dosage for your specific condition. The usual dose for Etoricoxib is 60 mg to 90 mg, taken once a day. It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely regarding the dose and duration of treatment. Do not alter the dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting your ophthalmologist, even if your symptoms improve.

Always take the tablet with a glass of water. You can usually take it with or without food, but your doctor might give you specific advice. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Etoshine
Nucoxia

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Precautions & side effects

While Etoricoxib is generally well-tolerated, it is important to be aware of certain precautions:

Prescription Only: Etoricoxib is a prescription medicine. Always use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Sparing: This medicine is designed to be gentler on the stomach compared to some other NSAIDs, meaning it has a ‘GI-sparing’ effect. However, if you have a history of stomach issues, please discuss this with your doctor.
Cardiovascular Caution: Patients with certain cardiovascular conditions should use Etoricoxib with caution. It is essential to inform your doctor about any heart-related medical history you may have.
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to Etoricoxib or any other medications.
Other Medications: Always tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins, to avoid potential interactions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the use of Etoricoxib with your doctor.
Side Effects: While not exhaustive, common side effects can include headache, dizziness, stomach upset, or swelling in the ankles or feet. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

This page provides general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always consult your ophthalmologist for personalised advice.

Understanding Scleritis and Inflammatory Ocular Pain

Scleritis is a serious inflammatory condition affecting the sclera, which is the white outer protective layer of your eye. When the sclera becomes inflamed, it can cause significant pain, redness, and tenderness in the eye. This inflammation can sometimes be quite severe and may even affect your vision if not properly managed. Inflammatory ocular pain, as the name suggests, refers to pain in the eye that is caused by inflammation. This can be a symptom of various eye conditions, including scleritis. Both conditions require careful diagnosis and treatment by an ophthalmologist to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome for your eye health. Medicines like Etoricoxib are prescribed to help reduce this inflammation and alleviate the associated pain, allowing your eye to heal and recover.

It’s important to understand that eye pain and redness can be symptoms of many different eye conditions, some of which can be serious. Therefore, it is crucial not to self-diagnose or self-medicate. If you experience persistent eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or any other concerning eye symptoms, you should consult an ophthalmologist promptly. They will be able to accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

General Advice for Taking Oral Medications for Eye Conditions

When your ophthalmologist prescribes an oral medication like Etoricoxib for an eye condition, it’s just as important to take it correctly as it is for eye drops or ointments. Oral medications work systemically, meaning they are absorbed into your bloodstream and travel throughout your body to reach the affected area, including your eyes. Here are some general tips for taking oral medications:

Follow Instructions Carefully: Always take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Pay attention to the dose, frequency (how many times a day), and duration (how many days or weeks) of treatment.
With or Without Food: Some medicines are best taken with food to prevent stomach upset, while others are better absorbed on an empty stomach. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on this. If no specific instruction is given, taking it with a glass of water is generally safe.
Do Not Crush or Break: Unless specifically instructed by your doctor or pharmacist, do not crush, chew, or break tablets. They are often designed to release the medicine slowly or to protect your stomach.
Consistency is Key: Try to take your medicine at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in your body. This helps ensure its effectiveness.
Missed Doses: If you miss a dose, refer to the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Generally, if it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.
Storage: Store your medicine as directed on the packaging, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

Remember, your ophthalmologist has chosen this specific medication and dosage because they believe it is the most effective treatment for your particular eye condition. Adhering to their instructions is vital for a successful recovery.

When to Seek Further Medical Help

While Etoricoxib is prescribed to help manage your eye condition, it’s important to know when to seek further medical attention. Your ophthalmologist will monitor your progress, but you should also be vigilant for any changes or new symptoms. Contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience any of the following:

Worsening Symptoms: If your eye pain, redness, or inflammation gets worse despite taking the medication.
New or Severe Eye Symptoms: Any sudden changes in your vision, new floaters, flashes of light, severe headache, or increased sensitivity to light.
Allergic Reactions: Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Unusual Side Effects: Any side effects that are severe, persistent, or concerning to you. While some mild side effects are common, anything unusual should be reported.
Lack of Improvement: If you do not notice any improvement in your condition after the expected period of time as discussed with your doctor.

Always keep your follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your progress, adjusting your treatment if necessary, and ensuring the long-term health of your eyes. Your doctor is your best resource for any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment and eye health.

Frequently asked questions

What is Etoricoxib used for?

Etoricoxib is an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat specific eye conditions such as scleritis and inflammatory ocular pain.

How does Etoricoxib work?

Etoricoxib works by selectively blocking an enzyme called COX-2, which is responsible for producing substances that cause inflammation and pain in the body, including in the eyes.

What are the common Indian brands for Etoricoxib?

Common Indian brands for Etoricoxib include Etoshine and Nucoxia.

How should I use Etoricoxib?

Etoricoxib is taken orally as a tablet. The typical dose is 60 mg to 90 mg once a day, but you must follow your ophthalmologist's specific instructions for your condition regarding strength, dose, and duration.

Do I need a prescription for Etoricoxib?

Yes, Etoricoxib is a prescription medicine and should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

What precautions should I take while using Etoricoxib?

Key precautions include using it only as prescribed, being aware of its GI-sparing nature but still discussing any stomach issues with your doctor, and exercising cardiovascular caution, especially if you have a history of heart conditions. Always inform your doctor about all your medical history and other medications.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.