Valdecoxib is a sulfonamide derivative and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Valdecoxib selectively binds to and inhibits cyclooxygenase (cox)-2, thereby preventing the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are involved in the regulation of pain, inflammation, and fever. This nsaid does not inhibit cox-1 at therapeutic concentrations and therefore does not interfere with blood coagulation.