COX-2 inhibition with rofecoxib does not increase intestinal permeability in healthy subjects: a double blind crossover study comparing rofecoxib with placebo and indomethacin

Abstract

In this study, treatment for one week with indomethacin 50 mg three times daily significantly increased intestinal permeability compared with placebo, while treatment with rofecoxib 25 mg or 50 mg daily did not. The absence of a significant effect of rofecoxib on intestinal permeability at doses at least twice those recommended to treat osteoarthritis was consistent with other studies that have demonstrated little or no injury to the gastrointestinal mucosa associated with rofecoxib therapy.