Cyclooxygenase (version 2019.4) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database

Abstract

Prostaglandin (PG) G/H synthase, most commonly referred to as cyclooxygenase (COX, (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoate,hydrogen-donor : oxygen oxidoreductase) activity, catalyses the formation of PGG₂ from arachidonic acid. Hydroperoxidase activity inherent in the enzyme catalyses the formation of PGH₂ from PGG₂. COX-1 and -2 can be nonselectively inhibited by ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, indomethacin and paracetamol (acetaminophen). PGH₂ may then be metabolised to prostaglandins and thromboxanes by various prostaglandin synthases in an apparently tissue-dependent manner.