Etoricoxib 60, 90 & 120 mg Tablets: Uses, Dosage & Manufacturer

Reviewed by Anil Kumar Goel, B.Pharm — Chairman, Biozia Lifesciences, 40+ years in the pharmaceutical industry.

Etoricoxib is one of the most-prescribed pain and arthritis molecules in Indian orthopaedic and general practice, and the 60, 90 and 120 mg strengths are each tied to specific indications. This guide explains what etoricoxib does, how each strength is used, the safety points pharmacists and distributors should know, and how Biozia supplies it as the Ziacox-60, Ziacox-90 and Ziacox-120 range for PCD franchise and third-party manufacturing.

Key takeaways (TL;DR)

Etoricoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor (NSAID) taken once daily.
60 mg is the usual osteoarthritis dose; 90 mg is used for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute pain; 120 mg is reserved for acute gouty arthritis for a short course (maximum 8 days).
COX-2 selectivity means fewer stomach side effects than older NSAIDs, but cardiovascular and blood-pressure risks need attention.
It is a prescription-only medicine; doctors should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Biozia supplies Ziacox 60/90/120 in 10×10 packs for PCD franchise and third-party (own-brand) manufacturing.

Composition and available strengths

Etoricoxib is available as film-coated tablets in three strengths. Biozia manufactures all three:

Brand	Composition	Packing
Ziacox-60 Tablet	Etoricoxib 60 mg	10×10 Blister
Ziacox-90 Tablet	Etoricoxib 90 mg	10×10 Alu/Alu
Ziacox-120 Tablet	Etoricoxib 120 mg	10×10 Alu/Alu

How etoricoxib works

Pain and inflammation are driven largely by prostaglandins made by the cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. Etoricoxib selectively blocks COX-2 while largely sparing COX-1, the enzyme that protects the stomach lining and supports platelet function. The result is anti-inflammatory and analgesic action similar to traditional NSAIDs, with a lower rate of gastric irritation and ulcers. Its long half-life (about 22 hours) allows once-daily dosing.

Uses and dose by strength

Doses below reflect the commonly approved adult indications. The prescribing doctor decides the actual dose and duration.

Osteoarthritis — 30 to 60 mg once daily (60 mg is the usual maximum for OA).
Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis — 60 to 90 mg once daily.
Acute pain (for example after dental surgery) — 90 mg once daily, for a short period only.
Acute gouty arthritis — 120 mg once daily, only during the acute symptomatic period and for no more than 8 days.

Etoricoxib can be taken with or without food; it works faster on an empty stomach. Doses above the indicated maximum do not add benefit and increase risk.

Side effects

Common side effects include indigestion, abdominal discomfort, swelling of the feet (fluid retention), raised blood pressure, dizziness and headache. Less commonly it can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, liver enzyme elevation or allergic reactions. Like all NSAIDs it may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially at higher doses and with longer use.

Precautions and contraindications

Not for people with heart failure (NYHA II–IV), ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease or a history of stroke.
Not for uncontrolled high blood pressure; blood pressure should be checked during treatment.
Avoid with active peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, severe liver disease or severe kidney impairment.
Not recommended in pregnancy, breastfeeding or children and adolescents under 16.
Use caution with anticoagulants (warfarin), other NSAIDs, diuretics, ACE inhibitors and lithium.

For distributors: PCD franchise and third-party manufacturing

Etoricoxib is a steady, repeat-prescription molecule in orthopaedic, rheumatology and general practice, which makes it a reliable anchor product for a pain-management range. Biozia manufactures Ziacox-60 (10×10 blister) and Ziacox-90 and Ziacox-120 (10×10 Alu/Alu), alongside the etoricoxib combinations Ziacox-P and Ziacox-T4.

PCD franchise — stock the Ziacox range under monopoly rights in your district. See PCD pharma franchise with Biozia.
Third-party manufacturing — get this formulation made under your own brand name. See third-party manufacturing services.
Quality — WHO-GMP and ISO certified manufacturing in Yamunanagar, Haryana, with batch-wise documentation and pan-India dispatch.

Interested in etoricoxib tablets for your territory or your own brand? Enquire with Biozia Lifesciences →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between etoricoxib 60, 90 and 120 mg?

The strength depends on the condition. 60 mg is used for osteoarthritis, 90 mg for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and short-term acute pain, and 120 mg only for acute gout attacks for up to 8 days.

Is etoricoxib safer for the stomach than diclofenac?

Etoricoxib is COX-2 selective, so it generally causes fewer stomach ulcers than non-selective NSAIDs such as diclofenac. It still carries cardiovascular and blood-pressure risks and is not suitable for everyone.

Can etoricoxib be taken every day?

It is taken once daily, but long-term use should be decided and reviewed by a doctor, using the lowest effective dose.

Does Biozia offer etoricoxib for PCD franchise?

Yes. Ziacox-60, Ziacox-90 and Ziacox-120 are available for PCD franchise with monopoly rights, and etoricoxib tablets can also be made under your own brand through third-party manufacturing.

This guide is for pharmacists, doctors, distributors and trade partners. It is general product information, not medical advice — patients should take any medicine only as prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.