Etoricoxib selectively inhibited COX-2 in human whole blood assays in vitro, with an IC50 value of 1.1 ± 0.1 μM for COX-2 (LPS-induced prostaglandin E2synthesis), compared with an IC50 value of 116 ± 8 μM for COX-1 (serum thromboxane B2 generation after clotting of the blood). In summary, Etoricoxib represents a novel agent that selectively inhibits COX-2 with 106-fold selectivity in human whole blood assays in vitro and with the lowest potency of inhibition of COX-1 compared with other reported selective agents. Single preoperative oral dose (120 mg) of Etoricoxib, given one hour before surgery, has significantly reduced the post operative pain at rest and movement and improved sleep in patients undergoing single level diskectomy without any side effects and with good patient satisfaction.