text: what are cox-1 and cox-2 inhibitors?   cyclooxygenase (cox) cyclooxygenase 1 (cox-1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (cox-2)  cox-1: cyclooxygenase-1, a protein that acts as an enzyme to speed up the production of certain chemical messengers, called prostaglandins, within the stomach. the prostaglandins work within certain cells that are responsible for inflammation and other functions. for example, they promote the production of the natural mucus lining that protects the inner stomach. cox-1 is normally present in a variety of areas of the body, including not only the stomach but any other site of inflammation.   cox-2 inhibitor: a type of drug that selectively blocks the enzyme cox-2 (cyclooxygenase-2). blocking this enzyme impedes the production of the chemical messengers called prostaglandins that cause the pain and swelling of arthritis inflammation. cox-2 inhibitors may not pose as great a risk of injuring the stomach or intestines as cox-1 inhibitors. cox-2 inhibitors now on the market include celecoxib (brand name: celebrex) and rofecoxib (brand name: vioxx).