Selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitors have several advantages over nonselective COX inhibitors (nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]), including the absence of adverse effects (renal and hepatic disorders) associated with the long‐term use of standard NSAIDs, as well as an improved gastrointestinal profile. The pyridazine nucleus is regarded as a promising scaffold for the development of powerful COX‐2 inhibitors, particularly when selectively functionalized. This article summarizes some methods for the synthesis of pyridazine derivatives. Furthermore, it covers all of the pyridazine derivatives that have appeared as selective COX‐2 inhibitors, making it useful as a reference for the rational design of novel selective COX‐2 inhibitors.