What is Celebrex

Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat the pain and swelling caused by conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, which is a form of arthritis mainly affecting the spine. Celecoxib is also prescribed for acute pain due to other causes such as painful menstrual periods.

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Celecoxib is a highly selective inhibitor of COX-2, an enzyme involved in inflammatory processes. Most NSAID medications also inhibit COX-1, a related enzyme involved in protecting the mucosa of the gastrointestinal lining. Because Celecoxib is highly selective for COX-2, it can reduce pain and inflammation with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs.

Celecoxib is also used by patients with an inherited genetic disorder known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Patients with FAP develop hundreds or thousands of polyps, but Celecoxib can reduce the number of these abnormal growths in the colon and rectum.

Celebrex dosage

Celebrex is dispensed as a capsule to be taken by mouth, with or without food. Doses larger than 200 mg should generally be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Patients who have difficulties swallowing capsules may break open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine on a spoonful of yogurt, applesauce, or similar soft food. The recommended dosing varies depending on the condition being treated and on the age of the patient, but patients taking the medication for painful periods or other acute pain typically take 200 mg twice daily.

The initial dose may be 400 mg. Adults taking the drug for osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis usually take either 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily, while adults with rheumatoid arthritis take 100 mg or 200 mg twice daily. Doses are typically smaller for children and larger for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Physicians may prescribe alternative dosing regimens to meet individual patient needs.

Celebrex side effects

Like all medications, Celebrex can have potential side effects. Like other NSAIDs, Celecoxib can be associated with cardiovascular problems including heart attack and stroke, especially in patients with heart disease or with risk factors such as high blood pressure. The medication should not be taken around the time of certain surgeries including heart bypass surgery. Celecoxib should be avoided during the third trimester of pregnancy to prevent potential harm to the unborn child. Allergic reactions to Celecoxib are not common. Patients with known allergic reactions to other NSAIDs or to sulfonamides should avoid taking Celecoxib.

Although gastrointestinal side effects such as ulcers or bleeding may be less than for other NSAIDs, all medications in this category carry some risk of such effects. The treating physician should be alerted of any side effects that may occur, especially if the side effects are severe or persistent.

Interactions

Celebrex can interact with certain other drugs, so the treating physician and the pharmacist should review all prescription and non-prescription medications taken to avoid the possibility of adverse drug interactions. Thousands of patients all over the world have found that Celecoxib effectively treats pain and inflammation due to arthritis and other causes, with minimal side effects compared to many treatment alternatives.

John Rogers

I am General practitioner (GP) in Melbourne since 2006.