Ingredients in Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Celebrex contains celecoxib as its active ingredient, which is a selective COX-2 inhibitor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The inactive ingredients in Celebrex capsules include gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, crospovidone, and titanium dioxide 1.
Active Ingredient
- Celecoxib (4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide)
- Chemical formula: C₁₇H₁₄F₃N₃O₂S
- Molecular weight: 381.38
- It is a white to off-white powder with hydrophobic properties (log P is 3.5)
- Practically insoluble in aqueous media at physiological pH range
Inactive Ingredients
The capsule shells contain:
- Gelatin
- Lactose monohydrate
- Magnesium stearate
- Povidone
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Hydroxypropyl cellulose
- Crospovidone
- Titanium dioxide
Imprinting Ink Components
The imprinting ink varies by capsule strength:
50 mg capsule ink contains:
- Shellac
- Propylene glycol
- Sodium hydroxide
- Titanium dioxide
- Povidone
- FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake (E129)
100 mg capsule ink contains:
- Shellac
- Propylene glycol
- Strong ammonia solution
- FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake (E132)
200 mg capsule ink contains:
- Shellac
- Propylene glycol
- Strong ammonia solution
- Yellow iron oxide
400 mg capsule ink contains:
- Shellac
- Propylene glycol
- Sodium hydroxide
- Povidone
- Titanium dioxide
- FD&C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake (E133)
- FD&C Yellow #5 Aluminum Lake (E102)
Important Clinical Considerations
While not directly related to the ingredients question, it's worth noting that:
- Celebrex contains a sulfonamide moiety, but lacks the aromatic amine group found in sulfonamide antibiotics 2. This structural difference may be relevant for patients with reported "sulfa" allergies.
- Patients with lactose intolerance should be aware that the capsules contain lactose monohydrate.
- FD&C Yellow #5 (in the 400 mg capsule) may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with aspirin sensitivity.
Celebrex is available in 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg capsule strengths 1.