From the Guidelines
Celebrex (celecoxib) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that specifically inhibits COX-2 enzymes, making it effective for treating pain and inflammation while potentially causing fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional NSAIDs. It's commonly prescribed for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual cramps. The typical dosage ranges from 100-200 mg once or twice daily, depending on the condition being treated.
Key Points to Consider
- While Celebrex may be gentler on the stomach than other NSAIDs, it still carries cardiovascular risks, particularly in patients with heart disease or risk factors 1.
- Common side effects include headache, indigestion, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea.
- Celebrex should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to minimize risks.
- It should be avoided in patients with sulfa allergies, severe heart failure, or those who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
- Always take Celebrex with food if stomach upset occurs, and contact a healthcare provider if experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or other serious symptoms.
Important Considerations
- The American Heart Association has issued guidelines on the use of NSAIDs, including Celebrex, due to the increased risk of cardiovascular events 1.
- Patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or those taking anticoagulants should use Celebrex with caution, as it may increase the risk of bleeding 1.
- Celebrex may also increase blood pressure and worsen hypertension, so patients with hypertension should be monitored closely while taking the medication 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, available as capsules containing 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg celecoxib USP for oral administration. The chemical name is 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide and is a diaryl-substituted pyrazole.
Celebrex (Celecoxib) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a diaryl-substituted pyrazole, with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties 2.
From the Research
What is Celebrex (Celecoxib)?
- Celecoxib, commonly known by its brand name Celebrex, is a cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 selective inhibitor (coxib) used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties 3, 4, 5.
- It was the first COX-2 selective inhibitor introduced into clinical practice, designed to offer similar benefits to nonselective NSAIDs but with reduced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity 3, 4, 5.
Indications and Usage
- Celecoxib is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis in adults 3, 4.
- It is also used for the management of acute pain in adults and the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea 4.
- Additionally, celecoxib is approved for the reduction of adenomatous colorectal polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis 4.
Efficacy and Safety
- Clinical trials have shown that celecoxib is significantly more effective than placebo and as effective as nonselective NSAIDs in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis 3, 5.
- The incidence of upper GI complications with celecoxib is significantly lower than with nonselective NSAIDs, although concomitant use with low-dose aspirin may negate this advantage 3.
- Celecoxib's safety profile, including gastrointestinal tolerance and possibly renal safety, is considered better than that of nonselective NSAIDs due to its COX-2 selectivity 6.