Celebrex (celecoxib) is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) specifically formulated as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. It is indicated for the management of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, and acute pain in adults. Unlike traditional NSAIDs, which non-selectively inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, Celebrex provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects while offering a potentially improved gastrointestinal tolerability profile. This mechanism allows for effective symptom control in chronic inflammatory conditions, making it a valuable option in a comprehensive pain management strategy under appropriate medical supervision.

Features

• Active pharmaceutical ingredient: Celebrex 100 mg and 200 mg capsules containing celecoxib.
• Pharmacological class: Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor.
• Formulation: Oral capsules with immediate-release characteristics.
• Prescription status: Available only under medical supervision.
• Manufacturer: Pfizer Inc., produced under stringent quality control standards.

Benefits

• Provides effective relief from pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Reduces joint stiffness and improves physical function, enhancing mobility and quality of life.
• Selective COX-2 inhibition may lower the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration compared to non-selective NSAIDs.
• Convenient once or twice daily dosing supports adherence to long-term treatment regimens.
• Does not interfere with antiplatelet activity of aspirin, allowing co-administration in appropriate patients.

Common use

Celebrex is commonly prescribed for the management of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also used for the relief of acute pain, such as that associated with primary dysmenorrhea, and for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. In clinical practice, it serves as a therapeutic option for patients who require chronic anti-inflammatory therapy but may be at risk for gastrointestinal complications with traditional NSAIDs.

Dosage and direction

For osteoarthritis: The recommended dose is 200 mg per day, administered as a single dose or as 100 mg twice daily. For rheumatoid arthritis: The recommended dose is 100 mg to 200 mg twice daily. For acute pain or primary dysmenorrhea: The recommended initial dose is 400 mg, followed by an additional 200 mg dose if needed on the first day. On subsequent days, the recommended dose is 200 mg twice daily as needed. For ankylosing spondylitis: The recommended dose is 200 mg daily in single or divided doses. If no effect is observed after 6 weeks, a trial of 400 mg daily may be considered. Celebrex should be taken with a full glass of water and may be administered with or without food. The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals.

Precautions

Patients should be advised to inform their healthcare provider of any history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or heart failure. Celebrex may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with a history of ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding should use Celebrex with caution. Periodic monitoring of blood pressure is recommended during treatment. Celebrex is not a substitute for aspirin for cardiovascular prophylaxis. Use with caution in patients with fluid retention, hypertension, or heart failure. Serious skin reactions, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported. Discontinue Celebrex at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity.

Contraindications

Celebrex is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to celecoxib. It should not be used in patients who have demonstrated allergic-type reactions to sulfonamides. Celebrex is contraindicated in patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients. Celebrex is contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. It should not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy as it may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.

Possible side effect

Common adverse reactions (incidence ≥2% and greater than placebo) include headache, dyspepsia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, sinusitis, abdominal pain, and nausea. Serious side effects may include cardiovascular thrombotic events, gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, and perforation, hepatotoxicity, hypertension, heart failure, renal injury, anaphylactic reactions, and serious skin reactions. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of these events and advised to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

Drug interaction

Celebrex metabolism is primarily mediated via cytochrome P450 2C9. Concomitant administration with drugs that inhibit CYP2C9 (e.g., fluconazole) may increase celecoxib plasma concentrations. Celebrex can be administered with low-dose aspirin. However, concomitant use with aspirin may increase the risk of GI events. Concurrent use with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding complications. Celebrex may diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. Concomitant administration with lithium may result in increased plasma lithium levels. NSAIDs may reduce the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides in some patients.

Missed dose

If a dose of Celebrex is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Doubling the dose to make up for a missed dose is not recommended.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, coma, and anaphylaxis. There is no specific antidote for celecoxib overdose. Management should be supportive and symptomatic. In cases of acute overdose, the stomach may be emptied by induction of emesis or gastric lavage. Dialysis is not expected to be effective due to high protein binding.

Storage

Celebrex capsules should be stored at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep in the original container, tightly closed, and protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the container.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Celebrex is a prescription medication and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should not initiate, discontinue, or change the dosage of Celebrex without consulting their physician. The full prescribing information, including boxed warnings, should be reviewed before administration. Individual results may vary, and not all patients will experience the same benefits or side effects.

Reviews

Clinical studies have demonstrated Celebrex’s efficacy in reducing pain and improving physical function in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In a 12-week study of osteoarthritis patients, Celebrex 100 mg twice daily and 200 mg once daily showed significant improvement in WOMAC scores compared to placebo. For rheumatoid arthritis, Celebrex 200 mg twice daily was shown to be effective in reducing the number of tender and swollen joints. Many patients report improved quality of life and reduced morning stiffness. However, some patients report inadequate pain relief or experience side effects requiring discontinuation. Long-term observational studies continue to assess the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risk profile compared to other NSAIDs.