Celebrex

Celebrex, a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is frequently used for acute pain, arthritis, and painful menstrual periods. It works by blocking the COX-2 enzyme, which plays a role in pain and inflammation. The medication comes in capsule form and is available in several strengths. The most common side effects of Celebrex are indigestion, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

 

What Is Celebrex?

Celebrex® (celecoxib) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to pain and inflammation. It is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs for short. It is a specific type of NSAID known as a COX-2 inhibitor.
 

Who Makes Celebrex?

Celebrex is manufactured by Pfizer.
 

Uses of Celebrex

Uses of Celebrex include the following:
 
Celebrex has also been shown to decrease the number of colon and rectal polyps in people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a hereditary condition that can cause hundreds of growths (called polyps) in the colon and rectum. People with FAP usually develop colon cancer and/or rectal cancer by their late 30s.
 

How Does Celebrex Work?

As mentioned, Celebrex is part of a class of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors. The drug works by blocking a particular enzyme (COX-2) that plays a role in pain and inflammation. Unlike other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) that target both the COX-1 and the COX-2 enzymes, Celebrex only targets the COX-2 enzyme. The COX-1 enzyme plays an important role in protecting the lining of the stomach.
 

When and How Do I Take Celebrex?

General considerations for when and how to take Celebrex include the following:
 
  • Celebrex comes in capsule form. It is taken once or twice a day, depending on the condition being treated. Celebrex typically is taken with a glass of water, with or without food. People taking 400 mg of Celebrex should take it with food to avoid stomach upset.
     
  • It does not matter if Celebrex is taken in the morning or at night. However, you should take Celebrex at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the Celebrex capsules.
     
  • For Celebrex to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Celebrex will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the risk of serious side effects.
     

Dosing Information for Celebrex

The dose of Celebrex your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking
  • Your weight.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.
 
(Click Celebrex Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Celebrex

(The Celebrex side effects listed below are not a complete list of possible side effects. Your healthcare provider can give you a more complete list.)
 
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Celebrex. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Celebrex quite well. If side effects do occur, they are usually minor. Often, they require no treatment, or they are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, there are some serious side effects with Celebrex to be aware of.
 
The most common side effects of Celebrex are:
 
  • Indigestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain.
     
Less common but serious side effects include:
 
  • Cardiovascular problems, including heart attack or stroke
  • Stomach or intestinal problems, including bleeding, ulcers, or a hole (known as a perforation)
  • Liver damage
  • Kidney problems, including kidney failure
  • Fluid retention
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Allergic reaction
  • Unexplained rash.
     
These possible side effects are a risk with all NSAIDs and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
 
(Click Celebrex Side Effects to learn more.)
 

Drug Interactions With Celebrex

Celebrex can potentially interact with a number of medications(see Celebrex Drug Interactions).
 

Celebrex: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking Celebrex, you should tell your healthcare provider if you have:
 
Let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Drinking alcohol frequently
  • Recovering from heart surgery.
     
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Celebrex Precautions and Warnings to learn more, including information on who should not take Celebrex.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Celebrex?

If you happen to overdose on Celebrex, seek immediate medical attention.
 

How Should Celebrex Be Stored?

Celebrex should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture. Also, keep Celebrex and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Celebrex?

If you do not take your Celebrex as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the one you forgot and take your next dose instead. Never take a double dose!
 

Strengths of Celebrex

Several strengths of Celebrex capsules are available. These include:
 
  • Celebrex 100 mg
  • Celebrex 200 mg
  • Celebrex 400 mg.
     

Generic Celebrex

There is currently no generic Celebrex available for sale.
 
(Click Generic Celebrex for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;