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Celebrex
Celebrex, a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 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 are indigestion, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
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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.
Celebrex is manufactured by Pfizer Inc.
Uses of the drug include the following:
- Acute pain relief, such as for pain following a procedure or muscle strain.
- Treatment of arthritis symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling. Celebrex can be used to treat several different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. However, the medication is not an arthritis cure.
- Treatment of painful menstrual periods.
(Click What Is Celebrex Used For? for more information.)
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 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.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD



