Celecoxib (Celebrex): Uses, Warnings and Key Facts

What is celecoxib?

Celecoxib is an active ingredient used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is taken by mouth.

In the United States, the brand name of celecoxib is Celebrex.

How celecoxib works

Celecoxib is described as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor within the dose range used in clinical practice. In simple terms, it belongs to the NSAID family and is used to help relieve symptoms linked to inflammation and pain.

What celecoxib is used for

The original content lists celecoxib for symptomatic relief in:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis

If you are unsure whether celecoxib is appropriate for a specific condition, the official prescribing information and your healthcare professional should be the source of confirmation.

Available strengths and administration

Celecoxib may be taken with or without food.

Posology information from the source

The original content lists the following adult and elderly dosing patterns:

• Osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: 200 mg per day or 100 mg every 12 hours.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: 100 mg every 12 hours.
• In some cases, the dose may be increased as described in the source, up to a maximum of 400 mg/day for all indications.

The source also notes that if there is no increase in therapeutic benefit after 2 weeks, other alternatives may be considered by the prescriber.

Important: Dose selection should be confirmed using the official leaflet and a healthcare professional’s instructions, especially in older adults or people with liver or kidney problems.

Who should not use celecoxib according to the source

• People with hypersensitivity to celecoxib or sulfonamides
• People with active peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
• People who have had asthma, acute rhinitis, nasal polyps, angioneurotic edema, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after ASAAs or other NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors
• Pregnancy and women with potential to conceive unless they use an effective method of contraception
• Breastfeeding
• Severe liver dysfunction
• Severe renal impairment
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Heart failure classes II-IV according to NYHA
• Ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or established cerebrovascular disease

Warnings and precautions

The source highlights several situations where extra caution is needed:

• Kidney failure or mild to moderate liver failure
• Older adults
• People at high risk of digestive complications associated with NSAIDs
• People with a history of ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, hypertension, edema, or risk of hypovolemia
• People receiving diuretics or other medicines that may affect kidney function
• People with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or smoking
• People taking warfarin or other oral anticoagulants

The source also states that celecoxib is not a substitute for aspirin for the prophylaxis of cardiovascular thromboembolic disease and that anti-platelet treatments should not be interrupted without medical advice.

It may also mask fever and other signs of inflammation.

Liver and kidney considerations

Liver failure

Celecoxib is contraindicated in severe liver failure. The source advises caution in mild to moderate liver failure and notes that treatment should start at half the recommended dose in those cases.

Renal insufficiency

Celecoxib is contraindicated in severe renal insufficiency. Caution is advised in mild to moderate renal insufficiency.

Drug interactions listed in the source

If you take any prescription medicine, over-the-counter product, or herbal supplement, the safest step is to verify interactions with a pharmacist or the official leaflet.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The source states that there are no clinical data available for pregnancy and that the potential risk is unknown. It also notes a possible risk of uterine inertia and premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the last trimester.

For breastfeeding, the source says there are no studies on excretion in human milk, while animal data show excretion in milk.

Driving and machinery

If celecoxib causes dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness, the source advises avoiding driving or operating machinery.

Possible adverse reactions and side effects

The original content lists the following adverse reactions:

• Sinusitis
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Worsening of allergy
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Hypertension / high blood pressure
• AMI
• Pharyngitis
• Rhinitis
• Cough
• Dyspnea
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dyspepsia
• Flatulence
• Vomiting
• Dysphagia
• Rash
• Itching
• Flu-like symptoms
• Peripheral edema / fluid retention

Not every person will experience these effects. Any new, severe, or persistent symptom should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

FAQ

Safety reminder

Do not use this summary to self-diagnose or to change any treatment on your own. If you have stomach bleeding, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, pregnancy concerns, or take blood thinners or other interacting medicines, confirm the risks with a qualified healthcare professional and the official product leaflet.

Sources and official references

• FDA Medication Guide
• UNII: JCX84Q7J1L
• ChemIDplus
• DrugPortal
• PubChem CID: 2662
• NCI Thesaurus: C1728