Brand

Actrel, Nubrex, Celcox, Celebrex, Remabrex, Novexib.

How it Works

Celecoxib is part of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) group. It works by inhibiting the production of substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

Indications

• Celecoxib is used to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by joint lining damage), rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis due to joint lining inflammation), and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis affecting the spine joints).
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (affecting children aged 2 years and older)
• Menstrual pain
• Various types of acute pain, including pain due to injury, surgery, or other medical conditions

Contraindications

• History of allergy to celecoxib or other NSAIDs

• Active gastrointestinal bleeding

• Severe liver or kidney impairment

• Third trimester of pregnancy

Side Effects

• Common side effects may include abdominal pain and bloating. If these symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor promptly.
• Celecoxib can sometimes increase your blood pressure, so it’s important to check it regularly and notify your doctor if it rises.

• Serious side effects that require immediate attention include:

  • Severe headache

  • Pain, swelling, or warmth in the groin or calf

  • Signs of kidney issues (e.g., reduced urine output)

  • Difficulty or painful swallowing

  • Symptoms of heart failure (e.g., swelling of ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, sudden weight gain)

• Rarely, serious liver damage, with symptoms such as dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Types

Celecoxib is available in capsules with dosages of 100 mg and 200 mg.

Dosage

Osteoarthritis

• Adults: 200 mg daily, either as a single dose or divided into two doses. If needed, the dose can be increased to 200 mg twice daily. The maximum daily dose is 400 mg. It should be taken immediately after meals.

• Elderly with weight <50 kg: Start with the lowest dose, taken immediately after meals.

Acute pain, menstrual pain

• Adults: Start with 400 mg on the first day, followed by an additional 200 mg if needed. For subsequent days, take 200 mg twice daily as needed. The dosage should be taken after meals.

• Elderly with weight <50 kg: Start with the lowest recommended dose, taken immediately after meals.

Ankylosing spondylitis

• Adults: Start with 200 mg daily, either as a single dose or divided into two doses. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 400 mg per day after 6 weeks, if necessary. Taken immediately after meals.

• Elderly with weight <50 kg: Use the lowest dose, taken immediately after meals.

Rheumatoid arthritis

• Adults: 100 or 200 mg twice daily. The maximum daily dose is 400 mg. Taken after meals.

• Elderly with weight <50 kg: Use the lowest dose, taken after meals.

Juvenile arthritis

• Children ≥2 years, with weight 10-25 kg: 50 mg twice daily.

• Children with weight >25 kg: 100 mg twice daily.

• The medication should be taken immediately after meals.

Safety

• Celecoxib is an NSAID that sometimes can cause kidney problems, with increased risks of occuring if you become dehydrated. Make sure to drink enough fluids as instructed by your doctor, and inform your doctor if you notice decreased urine output.

• Using alcohol and smoking daily, especially in combination with celecoxib, may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and smoking.

Drug Interactions

• Combining this medication with blood thinners (anticoagulants, like warfarin), corticosteroids, or other NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

• Celecoxib may reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering medications, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, diuretics, and beta-blockers.

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