Celebrex (celecoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling and joint stiffness in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. In the case of tissue trauma such as muscle or joint injury or after surgery, celecoxib may be used to provide short-term relief.
Celecoxib is a member of the drug class Coxib, short for Cox-2 inhibitors, which interfere with the body’s inflammatory processes. Several conditions contraindicate the use of celecoxib and this agent should not be taken without a prescription. Examples of groups of patients who cannot take celecoxib include:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
- Those at risk of heart attack or stroke
- Individuals with liver or kidney disease
- People with high blood pressure, or high cholesterol,
- Diabetic individuals
- People who are allergic to NSAIDs or sulphur containing drugs.
- Those with Liver disease
- Those with kidney disorders
- Those with diabetes
- Those with high blood pressure
- Alcoholics
- Smokers
- Patients with severe infection
Dose
The usual recommended dose for osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis is 200 mg once daily or divided into two 100 mg daily doses. For period pain or post-surgery or injury pain, the recommended dose is a single dose of 400 mg on the first day and 200 mg twice daily as needed on the following days.
Some of the common side effects of celecoxib include:
- Abdominal bloating and flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Swelling of ankles, feet and hands
- Sore throat, fever, chills and flu-like symptoms
- Rash and itchy spots
- Anemia
- Severe allergies or anaphylactic shock
Further Reading