Celecoxib is an anti-inflammatory drug that can be used to relieve pain and swelling in conditions, such as: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or pain during menstruation.
Celecoxib belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). COX-2 inhibitors. This drug works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) which is responsible for producing prostaglandins. Decreased levels of prostaglandins will have an impact on reducing pain and swelling due to inflammation.
celecoxib trademark: Celcox 100, Celcox 200, Celebrex, Novexib 100, Novexib 200, Remabrex
What is Celecoxib
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | NSAID type COX-2 inhibitors |
| Benefit | Relieves pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or dysmenorrhea |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 2 years old |
| Celecoxib for pregnant and lactating women | Category C at <30 gestational age week:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Category D at gestational age 30 weeks: Celecoxib can be absorbed into breast milk. Do not use this medication while breastfeeding without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Precautions Before Taking Celecoxib
Celecoxib should not be taken carelessly. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking celecoxib:
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to celecoxib, sulfonamides or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin and etoricoxib.
- Tell your doctor if you have gastrointestinal bleeding, celecoxib should not be used in these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you are new or about to have heart bypass surgery, celecoxib should not be given in these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, liver disease, acid reflux disease (GERD), kidney disease, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, chest pain (angina), heart failure, heart attack, hypertension, stroke, blood disorder, or nasal polyps.
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke while taking celecoxib, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, and herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking celecoxib.
Dosage and Directions for Use of Celecoxib
The dose and duration of use of celecoxib will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's age and health condition. The following is a breakdown of the general dosage of celecoxib:
Condition: Osteoarthritis
- Mature: 200 mg per day, which can be divided into 1-2 consumption schedules. If needed, the dose can be increased to 400 mg, 2 times a day.
Condition: Acute pain and menstrual paindysmenorrhea)
- Mature: initial dose of 400 mg, if necessary can be given a further dose of 200 mg. The maintenance dose is 200 mg, 2 times a day.
Condition:Rheumatoid arthritis
- Mature: 100 or 200 mg, 2 times a day.
Condition: Arthritis in children and adolescents (juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
- Children aged 2 years weighing 10–25 kg: 50 mg, 2 times a day.
- Children 2 years of age weighing >25 kg: 100 mg, 2 times a day.
Condition:Ankylosing spondylitis
- Mature: 200 mg per day, which can be divided into 1-2 consumption schedules. The dose may be increased to 400 mg per day after 6 weeks.
How to Take Celecoxib Correctly
Be sure to follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions on the drug packaging when taking celecoxib. Instead, take celecoxib with meals or after meals.
Swallow this medication with a glass of water or as directed by your doctor. Do not lie down after taking celecoxib. Wait for at least 10 minutes.
If you forget to take celecoxib, do it as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.
Celecoxib may increase blood pressure. Check blood pressure regularly and call your doctor if there is an abnormal rise in blood pressure.
Store celecoxib in a closed container at room temperature. Keep the medicine away from direct sunlight and heat, and do not store it in a humid place. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Celecoxib Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that can occur if celecoxib is taken at the same time as other medicines:
- Increased risk of bleeding or injury to the digestive tract when used with antiplatelet agents, SSRI-type antidepressants, corticosteroids, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulants, such as warfarin or apixaban
- Increased risk of kidney damage if used with ciclosporin or tacrolimus.
- Elevated blood levels of digoxin, lithium, or methotrexate
- Increased risk of side effects from celecoxib when used with fluconazole
- Increased risk of side effects from aripiprazole, atomoxetine, or perhexiline
- Decreased blood levels of celecoxib when used with barbiturates, carbamazepine, or rifampicin
- Decreased effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs, such as ACE inhibitor-blockers, ARBs, or diuretics
Celecoxib Side Effects and Dangers
The use of celecoxib causes side effects that vary from person to person. Side effects that may appear are:
- Dizzy
- Bloated
- Gastric pains
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Diarrhea or constipation
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't get better and get worse. Although rare, the use of celecoxib can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately and go to the ER if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic drug reaction or serious side effect:
- Heart problems, which can be characterized by shortness of breath or swelling of the legs
- Symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be characterized by bloody or blackish stools, and dark blood or vomit
- Kidney disorders, which can be characterized by reduced frequency of urination, swollen feet and ankles, feeling weak, or shortness of breath
- Liver disorders, which can be characterized by nausea, pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, feeling weak, darker urine, or jaundice
- Anemia, which can be characterized by pale skin, feeling weak, or dizzy