GENERIC NAME: celecoxib
BRAND NAME: Celebrex
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat arthritis, pain, menstrual cramps, and colonic polyps. Prostaglandins are
chemicals that are important contributors to the inflammation of arthritis that
causes the pain, fever, swelling and
tenderness. Celecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins
(cyclooxygenase 2), resulting in lower concentrations of
prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation and its accompanying
pain, fever, swelling and tenderness are reduced. Celecoxib differs
from other NSAIDs in that it causes less inflammation and ulceration
of the stomach and intestine (at least with short-term treatment) and
does not interfere with the clotting of blood. NSAIDs have been found
to prevent the formation and reduce the size of polyps in patients
with the genetic disease, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In
FAP, patients develop large numbers of polyps in their colons, and
the polyps invariably become malignant. The only cure of FAP
requires removal of the entire colon. Celecoxib is approved as an
adjunctive (secondary) treatment among patients with FAP. The cramping and pain during menstrual periods is due to prostaglandins, and blocking the production of prostaglandins with celecoxib reduces the cramps and pain.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 100 mg (white with a blue band),
200 mg (white with a gold band), 400 mg (white with a green band)
STORAGE: Capsules should be stored at 25°C (77°F). It is
okay for brief periods in temperatures between 15-30°C (59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Celecoxib is used for the relief
of pain, fever, swelling, and tenderness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,
and ankylosing
spondylitis . Celecoxib does not prevent the
progression of either type of arthritis. It reduces only the symptoms and signs of
arthritis. Celecoxib has been approved for patients with familial FAP who have not
had their colons removed. Celebrex also is approved for the relief of acute pain
and the pain of menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea).
DOSING:
The lowest effective dose should be used for each patient. For the management of
osteoarthritis, the dose usually is 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg as a single dose.
For rheumatoid arthritis, the dose usually is 100 or 200 mg twice daily. For acute
pain or menstrual cramps, the dose is 400 mg as a single dose on the first day
followed by an additional 200 mg if needed, then 200mg twice daily as needed. For FAP, the recommended dose is 400 mg twice daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Concomitant use of celecoxib with
aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) may
increase the occurrence of stomach and intestinal ulcers.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) increases the concentration of celecoxib in
the body by inhibiting the breakdown of celecoxib in the liver.
Therefore, treatment with celecoxib should be initiated at the lowest
recommended doses in patients who are taking fluconazole.
Celecoxib increases the concentration of lithium (Eskalith) in the
blood by 17%. Therefore, lithium therapy should be closely monitored
during and after therapy with celecoxib.
Persons taking the anticoagulant (blood thinner) warfarin (Coumadin)
should have their blood tested when initiating or changing celecoxib
treatment, particularly in the first few days, for any changes in the
effects of the anticoagulant.
Persons who drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day may be
at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking NSAIDs,
and this also may be true with celecoxib.
PREGNANCY: Celecoxib has not been studied in pregnant
women. In animal studies, doses that were twice the maximally
recommended dose were harmful to the fetus. Celecoxib should only be
used in pregnant women when the benefits outweigh the potential risk
to the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: The use of celecoxib in nursing mothers
has not been evaluated.
SIDE EFFECTS: Although stomach and intestinal ulcers occur
with the use of celecoxib, their incidence is less than with other
NSAIDs in short-term studies.
Celecoxib does not interfere with the function of the blood
platelets and, as a result, does not reduce clotting and lead to
increased bleeding like other NSAIDs.
The most
common adverse effects are headache, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea,
nausea, flatulence and insomnia. Other side effects include fainting, kidney failure, heart failure,
aggravation of hypertension, chest pain, ringing in the ears, deafness, stomach
and intestinal ulcers, bleeding, blurred vision, anxiety,
photosensitivity, weight gain, water retention, flu-like symptoms,
drowsiness and weakness.
Allergic reactions can
occur with celecoxib. Individuals who have developed allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty
breathing) from sulfonamides (e.g., Bactrim), aspirin or other NSAIDs
may experience an allergic reaction to celecoxib and should not take
celecoxib.
Last Editorial Review: 8/3/2005
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- valdecoxib, Bextra - Clarifies the medication valdecoxib (Bextra), a drug used for the relief of pain, fever, swelling, and tenderness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but it does not prevent the destruction of joints by the arthritis. Source:MedicineNet
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission). Source:MedicineNet
- Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) is a joint disease caused by the breakdown and loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. With repetitive use, pain, swelling, warmth, and creaking may be noticed in the affected joint. Though weight loss and avoiding stress on the joint will reduce joint pain and inflammation, there is no specific treatment for osteoarthritis. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 83 more celecoxib related articles ...
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