Celebrex 200mg Capsules (Celecoxib) x10

Celebrex (celecoxib) is a selective COX-2 inhibitor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This prescription medication provides effective pain relief and reduces inflammation while potentially causing fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional NSAIDs.

Uses

Celebrex treats pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain from musculoskeletal injuries, menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea), and acute migraine attacks. It may also be prescribed for pain management in certain cancer cases.

Benefits

• Provides potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects
• Selectively inhibits COX-2 enzyme while sparing COX-1
• Reduces risk of gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs
• Offers long-lasting relief with convenient dosing
• Suitable for long-term management of chronic conditions
• Effective for both acute and chronic pain conditions
• Maintains effectiveness without tolerance development
• Available in multiple dosage strengths
• Does not cause respiratory depression like opioid analgesics

How It Works

Celebrex selectively blocks the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which produces inflammatory prostaglandins. By inhibiting COX-2 while largely sparing COX-1 (which maintains protective stomach lining), Celebrex reduces inflammation and pain with potentially fewer gastrointestinal complications than non-selective NSAIDs.

Dosage

Take Celebrex with or without food. For faster relief, taking with food may delay absorption slightly.

Duration of Action

Celebrex begins working within 1-3 hours of administration. Peak effects typically occur within 3 hours. The pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects generally last 12-24 hours, allowing for once or twice daily dosing. Full therapeutic benefits in chronic conditions may require 1-2 weeks of regular use.

Side Effects

Common side effects include mild digestive issues (stomach discomfort, diarrhea, nausea), headache, dizziness, and mild rash. Serious but less common effects include cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke), gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, liver dysfunction, and allergic reactions.

Warning

Celebrex carries FDA black box warnings for increased risk of serious cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding. Risk increases with dose and duration of use. Not recommended for patients with severe heart failure, history of heart attack, or recent bypass surgery. Discontinue if signs of heart or GI problems, liver damage, or allergic reactions occur.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Celebrex is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it may cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. It should be avoided during breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and affect the nursing infant. Consult a healthcare provider for alternative pain management options.

Interaction

• May increase effects of blood thinners, raising bleeding risk
• Reduces effectiveness of some blood pressure medications
• Potential kidney damage when combined with diuretics
• Increased toxicity risk when taken with certain antidepressants
• May elevate lithium levels to toxic range

Precaution

Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, history of GI bleeding, kidney or liver disease, asthma, or fluid retention. Elderly patients require careful monitoring due to increased susceptibility to side effects. Avoid alcohol consumption as it increases risk of GI bleeding. Periodic laboratory monitoring recommended during long-term use.

Important Information

Celebrex is a prescription-only medication requiring regular medical supervision. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Seek immediate medical attention for chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, slurred speech, black/bloody stool, or severe skin reactions. Do not take other NSAIDs concurrently. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.