The U.S. FDA approved Celecoxib on 31 December 1998. Celecoxib belongs to the family known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and specifically a sub-group known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors.

Celecoxib treats is used in adults for the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, excess production of prostaglandins by your body can lead to pain and inflammation. Celecoxib works by decreasing the production of prostaglandins, effectively reducing pain and inflammation.

Consume the capsule at any time of the day, with or without food. If you have difficulty swallowing, sprinkle the capsule contents into a spoonful of semisolid food and swallow immediately with a glass of water.

The most common side effects of Celecoxib arHigh blood pressure, urinary infections, breathlessness, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, dizziness, sleeplessness, difficulty swallowing, headache, and muscle stiffness with painful joints. Serious side effects while taking Celecoxib are severe allergic reactions, severe stomach pain with black stools and blood vomiting, liver failure, heart problems including the risk of a heart attack, kidney stones, kidney toxicity, and worsened asthma symptoms

Do not take Celecoxib if you are allergic to Celecoxib or any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor if you had reactions to sulfonamide medicines, suffer from ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or experienced adverse reactions to NSAID medications like aspirin. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor because it is recommended to not take this medicine if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Do not take this medicine if you have severe liver or kidney disease, have inflammatory intestinal conditions, or have heart-related issues such as heart failure, heart disease, or circulation problems. Additionally, if you have had surgeries on leg arteries or have a history of blood circulation problems, this medicine usage should be avoided. Celecoxib contains lactose. If you are sugar intolerant, consult your doctor before using this product. This medicine is for adults only, it is not for use in children.

Inform your doctor about if you have a history of stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding (avoid if currently present), are on acetylsalicylic acid or antiplatelet therapies, use blood clotting or corticosteroid medications, or simultaneously use other non-acetylsalicylic NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Report your doctor if you have conditions such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, compromised heart, liver, or kidney function, fluid retention, dehydration, past severe allergic reactions to medications, ongoing infections, or are over 65 years old. Monitoring may be necessary. Notably, Celecoxib could mask fever or infection signs. Remember, alcohol combined with NSAIDs may increase gastrointestinal risks.

Follow the prescribed dosage and usage instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Inform your doctor about any known allergies or medical conditions you have before receiving Celecoxib. Before stating the treatment, inform your doctor if you have a kidney or liver condition, as this medicine is recommended for such conditions. If you notice any unexpected or severe side effects, like an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. Inform your healthcare professional about any other medications or supplements you are consuming to avoid potential drug interactions. If you have any concerns regarding the treatment, consult your healthcare professional for information.

1. Upjohn UK Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2021] [Accessed on 31st August 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2945.pdf
2. Pfizer Inc., US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on June 2018] [Accessed on 31st August 2023],  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020998s050lbl.pdf
3. KD Tripathi, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs and Antipyretic-Analgesics, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 209-226.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.