Celecoxib

1 medicine

Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID that relieves arthritis and acute pain with less stomach irritation than older NSAIDs, but like all NSAIDs it carries a boxed warning for increased heart attack and stroke risk.

Celebrex

Celecoxib

100/200mg

Celebrex is a painkillers medication containing Celecoxib, available as 100/200mg tablets.

from $0.57 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Celecoxib (sold as Celebrex and in generics) is a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that eases pain, swelling and stiffness.
  • You take it by mouth, usually once or twice a day with food, and pain relief for acute injuries can start within an hour, while arthritis benefits build over one to two weeks.
  • Celecoxib carries a boxed warning for increased risk of heart attack and stroke, a risk shared by other NSAIDs and one that rises with higher doses and longer use.
  • Seek urgent care for chest pain, sudden weakness on one side, slurred speech, or vomiting blood or passing black stools.

What celecoxib treats

Celecoxib treats osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, three conditions where joint inflammation causes ongoing pain and stiffness. It also relieves acute pain, such as pain after dental or other surgery, and primary dysmenorrhoea, the cramping pain of menstrual periods. It does not treat infection and will not reduce swelling from a source other than inflammation.

How celecoxib works

Damaged or irritated tissue releases prostaglandins, chemical messengers that trigger pain, swelling and fever. An enzyme called COX-2 produces most of these prostaglandins at the site of injury or inflammation. Celecoxib blocks COX-2 selectively, cutting prostaglandin production where it matters while sparing more of the COX-1 enzyme that protects the stomach lining, which is why it tends to cause less stomach irritation than older NSAIDs.

Before you take it

  • Do not take celecoxib if you have a sulfonamide allergy (celecoxib is a sulfonamide), a history of asthma or allergic reactions triggered by aspirin or other NSAIDs, or if you need pain relief right before or after heart bypass surgery.
  • Avoid it in the last trimester of pregnancy, it can affect the baby's circulation, and avoid it if you have active stomach bleeding or severe heart failure.
  • Tell your prescriber about blood thinners such as warfarin, blood pressure medicines (especially ACE inhibitors, ARBs or diuretics together), lithium, and any history of heart disease, stroke or kidney problems.

Side effects

Common effects include indigestion, headache, dizziness and mild fluid retention causing ankle swelling.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness or slurred speech.
  • Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools.
  • Sudden swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Safety essentials

  • The cardiovascular warning is not theoretical: use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed, and never take celecoxib for pain around heart bypass surgery.
  • If you are allergic to sulfa drugs, avoid celecoxib entirely.
  • Do not combine celecoxib with other NSAIDs or with regular aspirin unless your doctor has specifically told you to, this multiplies the bleeding and kidney risks.
  • Older adults and anyone on blood thinners or steroids face a higher chance of serious stomach bleeding and should be monitored closely.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.