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Celecoxib

Generic Name: 

Celecoxib

Brand Names: 

Celebrex

Celecoxib Description: 

Celecoxib is part of a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. Celecoxib is marketed as Celebrex by G.D. Searle LLC Division of Pfizer Inc., a pharmaceutical company that manufactures and markets prescription drugs, healthcare products, and nuclear medicine imaging equipment. Celebrex oral capsule contains 100 mg or 200 mg of celecoxib.

Celecoxib Uses: 

Celecoxib is used to treat the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis including pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. This medication is also effective in the treatment of following diseases:

  • Severe pain in adults
  • Primary dysmenorrhea or painful menstrual cramps
  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (for patients two years of age and older)
Celecoxib Interactions: 

Significant drug interactions can occur when celecoxib is taken with medications that inhibit P450 2C9. Celebrex also has drug interactions with fluconazole, lithium, furosemide and ACE inhibitors. The combined use of Celebrex and warfarin can cause increased risk of bleeding problems.

Celecoxib Dosage Information: 

Celebrex is typically administered in the following doses.

  • Osteoarthritis: 200 mg daily as a single dose or 100 mg two times daily
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: 100 mg to 200 mg daily
  • Ankylosing spondylitis: 200 mg daily as a single dose or 100 mg two times daily. If no improvement is noticed after six weeks, a trial of 400 mg may be initiated.
  • Acute pain management: Initial dose of 400 mg, followed by 200 mg if needed on the first day. Afterwards, 200 mg on subsequent days.
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis: 200 mg twice a day with food
  • Juvenile arthritis: Determined by doctor

The medication should be taken as instructed by a medical professional. Taking Celebrex with food may help prevent a stomachache.

Missing a Dose

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the time has come for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing pattern. 

Many patients take Celebrex as needed, eliminating a specific dosage schedule. Follow the dosing schedule recommended by your doctor.

Overdosing

Symptoms associated with overdose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications typically include: lethargy, drowsiness, bloody or black tarry stools, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, loss of consciousness, hives, rash, and swelling of face, eyes, tongue, lips, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, and lower legs. Gastrointestinal bleeding may also occur. There are also rare instances of hypertension, respiratory depression, acute renal failure, and coma.

Emergency medical attention should be sought following the overdose of Celebrex.

Celecoxib FDA Approval: 

Celebrex was approved on December 31, 1998.

Celecoxib Recall/Black Box Warning Information: 

Celecoxib has a black box warning due to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal problems that may occur following treatment with the medication. There are no recalls for this medication.

Other Warnings

In March 2003, the FDA issued an alert regarding the increased risk of cardiovascular events, stroke, and death in patients taking Celebrex.

The FDA encourages the medical practitioners to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of Celebrex and other treatment options before determining a patient should use Celebrex. The FDA also recommends that Celebrex should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time.

On December 17, 2004, the FDA asked the manufactures of Celebrex to suspend DTC advertising on Celebrex while the FDA was obtaining and evaluating new scientific data on the adverse reactions of the drug. The FDA also directed the company to give appropriate details to all physicians regarding the FDA recommendations to consider alternative therapies before using Celebrex.

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