Celebrex, also known as celecoxib, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis [1]. Celebrex works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is responsible for producing prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause pain and inflammation [2].

Celebrex is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP2C9 [3]. This enzyme breaks down celebrex into its two main metabolites: 6-hydroxymethyl celecoxib and 6-hydroxylecoxib [4]. These metabolites are then excreted in the feces and urine [5].

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, celebrex has a half-life of approximately 11.6 hours, which is the time it takes for the body to eliminate half of the drug's active levels [6]. This means that celebrex needs to be taken regularly to maintain its effects, as its levels in the body decrease over time.

Overall, the metabolism of celebrex involves the action of the liver enzyme CYP2C9, which breaks down the drug into its metabolites and ultimately excretes them from the body.

Sources:

[1] Celebrex (celecoxib) - FDA [https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approval-process/fda-approves-first-cyclooxygenase-2-inhibitor-celebrex#edn1]

[2] Coxib-induced cardiotoxicity (Review of Clinical and Experimental Studies) - PubMed [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4391451/]

[3] Celecoxib - NCBI Bookshelf [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513302/#Sec4_]

[4] Pharmacokinetics of Celecoxib [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2217831/]

[5] Excretion of celecoxib and its metabolites in humans - PubMed [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2217831/]

[6] Celebrex - DrugPatentWatch.com [https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/celebrex-celecoxib]