Celecoxib is a prescription anti-inflammatory medication in the NSAID family, but it’s selective for the COX-2 enzyme.
What it’s used for
- Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (in children)
- Acute pain conditions and some gynecologic pain (e.g., dysmenorrhea) depending on the country guidelines
How it works
- It blocks the COX-2 enzyme, reducing prostaglandin production to help pain and inflammation with a lower risk of some gastrointestinal irritation compared with nonselective NSAIDs.
Common dosing (adult, varies by condition)
- Osteoarthritis: often 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily, up to a maximum of 400 mg per day
- Rheumatoid arthritis: typically 100–200 mg twice daily (up to 400 mg/day)
- Ankylosing spondylitis: commonly 200 mg twice daily (up to 400 mg/day)
- Dosing in children is weight/age dependent
Note: exact dosing should come from your prescriber and the product label; your doctor may adjust based on response and tolerability.
Safety and warnings
- GI risk: still possible (ulcers, bleeding) but generally less GI irritation than nonselective NSAIDs
- Cardiovascular risk: there is a risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with long-term use or in patients with cardiovascular disease
- Allergies: do not use if you have a known allergy to celecoxib or to sulfonamides; cross-reactivity is possible though not common
- Other contraindications: active peptic ulcers or GI bleeding, significant kidney or liver disease, severe heart failure, or during certain pregnancy stages (see below)
- Pregnancy: generally not recommended in pregnancy, especially later stages; talk to a clinician if you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Lupus-like disease or other immune reactions can occur rarely with NSAIDs
Common side effects
- Digestive issues (dyspepsia, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
- Headache or dizziness
- Swelling (edema), high blood pressure
- Rash or itching
- Less commonly: serious GI bleeding, kidney problems, liver enzyme changes, heart-related side effects
Drug interactions to know
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) can raise bleeding risk
- Other NSAIDs or aspirin can increase GI risk
- Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs can raise the risk of kidney problems and reduce blood pressure effects
- Lithium, methotrexate, or cyclosporine can have altered levels or effects
- Certain ulcer/ibuprofen-like drugs or CYP2C9 interactions can affect celecoxib levels
Always tell your prescriber about all medications and supplements you’re taking.
Special considerations
- If you have kidney or liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of ulcers/bleeding, or are elderly, discuss risks and benefits with your clinician
- Do not use if you have a known allergy to sulfa drugs or celecoxib
- Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs
- Do not crush or chew the capsules; swallow whole
Would you like information on:
- Specific dosing for a particular condition or patient (adult vs. pediatric)?
- Side effects management or what to do if you miss a dose?
- How celecoxib compares with other NSAIDs for a given condition?
- Drug interaction checks with meds you’re currently taking?