descriptionsCelecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID that is used to treat arthritis pain menstrual cramps and colonic polyps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important contributors to the inflammation of arthritis that causes the pain fever swelling and tenderness. Celecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins cyclooxygenase 2 resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence inflammation and its accompanying pain fever swelling and tenderness are reduced. Celecoxib differs from other NSAIDs in that it causes less inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and intestine at least with short-term treatment and does not interfere with the clotting of blood. NSAIDs have been found to prevent the formation and reduce the size of polyps in patients with the genetic disease familial adenomatous polyposis FAP. In FAP patients develop large numbers of polyps in their colons and the polyps invariably become malignant. The only cure of FAP requires removal of the entire colon. Celecoxib is approved as an adjunctive secondary treatment among patients with FAP. The cramping and pain during menstrual periods is due to prostaglandins and blocking the production of prostaglandins with celecoxib reduces the cramps and pain.
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