Celecoxib 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.

The lowest effective dose should be used for each patient. For the management of osteoarthritis the dose usually is 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg as a single dose. For rheumatoid arthritis the dose usually is 100 or 200 mg twice daily. For acute pain or menstrual cramps the dose is 400 mg as a single dose on the first day followed by an additional 200 mg if needed then 200mg twice daily as needed. For FAP the recommended dose is 400 mg twice daily.

Although stomach and intestinal ulcers occur with the use of celecoxib their incidence is less than with other NSAIDs in short-term studies.

Celecoxib does not interfere with the function of the blood platelets and as a result does not reduce clotting and lead to increased bleeding like other NSAIDs.

The most common adverse effects are headache abdominal pain dyspepsia diarrhea nausea flatulence and insomnia. Other side effects include fainting kidney failure heart failure aggravation of hypertension chest pain ringing in the ears deafness stomach and intestinal ulcers bleeding blurred vision anxiety photosensitivity weight gain water retention flu-like symptoms drowsiness and weakness.

Allergic reactions can occur with celecoxib. Individuals who have developed allergic reactions rash itching difficulty breathing from sulfonamides e.g. Bactrim aspirin or other NSAIDs may experience an allergic reaction to celecoxib and should not take celecoxib.

Concomitant use of celecoxib with aspirin or other NSAIDs e.g. ibuprofen naproxen etc. may increase the occurrence of stomach and intestinal ulcers.

Fluconazole Diflucan increases the concentration of celecoxib in the body by inhibiting the breakdown of celecoxib in the liver. Therefore treatment with celecoxib should be initiated at the lowest recommended doses in patients who are taking fluconazole.

Celecoxib increases the concentration of lithium Eskalith in the blood by 17. Therefore lithium therapy should be closely monitored during and after therapy with celecoxib.

Persons taking the anticoagulant blood thinner warfarin Coumadin should have their blood tested when initiating or changing celecoxib treatment particularly in the first few days for any changes in the effects of the anticoagulant.

Persons who drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day may be at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking NSAIDs and this also may be true with celecoxib.

Celecoxib is used for the relief of pain fever swelling and tenderness caused by osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis . Celecoxib does not prevent the progression of either type of arthritis. It reduces only the symptoms and signs of arthritis. Celecoxib has been approved for patients with familial FAP who have not had their colons removed. Celebrex also is approved for the relief of acute pain and the pain of menstrual cramps primary dysmenorrhea.

Capsules should be stored at 25°C 77°F. It is okay for brief periods in temperatures between 15-30°C 59-86°F.