celecoxib at a glance
Medicine class
COX-2-selective NSAID, also called a coxib
Licensed uses
Symptom relief in adult osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Food
Capsules may be taken with or without food
Swallowing difficulty
The selected capsule may be opened and its entire contents sprinkled onto specified soft foods
What is celecoxib used for?
Licensed in adults for symptom relief of:
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
How does celecoxib work?
Celecoxib selectively inhibits cyclo-oxygenase-2, reducing prostaglandins involved in pain, inflammation and fever. It has little direct antiplatelet activity and does not replace aspirin used for cardiovascular protection.
celecoxib preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg, 200 mg
How to take celecoxib
Follow the prescription label. Capsules may be taken with or without food. For swallowing difficulty, the selected capsule may be opened and all its contents placed on cool or room-temperature applesauce, rice gruel, yoghurt or mashed banana, then swallowed immediately with water. Check the leaflet because this is formulation-specific.
Do not combine celecoxib with another NSAID unless specifically directed.
Avoid driving or operating machinery if it causes dizziness, vertigo or sleepiness.
celecoxib side effects
Common or expected effects
- Indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or wind
- Headache or dizziness
- Rash or itching
- Fluid retention or swollen ankles
- Raised or worsening blood pressure
Get urgent medical advice
- Stomach or intestinal ulceration, bleeding or perforation
- Heart attack, stroke, heart failure or serious blood clot
- Severe allergic or blistering skin reaction
- Acute kidney injury
- Severe liver inflammation or failure
celecoxib in pregnancy
The selected product information contraindicates celecoxib during pregnancy and advises stopping it if pregnancy occurs. Anyone pregnant, planning pregnancy or who may become pregnant should discuss alternatives and contraception with the prescriber.
celecoxib while breastfeeding
The selected product information says not to breastfeed while taking celecoxib. SPS considers it usable when clinically appropriate and the preferred COX-2 inhibitor if required because transfer into milk is negligible, with infant monitoring for vomiting or diarrhoea. Discuss this discrepancy with the prescriber, particularly for a premature or unwell infant.
celecoxib interactions
Check all prescribed, pharmacy and herbal products. Important interactions include:
Warfarin and other anticoagulants, including apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban
Bleeding risk increases; warfarin requires close INR monitoring when celecoxib is started or changed.
Aspirin and antiplatelet medicines
Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding risk increases. Celecoxib does not replace aspirin prescribed for cardiovascular protection.
Other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen
Combined use increases adverse effects and should generally be avoided.
Common questions about celecoxib
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is celecoxib the same as ibuprofen?
Both are NSAIDs, but celecoxib more selectively inhibits COX-2. They should not generally be taken together.
Can a celecoxib capsule be opened?
The selected capsule may be opened and all its contents sprinkled on specified soft foods, then swallowed immediately with water. Check the leaflet for the exact formulation.
Can celecoxib raise blood pressure?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.