Celecoxib: Everything You Need To Know

Celecoxib is a drug that belongs to the group of selective COX-2 inhibitor drugs. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects similar to non-selective NSAIDs; however, it produces fewer acute gastric injuries.

Celecoxib is prescribed to relieve pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by joint diseases. These diseases are arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

It is also used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Celecoxib can be used to treat painful menstrual periods. It is also given to relieve other types of short-term pain, such as surgeries and other medical or dental procedures.

Consumption mode

This drug comes as capsules for oral administration. It is generally taken once or twice a day and can be taken with or without food.

So that you do not forget to take celecoxib, it is important to try to take it at around the same times every day. Do not increase or decrease the dose, or take it more often than directed by your doctor.

In case you cannot swallow the capsules, or if the treatment is for a child, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the content on some food to swallow it along with it.

Since the cardiovascular risk of celecoxib may increase with the dose and duration of treatment, the lowest effective daily dose should be used. In addition, the duration of treatment must be as short as possible.

Periodically, the response to treatment should be reassessed, especially in patients with osteoarthritis, to assess its efficacy and safety.

Celecoxib Dose Depending on Disease

For the treatment of osteoarthritis, the recommended daily dose is 200 milligrams once a day, or in two doses. In some patients, the dose can be increased to 200 milligrams twice a day to increase efficacy. If after 2 weeks no increase in therapeutic benefit is observed, other therapeutic alternatives should be considered.

The recommended starting daily dose of celecoxib for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is 200 milligrams given in two doses. As in the case of osteoarthritis, if necessary, the dose can be increased to 200 milligrams twice a day.

However, if after 2 weeks a greater therapeutic benefit is not observed, other therapeutic alternatives must be considered. The maximum recommended daily dose is 400 milligrams for both indications.

Contraindications of celecoxib

The use of this drug  is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to the active principle, to any of the excipients and to sulfa drugs.

It is also contraindicated in case of active peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding. As well as in patients who have experienced asthma, acute rhinitis, edema, urticaria or other allergic-type reactions after taking acetylsalicylic acid or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Celecoxib is contraindicated in pregnancy and in women who want to conceive. Although the potential risk of causing malformations in humans during pregnancy is unknown, it cannot be excluded.

Similarly, it is contraindicated in patients with diseases such as severe liver dysfunction, kidney disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease or established cerebrovascular disease.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, celecoxib can have side effects. Depending on the estimated frequency of their appearance, they are classified as follows:

Frequent

• Dizziness and insomnia
• Skin rash
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, and gas.
• Nasal congestion, sinusitis and pharyngitis.
• Fluid retention with edema.

Infrequent

• Anxiety, depression, tiredness, blurred vision, muscle stiffness, and a tingly feeling.
• Anemia, kidney or liver problems.
• High blood pressure or worsening of it, palpitations.
• Urinary and mouth infections.
• Skin reactions such as hives.

Rare adverse effects

This section includes adverse effects such as digestive ulcers and bleeding, intestinal perforation, inflammation of the esophagus, and difficulty swallowing. There are also acute pancreatitis, colitis, confusion, hallucinations, hearing loss, and aseptic meningitis.

Remember to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you observe any of these symptoms.

Other recommendations

Consult with your doctor before taking celecoxib. Currently, despite the different side effects of celecoxib, in some cases this drug is prescribed. This is because  the benefits of taking celecoxib outweigh the risks it carries.