Celecoxib is a prescription painkiller and anti-inflammatory drug also available in a brand-name version, Celebrex. Celecoxib belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that includes commonly used medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. However, celecoxib is a unique NSAID called a COX-2 inhibitor. Unlike other NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors are less likely to cause bleeding problems than other NSAIDs. Even so, celecoxib is not as safe as over-the-counter NSAIDs, which is why it’s it can only be used with a prescription. Prolonged use can cause serious problems like gastrointestinal bleeding, heart problems, kidney damage, and liver damage.
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Celecoxib overview
BRAND NAMES:
Celebrex, Elyxyb
Generic Names:
Celecoxib
Uses:
Relieves moderate to severe pain. Treats osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), and migraine headaches.
Therapeutic Classes:
Analgesic, COX-II inhibitor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Forms:
Capsule, oral solution (liquid)
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Celecoxib used for?
Celecoxib is a prescription NSAID used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain. Celecoxib oral solution (Elyxyb) is FDA-approved to treat migraine headaches with or without aura.
What form(s) does Celecoxib come in
Capsule
50 mg
100 mg
200 mg
400 mg
Oral solution (liquid)
25 mg/mL
What are common Celecoxib doses?
For osteoarthritis in adults: 200 mg tablet once daily or 100 mg tablet twice daily
For rheumatoid arthritis in adults: 100–200 mg tablet twice daily
For ankylosing spondylitis in adults: 200 mg tablet once daily or 100 mg tablet twice daily
For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 years of age and older: 50 mg tablet twice daily for children weighing between 10 and 25 kg or 100 mg tablet twice daily for children weighing more than 25 kg
For moderate to severe pain in adults: 400 mg tablet initial dose followed by 200 mg tablet twice daily
For menstrual pain in adults: 400 mg tablet initial dose followed by 200 mg tablet twice daily
For migraine headache relief in adults: 120 mg oral solution every 24 hours as needed
Common Celecoxib prescriptions
Celecoxib
100mg capsuleCelecoxib
200mg capsuleCelecoxib
400mg capsuleCelecoxib
50mg capsule
How to take Celecoxib
Take your medicine as directed. Do not take more than prescribed or take doses more often than prescribed.
Use this medicine for the shortest time possible. Use Elyxyb for as few days as possible.
Read the medication guide that comes with this medicine before taking it.
How to take celecoxib capsules:
Celecoxib capsules can be taken with or without food.
Swallow celecoxib capsules whole with a drink of water.
If you or a child cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a teaspoon of cool or room-temperature applesauce. Stir the mixture well and swallow right away with a drink of water. Drink enough water to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.
Store celecoxib capsules at room temperature.
Oral liquid:
Elyxyb can be taken with or without food.
The Elyxyb bottle contains one full 120 mg dose.
You do not need to shake the bottle.
If the dose prescribed is 120 mg, take the medicine directly from the bottle.
Hold the bottle upside down for 10 seconds to make sure the full amount of medicine is taken.
If prescribed a 60 mg dose, use a calibrated oral syringe to measure out the medicine. Do not use kitchen measuring devices or tableware.
Take the medicine directly from the syringe.
Store Elyxyb at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
What to do if you miss a dose of Celecoxib
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Elyxyb doses must be taken 24 hours apart. If you miss a dose, take it when remembered. Do not take another dose for at least 24 hours.
Celecoxib contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to celecoxib, aspirin, other NSAIDs, or sulfa drugs.
Do not use this medicine right before or right after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
Celecoxib warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor may need to do lab tests regularly to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Because of possible side effects, healthcare providers are urged to prescribe the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the third trimester of pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to.
Tell your doctor if you have:
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Heart disease
Anemia
Asthma
High blood pressure
A history of gastrointestinal problems including bleeding ulcers
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Increased risk of blood clots
Heart attack
Stroke
Heart failure
Bleeding problems
Gastrointestinal bleeding
High blood pressure
Kidney damage
High potassium
Anemia
Severe allergic or skin reactions
This medicine partly blocks the ability of the body to form blood clots, so you may bleed or bruise more easily. Be careful to avoid injuries.
This medicine may cause a delay in ovulation for women and may affect their ability to have children. If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Celecoxib interactions
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before taking celecoxib.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Some medicines can increase the risk or severity of side effects or reduce the beneficial effects of celecoxib. Tell your doctor if you are taking:
Find more detailed information about celecoxib interactions to avoid here.
Celecoxib side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
Sudden or severe headache, dizziness, or problems with vision, speech, or walking
Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
Fast or slow heartbeat
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your calf
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, stomach pain
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Unusual tiredness or weakness, pale skin
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Stomach upset
Flatulence
Swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs
Dizziness
Sore throat
Nasal or sinus congestion
Mild skin rash
Find more detailed information about Celebrex side effects here.
Sources:
Celecoxib capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Celebrex celecoxib capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Elyxyb celecoxib liquid prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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