Celebrex

Generic Name: CELECOXIB - ORAL
Pronounced: (sell-eh-COX-ib)

Celebrex

This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. The pain and swelling relief provided by this medication helps you perform more of your normal daily activities.

If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section.

This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

Steps in using Celebrex

Step 1

Determine if a condition exists that would benefit from the actions of Celebrex or ibuprofen. "Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses" indicates that both drugs produce effective treatment of pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel disease and ankylosing spondylitis. Celebrex also helps in the management of colorectal polyps and menstrual cramps.

Step 2

Verify if the individual requiring the drug has any health history of stomach problems. COX-1 inhibition produces gastrointestinal or stomach bleeding in some individuals. Since ibuprofen exerts an effect on COX-1, individuals with gastric bleeding must not take ibuprofen.

Step 3

Take Celebrex one to two times a day in oral doses of 100 to 400 mg to treat arthritic and other conditions. Celebrex requires a prescription from a health care provider. The Mayo Clinic reports that the oral Celebrex capsule works only on COX-2 inhibitors to block the chemicals producing pain and inflammation in disease conditions.



What are the precautions when taking celecoxib

Before taking celecoxib, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin, other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), other COX-2 inhibitors; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), recent heart bypass surgery (CABG).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood flow problem in the brain.