Celebrex, or celecoxib, is a prescribed oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is commonly used to treat pain and inflammation related to arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and menstrual pain, according to Drugs.com. Additionally, Celebrex may be prescribed to treat hereditary polyps in the colon. Although Celebrex may be effective in treating certain conditions, this medication increases the risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems. A patient should explore alternatives to Celebrex if he has a history of heart or bleeding problems.
Tylenol
Tylenol is a pain reliever that is used to treat many symptoms that Celebrex treats. Tylenol inhibits hormones in the brain that cause pain and fever. Although Tylenol is not known to increase the risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, it does not have anti-inflammatory effects as Celebrex does. Thus, conditions that are primarily inflammatory in nature may not respond well to Tylenol therapy. The maximum amount of Tylenol that can be safely taken per day is 4g. Amounts over 4g may cause serious liver damage. Drugs.com states that liver damage is the most common side effect of Tylenol and results in stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools and jaundice.
Aspirin
Aspirin belongs to a group of drugs called salicylates, according to Drugs.com. Like Celebrex, aspirin reduces substances in the body that cause pain, fever and inflammation without serious heart and circulation side effects. In addition, aspirin is used to treat pain, fever and inflammation related to various conditions. Side effects of aspirin include black, bloody or tarry stools, coughing or vomiting up blood that looks like coffee grounds, stomach pain, swelling and ringing in the ears, according to Drugs.com. Furthermore, children should not take aspirin to avoid a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
Tramadol
Tramadol is a prescribed medication that can be used to treat pain. This medication is a narcotic-like pain reliever that may be used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain, states Drugs.com. Tramadol does not increase the risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems. However, there is an increased risk of seizures, particularly if a patient has a history of seizures. Side effects of Tramadol include agitation, hallucinations, skin rash, shallow breathing or a weak pulse. A patient should seek immediate medical treatment if he is experiencing side effects from any medication.
