Indications for use
Celebrex is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. It is used in the management of joint inflammation, stiffness and pain associated with arthritis. Celecoxib is specifically used in the management of the following medical conditions: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and dysmenorrheal (severe pain during the menstrual period). Even though it has not been proven to be a better drug in controlling inflammation compared to over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Celebrex is usually used because it has a lower incidence of potential side effects.
How It Works
Celebrex is a class of anti-inflammatory medicine called a COX inhibitor. COX stands for cyclooxygenase, an enzyme produced by the body's tissues in response to inflammation. When an inflammatory process is underway, the tissues start a biochemical cascade that eventually produces prostaglandins. These prostaglandins have different effects in the body, for example protection of the stomach mucosa and regulation of the inflammatory response.
Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that regulates the production of the prostaglandins. In contrast to other anti-inflammatory drugs, which inhibit all classes of cyclooxygenase, Celebrex is a selective inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins by nonspecifically inhibiting the action of all cyclooxygenases. One of the side effects of chronic use of NSAIDS is the risk of stomach ulcers. This happens because they inhibit all prostaglandin prodution, and prostaglandins protect the stomach mucosa. Celebrex selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2, inhibiting the prostaglandins that produce inflammation but preserving the ones that protect the stomach against acid production.
Cyclooxygenase selectively inhibits cycoloxygenase-2, which markedly reduces the potential side effects of the drug. In the kidneys, Celebrex maintains kidney blood flow and the delicate balance of electrolyte levels. In the stomach, Celebrex has been shown to reduce the incidence of gastric inflammation, bleeding, and ulcer formation.
One potential side effect of Celebrex is that it doesn't affect another compound called thromboxane. Thromboxane is involved in platelet aggregation and blood clotting. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially aspirin, can affect the capacity of platelets to aggregate, therefore decreasing the risk of blood clot formation. It is thought that, since COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex does not inhibit thromboxane, it can predispose a patent to platelet aggregation and thrombosis (formation of blood clots).
References
- Medscape
- Physicians' Desk Reference 2009 (PDR, 63rd Edition)
