Celebrex Overview
Celebrex is the brand name for the drug celecoxib. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. Among NSAIDs, it can be further categorized as a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Celebrex relieves pain and reduces inflammation. It is usually used to treat arthritis pain, but can also treat acute pain due to injury. Celebrex is available by prescription in 100mg and 200mg capsules. The usual dose of Celebrex is 200mg once daily.
Function of Celebrex
NSAIDs work by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that have many different functions in the body. They cause fever, help blood clot, stimulate uterine contractions and form the lining that protects the stomach from digestive juices. In disease and injury, prostaglandins begin the cascade of chemical reactions that causes swelling and inflammation.
Instead of inhibiting all types of prostaglandins, Celebrex only inhibits prostaglandins synthesized by the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These are the specific prostaglandins responsible for pain and inflammation.
Celebrex and the Stomach
Since Celebrex only inhibits COX-2, it does not affect the stomach lining as much as other NSAIDs. This makes Celebrex a good choice for people who cannot take traditional NSAIDs due to stomach upset or ulcers. It should be noted, however, that although Celebrex will not upset the stomach as often as the older NSAIDs, stomach upset is still a possible side effect. About half of the people who have stomach upset with NSAIDs will also have stomach upset with Celebrex.
Celebrex and Blood Thinners
Celebrex also does not have the blood-thinning properties found with NSAIDs such as aspirin. Some people at risk for heart disease combine Celebrex with low-dose aspirin. You should only do this if your doctor recommends it.
Even though Celebrex does not thin the blood, it sometimes interacts with the blood thinner warfarin. This is because Celebrex and warfarin are metabolized by the same enzyme in the liver. If you are taking warfarin, your doctor may have to adjust your warfarin dosage when you begin taking Celebrex.
Side Effects
Celebrex is less likely to cause stomach upset than other NSAIDs, but it still has many of the same side effects associated with the non-selective NSAIDs. These include kidney problems, swelling and increased blood pressure.
The chemical structure of Celebrex contains a sulfonamide group similar to that found in sulfa antibiotics. Many people who are allergic to sulfa drugs will also be allergic to Celebrex.
References
- Celebrex Prescribing Information
- Basic and Clinical Pharmacology; Bertram Katzung; 2007
