Celebrex Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Celebrex Capsule (generic name celecoxib) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the COX-2 inhibitor sub-group. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation, including symptoms of arthritis. It works by reducing the body's production of prostaglandins, substances that cause pain and inflammation. Celebrex should be used at the lowest effective dose and only as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.

What is Celebrex Capsule

Celebrex (celecoxib) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats mild to moderate pain and inflammation. It belongs to a sub-group called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors and is used for conditions like arthritis.

Celebrex Capsule uses

• Relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
• Relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
• Relief of signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
• Mild to moderate pain
• Acute pain and menstrual cramps
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Acute migraine headaches with or without aura

Benefits of Celebrex Capsule

• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Helps relieve arthritis symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, and joint pain
• May start working within hours of the first dose, though full effect may take several days

How Celebrex Capsule works

Your body makes prostaglandins that can cause pain and inflammation, and it makes more of these in conditions like arthritis. Celebrex works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which lowers pain and inflammation.

Celebrex Capsule dosage

Take this medicine by mouth with water. You may take it with or without food. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine; swallow the capsules whole.

If you have trouble swallowing, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a level teaspoon of cool or room temperature semi-solid food such as applesauce, rice gruel, yogurt or mashed banana, then swallow immediately with a drink of water. To open the capsule, hold it upright to keep the granules at the bottom, then gently squeeze the top and twist to remove, taking care not to spill the contents. Do not chew or crush the granules.

Do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen while taking this medicine. Use the lowest dose that controls your pain and do not take it for longer than necessary. Do not stop taking Celebrex suddenly unless your doctor tells you to, as your symptoms may get worse. Contact your doctor within two weeks of starting treatment if you do not experience any benefit. This medicine is only for you; do not share it with others.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule
• Solution
• Suspension (oral liquid)

Side effects of Celebrex Capsule

Common

• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Upset stomach / indigestion
• High blood pressure
• Fluid build up with swollen ankles, legs and/or hands
• Dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhoea, wind
• Rash, itching
• Muscle stiffness
• Painful joints
• Sinusitis, blocked or runny nose, sore throat, cough, cold, flu-like symptoms
• Urinary infections
• Difficulty swallowing
• Back pain
• Change in sense of taste
• Heartburn
• Stuffy or runny nose

Serious

• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) which can be life-threatening
• Bleeding, ulcers, or tears in the stomach or intestines (black or bloodstained stools, vomiting blood or material like coffee grounds)
• Heart attack (chest pain or tightness, pain in shoulders, arms or jaw, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint)
• Stroke (sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision)
• Heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling of ankles, feet or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness)
• Increased blood pressure
• Kidney injury or acute kidney failure (decreased urine, swelling of ankles, hands or feet)
• Liver injury or liver failure (upper right belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes)
• Serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis, AGEP, DRESS (rash, blistering, peeling of the skin, fever, swollen glands)
• High potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia)
• Blood clot in the blood vessels of the lungs (sudden breathlessness, sharp pains when breathing, collapse)
• Reduced numbers of blood cells (increased chance of bleeding, bruising or infection)
• Bleeding within the brain
• Meningitis

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can cause serious bleeding, ulcers, or tears in the stomach or intestines. These can happen at any time without warning signs and are more common with long-term use.
• This medicine increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. These events can happen at any time and are more common with long-term use and in people with heart disease.
• This medicine may cause serious skin reactions that can appear weeks to months after starting it. Stop using Celebrex and get medical help right away if you notice a rash, blistering, or peeling of the skin.
• Do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen while taking this medicine, as side effects like upset stomach, nausea, and ulcers are more likely.
• This medicine may cause infertility, which is usually temporary. Tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or have trouble becoming pregnant.
• Celebrex is for adults only and should not be used in children.
• Celebrex must not be used if you are pregnant or can become pregnant during treatment. 
• Using it after 20 weeks of pregnancy may cause serious birth defects, and use after 30 weeks is not recommended. 
• If you become pregnant during treatment, stop and contact your doctor.
• Celebrex must not be used during breastfeeding.
• Do not take Celebrex if you have severe kidney disease. 
• If you have kidney problems, tell your doctor, as you may need a lower dose and closer monitoring.
• Do not take Celebrex if you have severe liver disease. 
• If you have liver problems, tell your doctor, as you may need a lower dose. Serious liver reactions, including severe inflammation and liver failure, have been reported, mostly within one month of starting treatment.
• Drinking alcohol together with NSAIDs may increase the risk of stomach and intestinal problems.
• Be aware of how you react to Celebrex before you drive or use machines. 
• If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking it, do not drive or operate machinery until these effects wear off.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not store above 30 degrees C.
• Keep the medicine in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
• Celecoxib capsule mixed with applesauce may be stored in a refrigerator and used within 6 hours.
• Do not use the medicine after the expiry date.
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use, or take them to a medication take-back program.

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking Celebrex and tell your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction such as skin rash, swelling of the face, wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Stop taking Celebrex and tell your doctor immediately if you have heart problems such as chest pain.
• Stop taking Celebrex and tell your doctor immediately if you have severe stomach pain or any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestines, such as passing black or bloodstained stools, or vomiting blood.
• Stop taking Celebrex and tell your doctor immediately if you have a skin reaction such as rash, blistering or peeling of the skin.
• Stop taking Celebrex and tell your doctor immediately if you have signs of liver failure such as nausea, diarrhoea, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes).
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor, pharmacist or hospital, or your local poison control center right away, and take your medicine with you.

Alternatives

• Naproxen
• Diclofenac
• Aceclofenac
• Indomethacin
• Etodolac
• Mefenamic Acid