Celebrex (Celecoxib) Anti-inflammatory Capsules
Celebrex is a prescription oral COX-2 selective NSAID containing celecoxib. It is used in adults for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute pain, with reduced gastrointestinal toxicity compared with traditional NSAIDs.
- Active ingredients
- Celecoxib
- Manufacturer
- Pfizer
- Dosage forms
- capsule
- Available dosages
- 50mg, 100mg, 200mg, 400mg
- Category
- Pain Relief Medications
What is it?
Celebrex is the original brand of celecoxib, marketed by Pfizer since its approval in 1998. It is supplied as oral capsules at 50mg, 100mg, 200mg and 400mg. Celecoxib is the only COX-2 selective NSAID widely available in many markets after rofecoxib and valdecoxib were withdrawn for cardiovascular safety concerns. Multiple authorised generics are now available.
Active ingredients
Each capsule contains celecoxib as the sole active ingredient at 50mg, 100mg, 200mg or 400mg. Celecoxib is a diaryl-substituted pyrazole and a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), with little effect on COX-1 at therapeutic doses.
Forms and dosages
Celebrex is administered orally once or twice daily with or without food. According to the prescribing information, the usual dose is 200mg once daily for osteoarthritis, 100-200mg twice daily for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, and 400mg loading followed by 200mg twice daily for acute pain. Doses should be reduced in moderate hepatic impairment and in CYP2C9 poor metabolisers.
Indications
Celebrex is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (in some markets), ankylosing spondylitis, primary dysmenorrhoea and acute pain. According to clinical guidelines, COX-2 selective NSAIDs are particularly useful in patients with high gastrointestinal risk who require NSAID therapy, often combined with acid suppression. Cardiovascular risk should be carefully assessed before initiation.
How it works
Celecoxib selectively inhibits COX-2, the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase upregulated at sites of inflammation, while sparing the constitutive COX-1 that maintains gastric mucosal integrity and platelet aggregation. The result is anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects with reduced gastrointestinal toxicity and no antiplatelet effect compared with non-selective NSAIDs. However, the COX-2 selectivity also explains the increased cardiovascular thrombotic risk shared with the class.
Frequently asked questions
How is Celebrex different from ibuprofen or naproxen? ▾
Ibuprofen and naproxen are non-selective NSAIDs that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, while celecoxib is selective for COX-2. This translates into lower rates of gastric ulcers and bleeding with celecoxib, but no antiplatelet effect (relevant for cardiovascular protection) and a class-shared cardiovascular thrombotic risk. According to clinical guidelines, the choice depends on individual gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risk profiles.
Is Celebrex safer for the stomach? ▾
Yes, in many studies. Celecoxib is associated with a lower incidence of upper gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding than non-selective NSAIDs at equivalent doses. According to clinical guidelines, COX-2 selective NSAIDs are recommended in patients at high gastrointestinal risk, often combined with a proton pump inhibitor for additional protection. Patient-specific risk should be reviewed by the prescriber.
What about the cardiovascular risk? ▾
All NSAIDs, including celecoxib, carry warnings on cardiovascular thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Large trials suggest that celecoxib at standard doses (100-200mg twice daily) has cardiovascular risk comparable to ibuprofen and naproxen, while higher doses may carry greater risk. According to the prescribing information, the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration should be used, with careful evaluation in cardiovascular disease.
Can Celebrex be taken long-term? ▾
Celebrex can be used for chronic inflammatory conditions when needed, but according to clinical guidelines and the prescribing information, the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration should be used. Long-term use should be supervised by the prescriber, with periodic reassessment of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic risk factors. Blood pressure and renal function should be monitored periodically.
What are the main contraindications for Celebrex? ▾
Celebrex is contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to celecoxib, sulfonamides or other NSAIDs, in active peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, in severe heart failure, in established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease or cerebrovascular disease, in the perioperative period of coronary artery bypass graft surgery, in severe hepatic impairment and during the third trimester of pregnancy. According to the prescribing information, the medical history must be reviewed by a clinician before any prescription.
Related medications
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.