Celecoxib: What it does, how to take it, and what to watch for
If you’ve been prescribed celecoxib (brand name Celebrex), you probably want straight answers: what it treats, how to take it, and when to call your doctor. Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, and sometimes menstrual cramps. It cuts inflammation and pain without hitting COX-1 as hard as older NSAIDs, but it still has real risks.
How celecoxib works and common doses
Celecoxib blocks the COX-2 enzyme that makes inflammatory chemicals. Typical doses depend on the problem: for osteoarthritis usually 100 mg once or twice a day; for rheumatoid arthritis 100–200 mg twice daily. For short-term acute pain, some doctors start with 400 mg once, then 200 mg twice daily. Most people don’t go above 400 mg total a day.
Take it with food if it upsets your stomach. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is soon—don’t double up.
Safety: side effects, interactions, and red flags
Side effects can be stomach pain, indigestion, headache, dizziness, and fluid retention. Serious problems include stomach bleeding, kidney trouble, and heart risks. Celecoxib can raise blood pressure and may increase the chance of heart attack or stroke, especially at higher doses or with long-term use. If you’ve had a recent heart attack, tell your doctor—this drug is often avoided.
Drug interactions matter. Celecoxib can interact with blood thinners (like warfarin), some blood pressure meds (ACE inhibitors, diuretics), lithium, methotrexate, and certain antidepressants. It also contains a sulfonamide group, so mention sulfa allergies to your prescriber.
Watch for warning signs: sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, black or bloody stools, severe stomach pain, or sudden swelling. If any of those show up, seek medical help right away.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid celecoxib in late pregnancy. NSAIDs can cause problems for the fetus in the third trimester. If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask your doctor for alternatives.
Thinking about buying celecoxib online? Use caution. Only order from licensed pharmacies that require a prescription and list a real address and pharmacist contact. Avoid sites that sell without a prescription, offer suspiciously low prices, or have no customer service. Check for pharmacy verification seals and user reviews. Pay with secure methods and keep your prescription records.
Final quick tips: use the lowest effective dose, review your full medication list with your prescriber, monitor blood pressure and kidney function during long-term use, and never mix celecoxib with high doses of other NSAIDs. If pain or inflammation doesn't improve, ask about other options—sometimes a different drug or a non-drug approach works better.
