Celebrex is a medication classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It selectively inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), with the active ingredient being celecoxib.
1. Basic Information about Celebrex
Celebrex is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals LLC - USA. The medication is available in the form of hard capsules, with one packaging consisting of 3 blister packs, each containing 10 capsules. The main ingredient in each capsule is Celecoxib 200 mg, along with sufficient excipients.
2. Effects of Celecoxib
Celebrex contains the active substance celecoxib, which belongs to the NSAID class of drugs, used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory purposes.
Unlike other substances, Celecoxib selectively inhibits the enzyme Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which responds to inflammatory triggers. This leads to the inhibition of Prostaglandin E2 synthesis, the primary cause of pain, swelling, inflammation, and edema.
Because it does not affect the COX-1 enzyme, Celecoxib does not interfere with physiological processes related to this enzyme in the intestines, stomach, or platelets. This means Celecoxib does not cause as many side effects as agents that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2.
Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness in treating conditions such as pain, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.
3. Indications for Celecoxib
Celebrex 200mg is used in the following cases:
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
- Chronic pain related to cancer and other chronic diseases.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children who are 2 years of age and older, with a minimum weight of 10 kg.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Acute pain from injuries or surgery.
- Primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) in women.
4. How to use Celebrex
You should swallow the whole capsule with a full glass of water. If swallowing is difficult, the capsule can be crushed and mixed with a smoothie for easier consumption. The medication can be taken before, during, or after meals, as food does not affect its absorption.
Do not use the medication if it is moldy or past its expiration date printed on the label.
5. Celebrex Dosage
Do not use this medication without a doctor's prescription. The principle of medication use is to use the lowest effective dose to minimize cardiovascular risks. Follow all instructions on the prescription label. Below is a general dosage guide for adults:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: 1 capsule twice daily
- Ankylosing spondylitis: 1 capsule daily in a single dose. Some patients may respond well to 2 capsules daily.
- Osteoarthritis: 1 capsule daily.
- For acute pain relief, take 2 capsules on the first day and 1 capsule per day on the following days.
- For primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), the usual dose is 2 capsules per dose, and on the first day of the cycle, you may take up to 3 capsules per dose.
Note for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis:
- Children aged 2-12 years: Use formulations with low dosages, like 50 mg or 100 mg capsules to make daily dose division easier.
- Children aged 12-17 years: Celebrex 200 mg is appropriate, with a dose of 1 capsule daily.
6. Management of Missed Dose and Overdose
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, continue with the prescribed regimen. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose: Clinical studies show that overdose is rarely encountered. A total daily dose of 1200 mg in healthy individuals did not cause side effects. However, if signs of acute poisoning occur, the patient should be taken to the nearest hospital for treatment to eliminate the drug from the body.
7. Contraindications
Celebrex 200mg should not be used by the following individuals:
- People who are hypersensitive to any of the components of the medication.
- Patients with asthma, urticaria, allergic reactions to Aspirin, or other NSAID drugs.
- Individuals with a history of sulfonamide allergy.
- Patients with severe liver impairment.
Caution:
- Individuals with cardiovascular diseases, as Celecoxib increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack, and heart failure.
- People with kidney impairment, as NSAIDs can cause kidney toxicity.
- Those who are dehydrated or have electrolyte imbalances.
- Patients with a history of peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in the elderly.
- People taking oral anticoagulants (blood thinners).
8. Side Effects
When using Celebrex, some side effects may occur in patients at varying frequencies:
- Common side effects: Sinusitis, insomnia, dizziness, cough, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, upper respiratory infections.
- Uncommon side effects: Sore throat, rhinitis, hypersensitivity, drowsiness, blurred vision, tinnitus, anxiety, restlessness, muscle stiffness, gastric ulcers.
- Rare side effects: Duodenal ulcers, esophageal ulcers, congestive heart failure, anaphylactic shock, thrombocytopenia, anemia, confusion.
9. Drug interactions
Taking Celecoxib together with certain substances may cause interactions:
- Warfarin, Heparin: Increases the risk of bleeding.
- Antihypertensive drugs, including ACE inhibitors, diuretics: May reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering treatment.
- Dextromethorphan, Metoprolol: Celecoxib will increase the plasma concentrations of these substances.
- Lithium: Increases blood concentration and toxicity of lithium.
- Other NSAIDs: Increases the risk of side effects.
- Oral contraceptives: May reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
We hope this important information about Celebrex helps you achieve better results in your treatment.
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