Celebrex is the brand name for the generic drug Celecoxib and it is manufactured by Pfizer Inc. Today in America, this is the drug for arthritis that is the most prescribed. It is available in tablets of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg and they are white in color. It belongs to the class of NSAIDs or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.
Celecoxib is prescribed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondylitis and juvenile arthritis.
The drug is also prescribed for acute pain, especially in dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation. In rheumatoid arthritis, the daily dose is 100 mg to 200 mg.
Full list of uses for Celebrex/Celecoxib:
- Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Gout
- Dysmenorrhea/menstrual cramps
- Relief for acute pain
Action
As its classification suggests, this drug is an anti-inflammatory and it is believed that acts by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin. In animal tests, it even reduced the incidence of tumors.
Side Effects
There are a few side effects that you would need to look out for with this drug. Among them are instances of loose motions, gas and nausea. The whole range of NSAIDs can cause ulcers in the stomach and the intestines so this should be kept in mind and any change or anything out of the ordinary must be mentioned to the doctor. Any traces of blood in the stools could mean intestinal bleeding and must be communicated to the doctor. There could also be vision problems, fainting, insomnia, symptoms that seem like the flu and very often, a great sense of fatigue.
Other side effects are itching, shortness of breath and in extreme cases, even kidney or heart failure. It affects the ears too at times with deafness and a ringing sound in the ears. There could be the added problem of weight gain. Taken over a long period, the drugs do increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks and older patients are at a greater risk. Unfortunately, many of these side effects come on suddenly so one should be prepared. Any swelling, weakness on one side or dizziness means you have to call the doctor immediately.
Caution
You must tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or pain medication before he prescribes this drug. You also need to tell him if you are on any other drugs or vitamin supplements. Other pain medication, too, should not be taken with this drug. When you take other medication along with this, you could increase the chances of side effects that could be severe.
Contraindications
If you are allergic to aspirin or sulpha drugs, the doctor must be told because it is contraindicated in people who suffer from these allergies. It is also not to be used on the very old, pregnant or nursing women and people who suffer from serious heart, liver or kidney ailments. The drug is also contraindicated in people who suffer from severe asthma ort urticaria or in post-operative cardiac pain.