Celebrex belongs to the family of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, fever, swelling, and tenderness caused by arthritis. Other Celebrex uses include acute pain, menstrual cramps, and FAP (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis). With the generic name Celecoxib, this medicine is available only by prescription.
Yes, being an NSAID, Celebrex can raise the blood pressure and lower the effects of some hypertension drugs like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and diuretics.
In a study conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Iran, the effects of NSAIDs like Celecoxib over blood pressure were observed. It was noted that Celecoxib reduced the Hypotensive effects while it did not interfere with the heart rate. No major rise in blood pressure was noted at the prescribed dosage—however, the effects of hypotensive medications led to a rise in blood pressure. (Solomon, S.D., Pfeffer, M.A., McMurray, J.J., Fowler, R., Finn, P., Levin, B., Eagle, C., Hawk, E., Lechuga, M., Zauber, A.G. and Bertagnolli, M.M., 2006)
Mechanism Of Celebrex
Celebrex is categorized as a non-selective inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. The enzyme COX is involved in prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis arachidonic acid pathway for mediation of pain and fever and stimulation of blood clotting, respectively. This inhibition of COX (COX-1 and COX-2) activity decreases the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in the mediation of inflammation, pain, fever, and swelling while it could cause gastrointestinal ulceration, respectively.
Half-Life Of Celebrex
How Long Does Celebrex Take To Work?
It takes about 3 hours for Celebrex to reach its peak concentration. You experience the relief effect for up to 12 hours, depending upon the conditions.
Forms And Strengths
Celebrex is available in the form of capsules and oral suspension.
The capsules are available in the strengths of 50, 100, 200, and 400mg, while the oral suspension is available in the strength of 25 mg/ 1 mL or 120mg/4.8mL.
The oral suspension is available only for adults.
Dosage
For Acute Pain or Primary Dysmenorrhea-
Standardized adult dosage: 400 mg initially, adding 200 mg on the first day when needed, dividing it in a 12-hour cycle.
For Ankylosing Spondylitis-
Standardized adult dosage: 200mg initially, divided into a 12-hour cycle. It might increase to 400 mg/day if the improvement isn’t noted in 6 weeks.
Note: If no changes are to be seen even after the consumption of 400 mg/day, consult your doctor as you might be advised to discontinue the medication.
For Osteoarthritis-
Standardized adult dosage: 200mg/day divided into a 12-hour cycle.
For Rheumatoid Arthritis-
Standardized adult dosage: 100-200 mg divided into a 12-hour cycle.
Standardized pediatric dosage (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis): Not prescribed for children below two years of age.
For those above two years and weighing 10-25kg- 50 mg divided into a 12-hour cycle.
For those above two years and weighing above 25 kg- 100 mg divided into a 12-hour cycle.
How To Consume Celebrex?
Celebrex consumption is totally dependent upon your age, condition, medical history, and response to the initial dosage. Celebrex liquids are available for those who find it difficult to swallow tablets and also for children. While using the liquid, use the measuring spoon that comes along with it. Do NOT use a kitchen spoon at any cost.
How Long Should You Take Celebrex For?
The dosage might only be for a few days or a week for acute cases such as back pain, menstrual cramps, or pain following surgery.
However, consulting your doctor for a longer course of medication would be needed for any chronic symptoms or cases.
It is to be noted that Celebrex is not advised to be taken for too long under any circumstances as it might lead to adverse side effects or an overdose. Make sure your doctor keeps track of your medication and progress.
Who Should Not Take Celebrex?
In case you have or have had the following conditions and/or symptoms, consult your doctor before consuming Celebrex:
- Dehydration
- Systemic mastocytosis
- Anemia
- An increased risk of bleeding
- Alcoholism
- High blood pressure
- A heart attack
- Chronic heart failure
- Hemorrhagic stroke
- A blood clot
- Asthma
- An ulcer from too much stomach acid
- Stomach or intestinal ulcer
- Liver problems
- Bleeding of the stomach or intestines
- Kidney transplant
- Visible water retention
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Pregnancy
- A rupture in the walls of the stomach or intestine
- Tobacco smoking
- Increased cardiovascular event risk
- The time immediately after coronary bypass surgery
- CYP2C9 poor metabolizer
- Chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe)
- Chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure)
- Kidney disease with likely reduction in kidney function
- Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
- History of gastric bypass surgery
- CYP2C9 intermediate metabolizer (AS 1)
- History of kidney donation
Side Effects Of Celebrex
Some of the common side effects of Celebrex include:
- Tobacco smoking
- Increased cardiovascular event risk
- CYP2C9 poor metabolizer
- The time immediately after coronary bypass surgery
- Chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe)
- Chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure)
- Kidney disease with likely reduction in kidney function
- Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
- History of gastric bypass surgery
- CYP2C9 intermediate metabolizer (AS 1)
- History of kidney donation
In case these symptoms elevate from mild to moderate, consult your doctor.
Warnings
Seek immediate medical attention and help if you face any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain or heart attack
- Sudden weakness in any part or side of your body
- Slurred speech
- Drooping on one side of your face
- Blurred vision
- Sudden dizziness or trouble walking
- Very severe headache with no other cause
- High blood pressure
- Edema
- Swelling in your arms and legs, hands and feet
- Unusual weight gain
- Bleeding and ulcers in your stomach and intestine
- Blood in urine
- Vomiting
- Bloody stools
- Black and sticky stools
- Skin reactions, including rash or blisters
- Allergic reactions
- Itching and hives
- Swelling of your face or throat
- Liver problems
- Sudden yellowing of the skin or the whites of eyes
- Asthma attacks
Interaction Of Celebrex With Other Drugs
If not taken cautiously, Celebrex can react dangerously with certain medicines. To prevent this, carefully read the leaflet of the medicines to check whether or not it is complimentary with Ibuprofen. In case you are confused or unsure, consult your local pharmacist or doctor.
Since Ibuprofen is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), it is not advised to take more than one kind of them simultaneously. It is suggested to consult your doctor in case you are consuming any of the medicine.
What To Do If You Missed A Dose?
Ibuprofen is used only when needed unless prescribed otherwise. Skip the dose that is missed if you are close to the next dosage. Do NOT consume a double dose to even it out.
What Happens If You Overdose?
Seek emergency attention in case you overdose or call the poison helpline. Overdosing symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, shallow breathing, coughing up blood, fainting, or belly pain.
Conclusion
Ibuprofen is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) used for conditions like pain, fever, swelling, and tenderness caused by arthritis. Other Celebrex uses include acute pain, menstrual cramps, and FAP (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis).
Being an NSAID, Celebrex can raise blood pressure and lower the effects of some hypertension drugs.
