Celecoxib (Oral Route) Before Using

Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

CeleBREX
Elyxyb

Descriptions

Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate pain and help relieve symptoms of arthritis (eg, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. However, this medicine does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it.

Celecoxib is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in the spine. This medicine may also be used to treat acute pain and menstrual cramps.

Celecoxib is also used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura. However, this medicine is not used to prevent migraines.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

Capsule
Solution

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of celecoxib capsules in children 2 years of age and older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 2 years of age.

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of celecoxib oral liquid in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of celecoxib in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart, kidney, or stomach problems, which may require caution.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Ketorolac

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Abciximab
Aceclofenac
Acemetacin
Acenocoumarol
Adagrasib
Amiloride
Amineptine
Amiodarone
Amitriptyline
Amitriptylinoxide
Amoxapine
Amtolmetin Guacil
Anagrelide
Apixaban
Aprepitant
Ardeparin
Argatroban
Aripiprazole
Asciminib
Aspirin
Atomoxetine
Balsalazide
Balsalazide Disodium
Bemetizide
Bemiparin
Bendroflumethiazide
Benzthiazide
Betrixaban
Bismuth Subsalicylate
Bivalirudin
Bromfenac
Budesonide
Bufexamac
Bumetanide
Cangrelor
Cannabidiol
Capecitabine
Carbamazepine
Ceritinib
Certoparin
Chlorothiazide
Chlorthalidone
Choline Salicylate
Cilostazol
Citalopram
Clomipramine
Clonixin
Clopamide
Clopidogrel
Codeine
Cyclopenthiazide
Cyclosporine
Cyclothiazide
Dabigatran Etexilate
Dabrafenib
Dalteparin
Danaparoid
Deflazacort
Desipramine
Desirudin
Desmopressin
Desvenlafaxine
Deutetrabenazine
Dexamethasone
Dexibuprofen
Dexketoprofen
Dextromethorphan
Diazoxide
Dibenzepin
Diflunisal
Digoxin
Dipyridamole
Dipyrone
Dothiepin
Doxepin
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome
Droxicam
Duloxetine
Edoxaban
Eliglustat
Emtricitabine
Encainide
Enoxaparin
Enzalutamide
Eplerenone
Epoprostenol
Eptifibatide
Escitalopram
Ethacrynic Acid
Etodolac
Etofenamate
Etoricoxib
Etozolin
Felbinac
Fenfluramine
Fenoprofen
Fepradinol
Feprazone
Feverfew
Flecainide
Floctafenine
Fluconazole
Flufenamic Acid
Fluoxetine
Flurbiprofen
Fluvoxamine
Fondaparinux
Furosemide
Ginkgo
Gossypol
Haloperidol
Heparin
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrocortisone
Hydroflumethiazide
Ibuprofen
Iloperidone
Iloprost
Imipramine
Indapamide
Inotersen
Ivosidenib
Ketoprofen
Lepirudin
Levomilnacipran
Lithium
Lofepramine
Lofexidine
Lornoxicam
Loxoprofen
Lumiracoxib
Mavacamten
Meadowsweet
Meclofenamate
Mefenamic Acid
Melitracen
Meloxicam
Melphalan
Mesalamine
Methotrexate
Methyclothiazide
Methylprednisolone
Metolazone
Mexiletine
Miconazole
Milnacipran
Morniflumate
Nabumetone
Nadroparin
Naproxen
Nefazodone
Nepafenac
Niflumic Acid
Nimesulide
Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
Nitisinone
Nortriptyline
Olsalazine Sodium
Ondansetron
Opipramol
Oxandrolone
Oxaprozin
Oxycodone
Oxyphenbutazone
Parecoxib
Parnaparin
Paroxetine
Pemetrexed
Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
Pentoxifylline
Perphenazine
Phenindione
Phenobarbital
Phenprocoumon
Phenylbutazone
Piketoprofen
Pimozide
Piretanide
Piroxicam
Pitolisant
Polythiazide
Potassium Citrate
Pranoprofen
Prasugrel
Prednisolone
Prednisone
Primidone
Proglumetacin
Propafenone
Propyphenazone
Proquazone
Protein C
Protriptyline
Quinethazone
Regorafenib
Reviparin
Rifampin
Risperidone
Ritonavir
Rivaroxaban
Rofecoxib
Salicylic Acid
Salsalate
Selexipag
Sertraline
Sibutramine
Sodium Salicylate
Sparsentan
Spironolactone
Sulfaphenazole
Sulfasalazine
Sulfinpyrazone
Sulindac
Sulodexide
Tacrolimus
Tamoxifen
Tamsulosin
Tenofovir Alafenamide
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Tenoxicam
Thioridazine
Tianeptine
Tiaprofenic Acid
Ticagrelor
Ticlopidine
Tinzaparin
Tirofiban
Tolfenamic Acid
Tolmetin
Tolterodine
Torsemide
Trazodone
Treprostinil
Triamterene
Trichlormethiazide
Trimipramine
Valdecoxib
Valproic Acid
Venlafaxine
Vilazodone
Vorapaxar
Vortioxetine
Warfarin
Xipamide
Yohimbine
Zuclopenthixol

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Acebutolol
Atenolol
Azilsartan
Azilsartan Medoxomil
Benazepril
Betaxolol
Bisoprolol
Candesartan
Captopril
Carteolol
Carvedilol
Celiprolol
Enalapril
Enalaprilat
Eprosartan
Esmolol
Fosinopril
Irbesartan
Labetalol
Levobunolol
Lisinopril
Losartan
Metipranolol
Metoprolol
Moexipril
Nadolol
Nebivolol
Olmesartan
Oxprenolol
Penbutolol
Perindopril
Pindolol
Propranolol
Quinapril
Ramipril
Sotalol
Spirapril
Telmisartan
Timolol
Trandolapril
Valsartan

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use

For safe and effective use of this medicine, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of unwanted effects.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine to a teaspoon of cool or room temperature applesauce. This mixture must be swallowed right away without chewing and followed with a glass of water to make sure all of the mixture is swallowed.

To use the oral liquid:

If you are taking 120 milligrams (mg), take the medicine directly from the bottle. Hold the bottle upside down for 10 seconds to make sure the full amount of medicine is taken.
If you are taking 60 mg, use an oral dosing syringe to withdraw and measure 2.4 milliliters (mL) of the medicine from the bottle and take it directly from the syringe. Do not use a household teaspoon to measure the medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (capsules):
- For acute pain or pain during menstruation:
  - Adults—At first, 400 milligrams (mg). A second dose of 200 mg can be taken if needed on the first day. Then, 200 mg 2 times a day as needed.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For ankylosing spondylitis or osteoarthritis:
  - Adults—200 milligrams (mg) once a day or 100 mg 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis:
  - Adults—100 to 200 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older and weighing more than 25 kilograms (kg)—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 100 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older and weighing less than 25 kilograms (kg)—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 50 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For oral dosage form (solution):
- For acute migraine with or without aura:
  - Adults—120 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Celecoxib capsule that has been mixed with applesauce may be stored in a refrigerator and used within 6 hours.

Do not store the oral liquid bottle and reuse the remaining medicine. Throw away the bottle with the unused medicine.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine during the later part of pregnancy can harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause a delay in ovulation for women and may affect their ability to have children. If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.

This medicine may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease. People who use this medicine for a long time might also have a higher risk.

This medicine may cause bleeding in your stomach or bowels. These problems can happen without warning signs. This is more likely if you or your child have had a stomach ulcer in the past, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, are over 60 years of age, are in poor health, or using certain other medicines (eg, steroids or a blood thinner).

Liver problems may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or tenderness, clay-colored stools, dark urine, decreased appetite, fever, headache, itching, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, skin rash, swelling of the feet or lower legs, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin.

Check with your doctor right away if you have bloody urine, a decrease in frequency or amount of urine, an increase in blood pressure, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lower back or side pain, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weight gain. These could be symptoms of a serious kidney problem.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, confusion, difficulty with breathing, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, or weakness or heaviness of the legs.

Using this medication in certain patients under the age of 18 for the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (bleeding problem). Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Serious skin reactions, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have black, tarry stools, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, chest pain, chills, cough, diarrhea, fever, itching, joint or muscle pain, painful or difficult urination, red irritated eyes, red skin lesions, sore throat, sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips, swollen glands, unusual bleeding or bruising, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Serious side effects can occur during treatment with this medicine and can occur without warning. However, possible warning signs often occur, including black, tarry stools, decreased urination, severe stomach pain, skin rash, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual weight gain, vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, or yellow eyes and skin. Also, signs of serious heart problems could occur such as chest pain, tightness in the chest, fast or irregular heartbeat, or unusual flushing or warmth of the skin. Check with your doctor right away if you notice any of these warning signs.

This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you or your child have unexplained weight gain or edema (fluid retention or body swelling) with this medicine.

Before having any kind of surgery or medical tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. It may be necessary for you to stop treatment for a while, or to change to a different NSAID before your procedure.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Cough
fever
skin rash
sneezing
sore throat
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

Less common or rare

Abnormal growth in the breast
arm, back, or jaw pain
bloody or black, tarry stools
blurred vision
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
burning or stinging of the skin
burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
chills
confusion
cramps
diarrhea
dry mouth
earache
fast or irregular heartbeat
heartburn
heavy bleeding
heavy non-menstrual vaginal bleeding
high blood pressure
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
loss of appetite
loss of consciousness
muscle aches and pains
nausea
nerve pain
painful blisters on the trunk of body
painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
pale skin
redness or swelling in the ear
sensation of pins and needles
soreness or redness around the fingernails and toenails
stabbing pain
stiff neck
stomachache
stomach pain (severe)
sweating
tenderness in the stomach area
trouble breathing
unexplained weight loss
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight gain
vomiting
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
weakness

Incidence not known

Area rash
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
changes in skin color
clay-colored stools
dilated neck veins
itching
joint or muscle pain
light-colored stools
pale or a bluish color skin of the fingers or toes
red irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
seizures
slurred speech
sores, welting, or blisters
sudden and severe inability to speak
ulcers or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
unpleasant breath odor
weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body
yellow eyes and skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Continuing thirst
dizziness
drowsiness
headache, severe or continuing
sudden decrease in the amount of urine
trouble breathing
weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Back pain
change in sense of taste
gas
headache
heartburn
inability to sleep
loss of taste
pain or burning in the throat
stuffy or runny nose

Less common

Anxiety
bleeding after defecation
bloody or cloudy urine
breast pain
bone deformity
buzzing or ringing noise in the ears
constipation
decrease in height
decreased appetite
depression
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty with moving or walking
difficulty with swallowing
excessive muscle tone, muscle tension, or tightness
excessive tearing
feeling of pressure
hair loss
hives
hoarseness
increased sweating
infection
inflammation
itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at site
itching of the vagina or genital area
joint or muscle pain or stiffness
large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
loss of energy or weakness
loss of hearing
muscle pain increased
muscle stiffness
nervousness
numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes
pain during sexual intercourse
pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs
pounding heartbeat
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
redness or swelling in the arms or legs
sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
severe sunburn
sleepiness
straining while passing stool
sudden sweating and feelings of warmth
swelling
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
tenderness
thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
thinning of the hair
trouble with swallowing
uncomfortable swelling around anus
unexplained weight loss
voice changes
warmth on the skin
weakness or heaviness of the legs

Incidence not known

Bleeding gums
bloating
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of sense of smell
pain
pinpoint red spots on the skin
shakiness and unsteady walk
stomach cramps
swelling of the neck
tenderness
trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unsteadiness
watery or bloody diarrhea

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/celecoxib-oral-route/before-using/drg-20068925

Celecoxib (Oral Route)

Description and Brand Names

US Brand Name

Descriptions

Before Using

Allergies

Pediatric

Geriatric

Breastfeeding

Drug Interactions

Other Interactions

Other Medical Problems

Proper Use

Dosing

Missed Dose

Storage

Precautions

Side Effects

More common

Less common or rare

Incidence not known

Symptoms of overdose

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

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