Celebrex 200 Mg Capsule (10 Cap)

CELEBREX 200 MG CAPSULE (10 CAP) by PFIZER LIMITED

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Celebrex
  • Common Name: Celecoxib

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Celecoxib 200 mg.
  • Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that acts as a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, reducing pain and inflammation.

• Uses: Celebrex 200 mg is prescribed for the relief of signs and symptoms of:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (in adults and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 years and older)
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Acute pain
  • Primary Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)
  • To reduce the number of colon and rectal polyps in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Dosage varies based on the condition being treated; generally, for osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, it's often 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily. For rheumatoid arthritis, it can be 100 mg to 200 mg twice daily. For acute pain and primary dysmenorrhea, an initial dose of 400 mg may be followed by 200 mg on the first day, then 200 mg twice daily as needed.
  • Capsules can be taken with or without food. If swallowing whole is difficult, the capsule contents can be sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce and consumed immediately with water.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Stomach pain, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, cold symptoms, and swelling in hands or feet.
  • Serious: May increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. Can also cause serious gastrointestinal problems such as bleeding, ulcers, or perforation of the stomach or intestines. Other serious side effects include allergic reactions, severe skin reactions, kidney or liver injury, and heart failure.

• Precautions:

  • This medicine carries a boxed warning regarding increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. It should not be used for pain relief right before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
  • There is also an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.
  • Caution is advised for patients with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding issues, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, liver or kidney disease, or those who consume alcohol or smoke.
  • Avoid taking with other NSAIDs or aspirin unless directed by a healthcare professional.
  • Interactions can occur with blood thinners, diuretics, certain antidepressants, steroids, and blood pressure medications.
  • Not recommended for use after 30 weeks of pregnancy as it may harm the fetus.
  • Patients with a sulfonamide (sulfa) allergy should not take Celebrex.

• Storage:

  • Store at room temperature, typically between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F), away from moisture, heat, and direct light.
  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • If mixed with applesauce, the mixture is stable for up to 6 hours under refrigeration.

CELEBREX 200 MG CAPSULE (10 CAP) by PFIZER LIMITED is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation.

What is Celebrex used for?

Celebrex (celecoxib) is used to treat mild to moderate pain and inflammation associated with various conditions. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (in children 2 years and older), ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain, and primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps).

How does Celebrex work?

Celebrex is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. It works by blocking the COX-2 enzyme, which is responsible for producing prostaglandins—chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in the body. By selectively targeting COX-2, Celebrex aims to reduce inflammation and pain with a potentially lower risk of certain gastrointestinal side effects compared to non-selective NSAIDs.

What is the usual dosage for Celebrex 200 mg capsule?

The dosage of Celebrex varies depending on the condition being treated:

• Osteoarthritis: Typically 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Usually 100 mg to 200 mg twice daily.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Recommended dose is 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily. If symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks, the dose may be increased to 400 mg daily.
• Acute Pain or Primary Dysmenorrhea: An initial dose of 400 mg, followed by an additional 200 mg if needed on the first day. On subsequent days, 200 mg twice daily as needed.
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (children 2 years and older): Dosing is based on weight; typically 50 mg twice daily for children weighing 10-25 kg, and 100 mg twice daily for those over 25 kg.

Capsules can be swallowed whole with water. If swallowing is difficult, the capsule can be opened, and its contents sprinkled into a teaspoon of applesauce, which should then be swallowed immediately with water.

What are the possible side effects of Celebrex?

Celebrex can cause both mild and serious side effects.

• Common mild side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, nausea, vomiting, headache, swelling in the hands or feet, dizziness, sore throat, runny nose, and sinusitis.
• Serious side effects can include an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, and serious gastrointestinal problems like bleeding, ulcers, or perforations in the stomach or intestines. These serious issues can be fatal and may occur without warning. Other serious side effects include liver problems (e.g., liver failure, jaundice), kidney problems (e.g., kidney damage, decreased urination, swelling), high blood pressure, heart failure, serious skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome), and anemia.

Is Celebrex safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

• Pregnancy: Celebrex should be avoided from 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards, and particularly after 30 weeks of gestation, as it can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, including premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and kidney problems.
• Breastfeeding: Low levels of celecoxib can pass into breast milk. Caution is advised, and the potential benefits to the mother should be carefully weighed against any possible risks to the breastfed infant. Some sources suggest considering discontinuing nursing or the medication.
• Fertility: Celebrex, like other NSAIDs, may temporarily affect a woman's ability to conceive by delaying or preventing ovulation.

Can Celebrex be taken with other medications?

Celebrex can interact with various medications. It should generally not be taken with other NSAIDs (including aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen), ketorolac, thioridazine, or cidofovir, as this can increase the risk of side effects, especially gastrointestinal issues.

Caution and close monitoring are needed when taking Celebrex with:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Increased risk of bleeding.
• Certain blood pressure medications: May reduce their effectiveness or increase the risk of kidney problems (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics).
• Lithium, methotrexate, cyclosporine, fluconazole, some antidepressants, and steroid medications: These can also interact with Celebrex, potentially leading to increased drug levels or enhanced side effects. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking Celebrex?

• Inform your doctor about any pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, kidney or liver disease, asthma, or a sulfa allergy.
• Celebrex should not be used immediately before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
• To minimize risks, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
• Regularly monitor your blood pressure while on this medication.
• Be vigilant for symptoms of serious side effects, such as severe stomach pain, bloody or tar-like stools, chest pain, difficulty breathing, skin rash, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Celebrex, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can lead to increased side effects.

How should Celebrex be stored?

Store Celebrex capsules at room temperature, typically between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F), away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets. If you open a capsule and mix its contents with applesauce, consume the mixture immediately, or store it in a refrigerator and use within 6 hours. Dispose of any unused or expired medication properly.