celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) that relieves pain and inflammation (swelling). it is used most commonly used for acute pain, menstrual cramps, and the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

like older nsaids such as motrin and naprosyn, celecoxib is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called cox-2. unlike the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called cox-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. celecoxib is therefore less likely to cause the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older nsaids.

celecoxib has also been found to reduce the number of colorectal polyps (growths in the wall of the lower intestine and rectum) in people who suffer from the condition called familial adenomatous polyposis (fap), an inherited tendency to develop large numbers of colorectal polyps that eventually become cancerous.

celecoxib works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

for best results, take celecoxib dosage regularly, exactly as prescribed. you can take it with or without food.

celecoxib dose for adults:

• osteoarthritis: the recommended daily dose is 200 milligrams, taken as a single dose or in 100-milligram doses twice a day.
  
  
• rheumatoid arthritis: the recommended dose is 100 to 200 milligrams twice a day.
  
  
• acute pain and menstrual cramps: the recommended starting dose is 400 milligrams, followed by an additional 200 milligrams if needed on the first day. on subsequent days, the recommended dosage is 200 milligrams twice a day.
  
  
• familial adenomatous polyposis: the recommended dose is 400 milligrams twice a day with food.
  

celecoxib dosage is typically cut in half for people with moderate liver problems.

overdosage of celecoxib: any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. if you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

symptoms of celecoxib overdose: may include, breathing difficulties, coma, drowsiness, gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, kidney failure, nausea, sluggishness, stomach pain, vomiting

if you miss a dose of celecoxib: take it as soon as you remember. if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. do not take 2 celecoxib doses at the same time.

storage instructions for celecoxib: store at room temperature.

preparations of celecoxib capsules: 100 mg (white with a blue band), 200 mg (white with a gold band), 400 mg (white with a green band)

if celecoxib is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining celecoxib with the following:

ace-inhibitors (a type of blood pressure and heart medication, including such drugs as capoten, vasotec, and prinivil), blood thinning agents such as coumadin, fluconazole (diflucan), furosemide (lasix), lithium (eskalith, lithobid), thiazide diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide and dyazide.

if you take low-dose aspirin to protect against heart attack, you can continue taking it with celecoxib. using aspirin increases your risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding, but celecoxib does not have aspirin\'s protective effect on the heart.

if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, celecoxib can harm a developing baby, if taken during the third trimester, and its safety earlier in pregnancy has not been confirmed. take celecoxib during pregnancy only if you feel the risk is justified.

it\'s possible that celecoxib makes its way into breast milk (scientists aren\'t sure), and it could cause serious reactions in a nursing infant. if this drug is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding.

celecoxib side effects cannot be anticipated. if any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking celecoxib.

more common celecoxib side effects: may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, respiratory infection, sinus inflammation.

less common celecoxib side effects: back pain, dizziness, gas, insomnia, rash, runny nose, sore throat, swelling.

rare celecoxib side effects: may include, allergic reactions, anxiety, belching, blisters in mouth and eyes, blood disorders, blood infections, blurred vision, bone disorders, breast pain, breast problems, bronchitis, cataracts, chest pain, colitis, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), constipation, coughing, cysts, dark-tarry stools, deafness, depression, dermatitis, diabetes, difficult urination, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, drowsiness, dry mouth, dry skin, earache, ear infection, ear ringing, esophageal perforation, eye infection, eye pain, fainting, fatigue, fever, flu symptoms, fungal infection, gallstones, gangrene, general swelling, glaucoma (pressure in the eye), hair loss, heart failure, heart irregularities, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, hernia of the stomach, herpes infection, hives, hot flashes, increased appetite, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased muscle tone, increased urination, infection, inflammation of the digestive tract, inflammation of the bladder, inflammation of the blood vessels, intestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction or perforation, itching, jaundice, joint pain or inflammation, kidney problems, laryngitis, leg cramps, liver problems, loss of appetite, loss of balance, low blood sugar, menstrual disorders, migraine headache, mouth ulcers, muscle ache, nail disorders, neck stiffness, nerve pain, nervousness, nosebleeds, pain, painful urination, pancreatitis, phlebitis, pneumonia, poor coordination, prostate problems, severe diarrhea, severe skin rash and peeling, skin reaction due to sunlight, skin sensitivity, skin tingling, stroke, suicide, sweating, swollen face and throat, taste disturbances, tendonitis, tiredness, tooth disorders, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, vaginal problems, vomiting, weakness, weight gain.