Celecoxib
Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis pain when your prescriber judges it appropriate. It may have lower stomach ulcer risk than some traditional NSAIDs but is not stomach-safe for everyone.
This medicine is part of the Pain relief category.
Generic name: celecoxib
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis pain when your prescriber judges it appropriate.
How long does it take to work?
Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges.
What are common side effects?
Indigestion, ankle swelling, raised blood pressure, headache, or dizziness.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Celecoxib with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Celecoxib is used for
Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis pain when your prescriber judges it appropriate.
It may have lower stomach ulcer risk than some traditional NSAIDs but is not stomach-safe for everyone.
How does Celecoxib work, and how long does it take to work?
It preferentially blocks the COX-2 enzyme involved in inflammation while sparing COX-1 to some degree.
Cardiovascular risk still exists, especially at higher doses or in at-risk patients.
How and when should you take Celecoxib?
Capsules with or without food as your leaflet states — often once or twice daily.
Use lowest effective dose for shortest duration unless specialist monitors long-term need.
What are the common side effects of Celecoxib?
Indigestion, ankle swelling, raised blood pressure, headache, or dizziness.
Serious side effects of Celecoxib — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for chest pain, stroke symptoms, GI bleeding, or severe allergic reaction including sulfa-type reactions if you have relevant allergy history.
What if you miss a dose of Celecoxib?
Take when remembered unless nearly time for next; do not double.
Who should not take Celecoxib?
Active ischaemic heart disease, severe heart failure, Aspirin-sensitive asthma, and sulphonamide allergy in many cases. Post-CABG pain should not use celecoxib.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Celecoxib? — other interactions
Warfarin, antiplatelets, SSRIs, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, and lithium need review.
Celecoxib in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid in third trimester; discuss earlier pregnancy and breastfeeding with your prescriber.
Blood tests and monitoring on Celecoxib
Blood pressure, kidney function, and cardiovascular risk factors are considered before and during treatment.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Celecoxib?
Naproxen with stomach protection, Etoricoxib in some cases, or Paracetamol may be options.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Celecoxib
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Celecoxib used for?
- Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis pain when your prescriber judges it appropriate. It may have lower stomach ulcer risk than some traditional NSAIDs but is not stomach-safe for everyone.
- How long does Celecoxib take to work?
- Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Celecoxib with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Celecoxib with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Celecoxib?
- Indigestion, ankle swelling, raised blood pressure, headache, or dizziness. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Is celecoxib better for the stomach than ibuprofen?
- It can be gentler for some stomachs but still carries risks and is not suitable for everyone — your prescriber weighs heart and gut history.
- Can I take low-dose aspirin with celecoxib?
- Interaction is complex; if both are prescribed, your prescriber plans timing and stomach protection — do not combine without advice.
Need personalised advice?
Your local pharmacist or GP surgery can help with questions about your medicines, side effects, and alternatives that may be suitable for you.
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Often used with
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