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Description
Celebrex is prescribed for acute pain, menstrual cramps, and the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is the first of a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
s (NSAIDs) called "COX-2 inhibitors." Like older NSAIDs such as Motrin and Naprosyn, Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unli
ke 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. Celebrex is therefore less likely to cau
se the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs.
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Symptoms of overdose
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Celebrex overdose may include:
Breathing diffic
ulties, coma, drowsiness, gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, kidney failure, nausea, sluggishness, stomach pain, vomiting
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How should you take this medication?
Celecoxib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any par
t you do not understand. Take celecoxib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
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Before Using This Medicine
Taking two or more of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs together on a regular basis may increase the chance of unwanted effects. Also, taking acetaminophen, aspirin or other salicylates, or ket
orolac (e.g., Toradol) regularly while you are taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug may increase the chance of unwanted effects. The risk will depend on how much of each medicine you take ever
y day, and on how long you take the medicines together.However, do not take acetaminophen or aspirin or other salicylates together with this medicine for more than a few days, and do not take any keto
rolac (e.g., Toradol) while you are taking this medicine, unless your doctor has directed you to do so and is following your progress.
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Side Effects of This Medicine
Rare 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 br
eathing, difficulty swallowing, drowsiness, dry mouth, dry skin, earache, ear infection, ear ringing, esophageal perforation, eye infection, eye pain, fainting, fatigue, fever, flu symptoms, fungal in
fection, gallstones, gangrene, general swelling, glaucoma (pressure in the eye), hair loss,
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Include on your medical history/personal profile all of the other medicines you are taking or plan to take while you are on CELEBREX, even other medicines that you can get without a prescription. CELE
BREX has significant drug interactions with :
- Methotrexate (a medicine used to suppress the immune system).
- Warfarin (a blood thinner).
- Rifampin (an antibiotic).
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br> - ACE inhibitors (medicines used for high blood pressure and heart failure).
- Lithium (a medicine used to treat a certain type of depression).
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