Celecoxib: everything you need to know

Celecoxib It is a drug that belongs to the group of selective COX-2 inhibitor drugs. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects similar to non-selective NSAIDs; however, it produces less acute gastric lesions.

Celecoxib It is prescribed to relieve pain, inflammation and stiffness caused by joint diseases. These diseases are arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

It is also used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Celecoxib can also be used to treat painful menstrual periods. Even to relieve other types of pain in the short term, such as surgeries and other medical or dental procedures.

How to take celecoxib?

This drug It comes in capsules for oral administration. In general, it is taken once or twice a day and can be taken with or without food.

So you don't forget to take celecoxib, try to take it at about the same times every day. Do not increase or decrease the dose, or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

In case you can't swallow the capsules, or if the treatment is for a child, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on some food to swallow it with him.

Since the cardiovascular risk of celecoxib may increase with the dose and duration of treatment, the lowest effective daily dose should be used. In addition, the duration of treatment should be as short as possible.

Periodically, the response to treatment should be reevaluated, especially in patients with osteoarthritis, to assess its efficacy and safety.

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Dose depending on the disease to be treated

For the treatment of osteoarthritis, The recommended daily dose is 200 mg once daily, or in two doses. In some patients, the dose may be increased to 200 mg twice daily to increase efficacy. If after 2 weeks there is no increase in therapeutic benefit, other therapeutic alternatives should be considered.

The recommended initial daily dose of celecoxib for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is 200 mg given in two doses. As in the case of osteoarthritis, if necessary, the dose can be increased to 200 mg twice daily.

However, if after 2 weeks there is no greater therapeutic benefit, we must consider other alternatives therapeutic. The maximum recommended daily dose is 400 mg for both indications.

Contraindications of celecoxib

The use of this drug It is contraindicated in cases where there is hypersensitivity to the active substance, to any of the excipients and to sulfa drugs.

It is also contraindicated if there is active peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.. As well as in patients who have experienced asthma, acute rhinitis, edema, urticaria or other allergic reactions after taking acetylsalicylic acid or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Celecoxib is contraindicated in pregnancy and in women who want to conceive. Although the potential risk of causing malformations in humans during pregnancy is unknown, it cannot be excluded.

Similarly, It is contraindicated in patients with diseases such as severe liver dysfunction, renal disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease and / or established cerebrovascular disease.

Possible side effects

Like all medications, celecoxib may have adverse effects. Depending on the estimated frequency of their appearance, they are classified as follows:

Frequent

• Stomach ache, diarrhea and gas.
• Dizziness and insomnia.
• Nasal congestion, sinusitis and pharyngitis.
• Fluid retention with edema.
• Skin rash

Uncommon

• Anxiety, depression, tiredness, blurred vision, muscle stiffness and tingling sensation.
• Anemia, kidney or liver problems.
• High blood pressure or worsening of it, palpitations.
• Urinary tract and mouth infections.
• Skin reactions such as hives.

Rare side effects

In this section, Adverse effects such as ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding are included, intestinal perforation, inflammation of the esophagus and difficulty swallowing. There are also acute pancreatitis, colitis, confusion, hallucinations, hearing loss and aseptic meningitis.

Remember to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you observe any of these symptoms.

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conclusion

Currently, despite the different side effects of celecoxib, in some cases this medication is prescribed. This is because The benefits of taking celecoxib are greater than the risks involved.