Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Quick facts
- Drug class
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug [EPC], Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors [MoA]
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 205323
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Celecoxib is indicated Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for: Osteoarthritis (OA) ( 1.1 ) Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) ( 1.2 ) Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) in patients 2 years and older ( 1.3 ) Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) ( 1.4 ) Acute Pain (AP) ( 1.5 ) Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD) ( 1.6 ) 1.1 Osteoarthritis For the management of the signs and symptoms of OA [ see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. 1.2 Rheumatoid Arthritis For the management of the signs and symptoms of RA [ see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. 1.3 Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis For the management of the signs and symptoms of JRA in patients 2 years and older [ see Clinical Studies (14.3) ]. 1.4 Ankylosing Spondylitis For the management of the signs and symptoms of AS [ see Clinical Studies (14.4) ]. 1.5 Acute Pain For the management of acute pain in adults [ see Clinical Studies (14.5) ]. 1.6 Primary Dysmenorrhea For the management of primary dysmenorrhea [ see Clinical Studies (14.5) ].
About this medicine
11. DESCRIPTION Celecoxib capsule is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, available as capsules containing 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg celecoxib for oral administration. The chemical name is 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)- 3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide and is a diaryl-substituted pyrazole. The molecular weight is 381.38. Its molecular formula is C 17 H 14 F 3 N 3 O 2 S, and it has the following chemical structure: Celecoxib USP is a white or almost white crystalline powder with a pKa of 11.1 (sulfonamide moiety). Celecoxib USP is hydrophobic (log P is 3.5) and is soluble in ethanol and in methylene chloride, practically insoluble in water. The inactive ingredients in celecoxib capsules include: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone and sodium lauryl sulfate. The empty hard gelatin capsule shell contains gelatin and titanium dioxide. The capsules are printed with ink containing black iron oxide, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol and shellac. strc
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Celecoxib has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of celecoxib is believed to be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, primarily via inhibition of COX-2. Celecoxib is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis in vitro . Celecoxib concentrations reached during therapy have produced in vivo effects. Prostaglandins sensitize afferent nerves and potentiate the action of bradykinin in inducing pain in animal models. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation. Since celecoxib is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, its mode of action may be due to a decrease of prostaglandins in peripheral tissues.
Who should not take it
4. CONTRAINDICATIONS Celecoxib is contraindicated in the following patients: Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to celecoxib, any components of the drug product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7, 5.9) ]. History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs, have been reported in such patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.8) ]. In the setting of CABG surgery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. In patients who have demonstrated allergic-type reactions to sulfonamides [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]. Known hypersensitivity to celecoxib, or any components of the drug product or sulphonamides. ( 4 ) History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. ( 4 ) In the setting of CABG surgery. ( 4 )
Warnings and cautions
5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatotoxicity: Inform patients of warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Discontinue if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen or if clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease develop. ( 5.3 ) Hypertension: Patients taking some antihypertensive medications may have impaired response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs. Monitor blood pressure. ( 5.4 , 7 ) Heart Failure and Edema: Avoid use of celecoxib in patients with severe heart failure unless benefits are expected to outweigh risk of worsening heart failure. ( 5.5 ) Renal Toxicity: Monitor renal function in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, heart failure, dehydration, or hypovolemia. Avoid use of celecoxib in patients with advanced renal disease unless benefits are expected to outweigh risk of worsening renal function. ( 5.6 ) Anaphylactic Reactions: Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs. ( 5.7 ) Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity: Celecoxib is contraindicated in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Monitor patients with preexisting asthma (without aspirin sensitivity). ( 5.8 ) Serious Skin Reactions: Discontinue celecoxib at first appearance of skin rash or other signs of hypersensitivity. ( 5.9 ) Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS): Discontinue and evaluate clinically. ( 5.10 ) Fetal Toxicity: Limit use of NSAIDs, including celecoxib, between about 20 to 30 weeks in pregnancy due to the risk of oligohydramnios/fetal renal dysfunction. Avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy due to the risks of oligohydramnios/fetal renal dysfunction and premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. ( 5.11 , 8.1 ) Hematologic Toxicity: Monitor hemoglobin or hematocrit in patients with any signs or symptoms of anemia. ( 5.12 , 7 ) 5.1 Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Clinical trials of several cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, which can be fatal. […]
Reported side effects
6. ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Hepatotoxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Hypertension [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] Heart Failure and Edema [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] Anaphylactic Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] Serious Skin Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] Hematologic Toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 ) ] Most common adverse reactions in arthritis trials (>2% and > placebo) are: abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, peripheral edema, accidental injury, dizziness, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, rash. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Micro Labs USA, Inc. at 1-855-839-8195 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The adverse reaction information from clinical trials does, however, provide a basis for identifying the adverse events that appear to be related to drug use and for approximating rates. Of the celecoxib-treated patients in the pre-marketing controlled clinical trials, approximately 4,250 were patients with OA, approximately 2,100 were patients with RA, and approximately 1,050 were patients with post-surgical pain. More than 8,500 patients received a total daily dose of celecoxib of 200 mg (100 mg twice daily or 200 mg once daily) or more, including more than 400 treated at 800 mg (400 mg twice daily). […]
Interactions with other medicines
7. DRUG INTERACTIONS See Table 3 for clinically significant drug interactions with celecoxib. Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Celecoxib Drugs That Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact: Celecoxib and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding. The concomitant use of celecoxib and anticoagulants have an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone. Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Case-control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone. Intervention: Monitor patients with concomitant use of celecoxib with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin), SSRIs, and SNRIs for signs of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ]. Aspirin Clinical Impact: Controlled clinical studies showed that the concomitant use of NSAIDs and analgesic doses of aspirin does not produce any greater therapeutic effect than the use of NSAIDs alone. In a clinical study, the concomitant use of an NSAID and aspirin was associated with a significantly increased incidence of GI adverse reactions as compared to use of the NSAID alone [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. In two studies in healthy volunteers, and in patients with osteoarthritis and established heart disease respectively, celecoxib (200 mg to 400 mg daily) has demonstrated a lack of interference with the cardioprotective antiplatelet effect of aspirin (100 mg to 325 mg). Intervention: Concomitant use of celecoxib and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended because of the increased risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ]. Celecoxib is not a substitute for low dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection. ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, and Beta-Blockers Clinical Impact: NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or beta-blockers (including propranolol). […]
Use in specific groups
8. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Infertility: NSAIDs are associated with reversible infertility. Consider withdrawal of celecoxib in women who have difficulties conceiving. ( 8.3 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of NSAIDs, including celecoxib, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Because of these risks, limit dose and duration of celecoxib use between about 20 and 30 weeks of gestation and avoid celecoxib use at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations, Data ). Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus Use of NSAIDs, including celecoxib, at about 30 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment Use of NSAIDs at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy has been associated with cases of fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Data from observational studies regarding other potential embryofetal risks of NSAID use in women in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy are inconclusive. In animal reproduction studies, embryo-fetal deaths and an increase in diaphragmatic hernias were observed in rats administered celecoxib daily during the period of organogenesis at oral doses approximately 6 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 200 mg twice daily. In addition, structural abnormalities (e.g., septal defects, ribs fused, sternebrae fused and sternebrae misshapen) were observed in rabbits given daily oral doses of celecoxib during the period of organogenesis at approximately 2 times the MRHD ( see Data ). Based on animal data, prostaglandins have been shown to have an important role in endometrial vascular permeability, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization. In animal studies, administration of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors such as celecoxib, resulted in increased pre- and post- implantation loss. Prostaglandins also have been shown to have an important role in fetal kidney development. […]
If too much is taken
10. OVERDOSAGE Symptoms following acute NSAID overdosages have been typically limited to lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain, which have been generally reversible with supportive care. Gastrointestinal bleeding has occurred. Hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma have occurred, but were rare [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.4 , 5.6) ]. No overdoses of celecoxib were reported during clinical trials. Doses up to 2400 mg/day for up to 10 days in 12 patients did not result in serious toxicity. No information is available regarding the removal of celecoxib by hemodialysis, but based on its high degree of plasma protein binding (>97%) dialysis is unlikely to be useful in overdose. Manage patients with symptomatic and supportive care following an NSAID overdosage. There are no specific antidotes. Consider emesis and/or activated charcoal (60 to 100 grams in adults, 1 to 2 grams per kg of body weight in pediatric patients) and/or osmotic cathartic in symptomatic patients seen within four hours of ingestion or in patients with a large overdosage (5 to 10 times the recommended dosage). Forced diuresis, alkalinization of urine, hemodialysis, or hemoperfusion may not be useful due to high protein binding. For additional information about overdosage treatment contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222).
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This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 24 August 2023. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.