DESCRIPTION
Celebrex is the first of a new class of antiinflammatory drugs approved for use in both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. It acts by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a key step in producing prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are one of the mediators of the inflammatory response.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness, drowsiness (avoid driving or the use of dangerous machinery while using this drug).
Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and headache are among the most common.
CAUTIONS
Late pregnancy (premature closure of ductus arteriosus), liver dysfunction, hypertension, congestive heart failure; previous history of gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, or perforation; renal dysfunction, concurrent use of warfarin
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, aspirin, fluconazole, lithium, warfarin.
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
Pregnancy category C; breast milk secretion, unknown
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Do not confuse: Celebrex / Celexa / Cerebra / Cerebyx
Take drug with food or meals if GI upset occurs.
COX-2 specific inhibition good choice for patients with inflammatory conditions who are at high risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects (e.g., older than 60 years, history of peptic ulcer disease, prolonged, high-dose NSAID therapy, concurrent use of corticosteroids or anticoagulants)
