What Type of Medicine Is Celebrex?
Celebrex is a drug use to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Pharmacologically, it belongs to the class of COX-2 inhibitors and is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS) medication. The drug is commonly prescribed for treating common medical conditions including fibromyalgia, joint and muscular pain, menstrual cramps and arthritis.
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Mechanism of action
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Celebrex works by inhibiting the actions of certain enzymes that can cause pain and is a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. Celebrex is available only by prescription from a licensed medical doctor.
Heart risks side effects
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Any person who suffer from heart disease or cardiovascular problems may be at an increase risk of heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular blood clots when taking Celebrex since all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have the same risk factors. The risks of serious medical complications can increases with longer duration of use.
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Gastrointestinal side effects
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Celebrex can increase the risks of serious stomach and intestinal reactions such as ulcerations of the stomach or intestinal lining, bleeding and even perforations of the gastrointestinal tract which can be fatal. The geriatric population is more susceptible to serious side effects from long term use of Celebrex.
Celebrex and Pregnancy
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Pregnant women should consult their medical doctor before taking Celebrex. Currently there is no clinical data available to show adverse affects of Celebrex in pregnant women, however, there is an increased chance that it might affect blood flow to the developing fetus if taken during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Drug-drug interactions
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Celebrex should not be taken in combination with certain prescription drugs due to drug-drug interactions which could cause serious adverse reactions. These drugs are contraindicated for certain patients with particular medical conditions. For example, warfarin (coumadin) can increase bleeding problems, aspirin, corticosteriods, and lithium which increases celebrex levels in the bloodstream. It is vitally important to inform your medical doctor if you are on these medications.
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