Celecoxib Uses

Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to treat joint pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treat acute pain and primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). This medicine is also used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 years of age and older.

There may be other uses of celecoxib—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Celecoxib Mechanism of Action

Celecoxib relieves pain by blocking the formation of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are natural substances that cause fever, pain, and inflammation.

Celecoxib Doses

Celebrex (celecoxib) is available as 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg capsules to relieve pain. 

The usual dose of celecoxib in adults is as follows:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: 100-200 mg twice daily.
• Osteoarthritis: 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily. The dose may be increased to 400 mg in a single dose or divided doses if there is no benefit after 6 weeks on a lower dose.
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: 50 mg twice daily in patients weighing between 10 to 25 kg and 100 mg twice daily in patients weighing over 25 kg.
• Acute pain and menstrual pain: A 400 mg initial dose, followed by a 200 mg dose on the first day and then 200 mg twice daily as needed.