Celebrex

Celebrex is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. Let's consider the main indications for its use, dosage, side effects and other pharmacological properties.

The medication is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is used to relieve pain, muscle stiffness in rheumatism and osteoarthritis, as well as in inflammatory processes. It effectively relieves painful sensations during menstruation in women. It is used in symptomatic therapy of many diseases, unlike other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The active component is celecoxib, its effectiveness is based on the suppression of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is activated due to inflammatory processes in the body. The drug has an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. The therapeutic dose does not affect the function of platelets and the level of blood clotting.

Indications Celebrex

Supportive treatment for many diseases involves the use of various drugs. The indications for the use of Celebrex indicate that it is prescribed for symptomatic therapy. The drug eliminates attacks of acute pain, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), spondylitis, algomenorrhea. It can be used in the complex therapy of adenomatous polyposis to reduce the size and number of adenomatous colorectal polyps.

The use of this medication increases the risk of thrombosis in vital organs. Therefore, treatment is recommended to be carried out in minimally effective doses and for a short period of time. This drug does not replace acetylsalicylic acid, since it does not have antiplatelet properties. During therapy, blood pressure should be monitored, since there is a risk of hypertension.

Use with special caution in patients with chronic heart failure due to the risk of fluid retention in the body and the development of peripheral edema. During therapy, it is recommended to monitor kidney function, as the tablets may have a nephrotoxic effect.

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Release form

Celebrex is available in capsule form, this form of release is due to the ease of use and convenience in selecting a therapeutic dosage. Capsules with an enteric coating contain 100 and 200 mg of the active substance. One package may contain 10 or 20 tablets.

The active component of the drug is celecoxib, the additional components are: sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium croscarmellose, povidone, lactose monohydrate and magnesium stearate.

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Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of action of the active substance is based on the suppression of cyclooxygenase 2 activity and minimal suppression of cyclooxygenase 1. Pharmacodynamics indicate that the enhancement of COX2 is based on the response to the release of biologically active substances due to inflammation. The drug has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties, and with long-term use reduces the risk of colon cancer.

The active ingredient does not interfere with the functioning of the stomach and intestines. According to medical studies, a dosage of 120 mg per day does not affect blood clotting parameters and platelet function. Celecoxib reduces the risk of non-fatal stroke, increases the risk of non-fatal heart attack, and does not affect cardiovascular mortality.

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Pharmacokinetics

The effectiveness of the drug is largely determined by the processes of absorption, distribution and metabolism. The pharmacokinetics of Celebrex indicate its absorption from the digestive tract. The maximum concentration in the blood plasma occurs 3 hours after administration. Fatty foods slow down the absorption process. In this case, the maximum concentration is noted after 6-7 hours, so it is recommended to take the tablets on an empty stomach. Metabolites formed as a result of biotransformation of the active component are excreted from the body through the liver. The substance penetrates the blood-brain barrier.

Celebrex is prescribed with special caution to patients with low body weight, as they have an increased concentration of the substance in the blood. In case of liver or kidney dysfunction, the dose must be adjusted. The drug has a temporary decrease in sodium excretion, which can cause fluid retention and swelling. This condition does not require treatment, as the swelling goes away on its own.

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Dosing and administration

To achieve a lasting therapeutic effect, an individual course of therapy is selected for each patient. The method of administration and dosage of Celebrex depend on the disease to be treated, the patient's age and other characteristics of his body. The recommended dose is 200 mg twice a day. But since the drug causes complications from the cardiovascular system, the treatment is divided into short courses with breaks.

• Osteoarthritis – 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily. Maximum dosage is 800 mg, without risk of side effects.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – 200-400 mg twice daily.
• Ankylosing spondylitis - daily dose 200 mg once a day or twice a day at 100 mg. Maximum dosage 400 mg.
• For familial adenomatous polyposis – 400 mg twice a day.
• To relieve acute pain – 400-600 mg per day with a gradual reduction in dosage to 200 mg.

When treating patients with severe liver dysfunction, dosage adjustment is required, which is usually reduced by 2 times.

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Use Celebrex during pregnancy

Symptomatic treatment of various diseases and attacks of acute pain in expectant mothers is carried out only with safe drugs that do not affect the development of the fetus. The use of Celebrex during pregnancy is possible according to strict indications. In this case, the possible risk of side effects in the child and the negative impact on the mother's body are taken into account.

The drug is contraindicated for use in the third trimester. The active substance suppresses the production of prostaglandins, which causes disturbances in the contractile activity of the uterus. It is not used during lactation, since the active components are excreted in breast milk.

Contraindications

Any pharmacological agent has a number of restrictions on use. Let's consider contraindications to the use of Celebrex:

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance and other components of the drug.
• Intolerance to sulfonamides.
• Increased risk of developing allergic reactions when using NSAIDs or acetylsalicylic acid.
• Use as an analgesic in the postoperative period after coronary artery bypass grafting.

If the above recommendations are not followed, there is a risk of developing negative symptoms in all organs and systems.

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Side effects Celebrex

Violation of the rules for using the medicine causes side effects. If the medicine is used for more than 12 weeks at a dosage of 100-800 mg, then there may be such side effects as:

• Common: skin allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disorders, peripheral edema, upper respiratory tract and urinary tract infections, insomnia, cough, rhinitis.
• Uncommon: anemia, arterial hypertension, tinnitus and visual disturbances, urticaria, arrhythmia.
• Rare: chronic heart failure, increased transaminase activity, confusion, angioedema.

If the tablets are used for a long period of time (more than 3 years) in a dosage of 400-800 mg, the following symptoms are possible:

• Common: arterial hypertension, ear and fungal infections, bowel disorders, prostatitis, angina pectoris.
• Uncommon: sleep disorders, increased hemoglobin, conjunctival hemorrhages, decreased hematocrit, arrhythmia, hemorrhoidal and vaginal bleeding, coronary atherosclerosis.

Overdose

If the doctor's recommendations for the use of Celebrex are not followed, the recommended dosage or course of therapy is exceeded, adverse symptoms appear. Overdose manifests itself as an increase in side effects.

To eliminate signs of overdose, symptomatic therapy and measures to remove celecoxib from the body are carried out.

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Interactions with other drugs

Effective treatment involves the use of several drugs simultaneously. Interactions with other drugs are possible only with appropriate medical indications. Since Celebrex is biotransformed with the active participation of P450 2C9, its use with certain medications is allowed.

• When used with warfarin, there is a risk of fatal bleeding.
• When used with ketoconazole or fluconazole, the concentration of celecoxib in the blood doubles.
• In case of combined treatment with lithium preparations, its increase in the blood by 15-17% is observed. This interaction requires careful medical monitoring and regular check of vital signs.
• When using angiotensin 2 blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), their antihypertensive properties are reduced.
• Contraindicated for use with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Storage conditions

The medicinal properties of Celebrex, like other tablets, depend on the conditions of its storage. Capsules must be kept in the original packaging, in a dry place, protected from sunlight and inaccessible to children. The permissible storage temperature is 16-25 °C.

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Shelf life

Celebrex is approved for use for 3 years from the date of manufacture, which is indicated on the product packaging. After the expiration date, the drug is contraindicated for use and must be disposed of. The use of expired tablets leads to uncontrolled side effects on all organs and systems of the body.