R R

What Is Celecoxib?

Celecoxib is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing activity. It is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients age 2 and older, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain in adults, and primary dysmenorrhea. Generic capsules commonly come in 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg strengths.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Celecoxib?

Celecoxib is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing activity. It is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients age 2 and older, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain in adults, and primary dysmenorrhea. Generic capsules commonly come in 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg strengths.

read more about celecoxib ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

How Does Celecoxib Inhibit COX-2?

Celecoxib reduces prostaglandin synthesis primarily by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2. Prostaglandins participate in inflammation and sensitize nerves involved in pain. Lower prostaglandin production reduces pain, inflammation, and fever. Celecoxib does not replace aspirin for cardiovascular prevention.

Who Is Treated With Celecoxib?

Celecoxib is used for signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also approved for acute pain in adults and primary dysmenorrhea. Pediatric arthritis dosing applies from age 2 and is based on body weight.

How Is Celecoxib Dosed?

Osteoarthritis uses 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily. Rheumatoid arthritis uses 100 mg to 200 mg twice daily. Pediatric juvenile rheumatoid arthritis dosing is 50 mg twice daily at 10 kg to 25 kg and 100 mg twice daily above 25 kg. Acute pain and primary dysmenorrhea start with 400 mg.

What Safety Problems Need Attention With Celecoxib?

Celecoxib carries a boxed warning for serious cardiovascular thrombotic events and gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, or perforation. Other risks include kidney injury, liver injury, high blood pressure, heart failure, high potassium, severe skin reactions, and anaphylaxis. It is contraindicated during coronary artery bypass graft surgery and in people with certain NSAID or sulfonamide allergic reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Celecoxib

Is celecoxib a COX-2 inhibitor?

Yes. Celecoxib reduces prostaglandin synthesis primarily through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2.

Can children take celecoxib for arthritis?

Yes. Current labeling includes juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients age 2 and older under weight-based dosing.

What is the osteoarthritis dose of celecoxib?

The labeled dose is 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily.

Does celecoxib increase cardiovascular risk?

Yes. Its boxed warning describes an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including heart attack and stroke.

References

CELEBREX (celecoxib) Prescribing Information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/020998s058lbl.pdf. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Celecoxib. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699022.html. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Celecoxib. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2662. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Celecoxib. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535359/. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

DailyMed - CELECOXIB capsule. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3a1eadd5-c0a7-473e-bde0-6b9450d11c95. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.