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Celecoxib

Pain Relief

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What is celecoxib?

Celecoxib (also called Celebrex®) is used to treat acute pain. This medicine is one of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Celecoxib is available as a 100mg and 200mg capsule to be taken by mouth.

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Possible side effects

Most common
  • Mild skin rash
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Mild abdominal pain
  • Flatulence (gas)
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Rash
  • Irritated throat
  • Runny nose
  • Cold-like symptoms, swelling of sinuses
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Flu-like symptoms


If you have any of these side effects, tell the doctor right away:         

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
  • Fast or slow heartbeat
  • Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, bloody or black, tarry stools
  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Pain in your calf
  • Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish skin
  • Sudden or severe headache, feeling dizzy, or problems with vision, speech, or walking
  • Feeling unusually tired or weak, pale skin
  • These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take celecoxib will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

  • Celecoxib is usually taken one or two times a day.
  • It is best to take this medicine with food or milk so it does not upset your stomach.
  • If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a teaspoon of applesauce. Stir the mixture well and swallow right away. Drink enough water to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.
  • Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
  • Do not take this drug for longer than you were told by your doctor.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Any medicine that has been mixed with applesauce may be stored in a refrigerator and used within 6 hours.
  • Missed doses:
    • Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
    • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
    • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Drug at home:

  • Celecoxib is usually taken one or two times a day.
  • It is best to take this medicine with food or milk so it does not upset your stomach.
  • If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a teaspoon of applesauce. Stir the mixture well and swallow right away. Drink enough water to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.
  • Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
  • Do not take this drug for longer than you were told by your doctor.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Any medicine that has been mixed with applesauce may be stored in a refrigerator and used within 6 hours.
  • Missed doses:
    • Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
    • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
    • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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