Celebrex 200 mg (Celecoxib): Uses, Safety and Interactions

Uses and formulation

Celebrex 200 mg is an oral hard capsule containing celecoxib, a COX-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The UK information reviewed here covers symptom relief in adults with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Approved uses differ between countries; this summary does not extend the UK capsule instructions to children or other products.

Selective COX-2 action does not mean freedom from stomach, kidney or cardiovascular harm. The need for treatment and response should be reassessed rather than assuming that continuing pain requires stronger or longer treatment. Celecoxib is not a substitute for aspirin prescribed to prevent cardiovascular events.

Who needs particular care

Common reported effects include indigestion, abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness and fluid retention. The UK label excludes use with active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, severe kidney or liver dysfunction, inflammatory bowel disease, specified heart failure or established arterial cardiovascular disease. A history of sulfonamide allergy or an allergic reaction to aspirin or another NSAID also matters.

Vomiting blood, black or blood-stained stools, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, facial swelling or breathing difficulty need urgent assessment. A blistering or peeling rash, mouth lesions or yellowing of the eyes can indicate serious skin or liver reactions. High blood pressure, dehydration and swelling warrant review, and monitoring may be required according to the individual risk.

Interaction and reproductive precautions

Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants, including apixaban or rivaroxaban, increase concern about bleeding; warfarin monitoring may be needed. Aspirin, corticosteroids and other NSAIDs can add gastrointestinal risk. Combining celecoxib with a non-aspirin NSAID should be avoided unless the prescriber has explicitly assessed the regimen.

ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers and diuretics require attention to kidney function and blood pressure. Lithium, methotrexate, fluconazole and medicines affected by CYP2D6 should be included in the medicine check. These interactions do not all have the same mechanism or required response.

The UK product information contraindicates Celebrex during pregnancy and breastfeeding and requires effective contraception where relevant. It can also affect female fertility. Seek professional advice about pregnancy plans or possible exposure; the local product information remains essential.

Sources

• Celebrex 200 mg hard capsules — UK SmPC — Text revised January 2026; emc updated 28 January 2026
• Celebrex capsules — UK patient leaflet — Leaflet revised January 2026; emc updated 26 January 2026

Source check: 30 October 2026. This records verification of the cited sources, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Product instructions and availability can differ between countries.