Celebrex (celecoxib): what it treats and how to use it safely

Celebrex (generic: celecoxib) is a prescription painkiller that targets inflammation with less stomach upset than older NSAIDs. If you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, painful periods, or short-term acute pain, doctors often consider Celebrex because it’s a COX-2 selective inhibitor — that means it focuses more on the inflammation enzyme and usually irritates the stomach lining less than non-selective NSAIDs.

That sounds great, right? But Celebrex isn’t risk-free. It can raise the chance of heart attack or stroke in people with heart disease, and it can still affect kidneys and blood pressure. The trick is using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time you need, and checking with your doctor about your personal risks.

How to use Celebrex safely

Typical adult dosing is 100–200 mg once or twice a day depending on the condition. For osteoarthritis, many people take 100 mg once or 200 mg once daily. For acute pain or rheumatoid arthritis, your prescriber may recommend 200 mg per day or split doses. Never exceed the prescribed dose. Take it with food to lower stomach upset.

Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, or a history of stomach ulcers. Also mention if you take blood thinners (warfarin), ACE inhibitors or ARBs, diuretics, lithium, or methotrexate—those can interact with celecoxib. Pregnant? Avoid Celebrex in the third trimester because it can harm the baby.

Regular checks: if you’ll be on Celebrex long-term, your doctor may monitor blood pressure, kidney function, and signs of bleeding. Stop and call your provider if you notice swelling, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting.

Common side effects and red flags

Expect mild side effects like stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness. Less common but serious signs include black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing of skin or eyes, and difficulty breathing. If you’re allergic to sulfonamide antibiotics, tell your doctor—celecoxib has a sulfa group and can cause reactions in sensitive people.

Any chest pain, sudden weakness, slurred speech, or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of face or throat) means get emergency care right away.

Thinking of buying Celebrex online? Only use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Check for a physical address, licensed pharmacist contact, secure checkout (https), and clear return policies. If a site sells prescription drugs without asking for a prescription or prices are unrealistically low, walk away.

Want alternatives? For mild pain try acetaminophen. For general NSAID effects, ibuprofen or naproxen work but have different risk profiles. Talk to your doctor to pick the safest option for your health and lifestyle.