Celebrex® Infromative Articles Rose, Verna L.
Celecoxib for Arthritis. American Family Physician v59, n5 (March 1, 1999):1326 (1 pages). COPYRIGHT 1999 American Academy of Family Physicians
Celecoxib (Celebrex) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in relieving the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. It is a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities. According to the manufacturer, celecoxib works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2
(COX-2), an enzyme that plays a role in pain and inflammation. However, it does not inhibit the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme that helps maintain the normal stomach lining. In clinical
trials of over 13,000 patients and healthy volunteers, celecoxib was shown to be as effective as the prescription-strength NSAID naproxin in treating arthritis pain and inflammation. The
recommended therapeutic dose for use in osteoarthritis is 200 mg daily, administered as a single dose, or 100 mg administered twice daily. For use in rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended
therapeutic dosage is 100 mg to 200 mg, given twice daily. In clinical trials, celecoxib was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of upper gastrointestinal
ulcers, compared with results obtained with ibuprofen and naproxen. Persons with a known allergic reaction to celecoxib, sulfonamides, aspirin or NSAIDs should not use celecoxib. Although
celecoxib has a low potential to cause stomach ulcers, the manufacturer states that ulcerations could occur without warning signs. Physicians and patients should be alert for signs and symptoms
of gastrointestinal bleeding. For complete prescribing information, call 800-753-0352, ext. 704. ORDER CELEBREX® ONLINE NOW! |
