Celecoxib capsules is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, available as capsules containing 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg celecoxib for oral administration. The chemical name is 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide and is a diaryl-substituted pyrazole. The molecular weight is 381.38. Its molecular formula is C 17 H 14 F 3 N 3 O 2 S, and it has the following chemical structure: Celecoxib is a white to off-white powder with a pKa of 11.1 (sulfonamide moiety). Celecoxib is hydrophobic (log P is 3.5) and is practically insoluble in aqueous media at physiological pH range. The inactive ingredients in celecoxib include: black iron oxide, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C blue #1, FD&C red #40, gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, potassium hydroxide, povidone, propylene glycol, shellac, sodium lauryl sulphate, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide and yellow iron oxide. image-01

What kind of drug is celecoxib?

The FDA classifies celecoxib as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that your body uses to make prostaglandins, the chemicals behind pain, swelling, and fever. Lowering prostaglandins eases pain and inflammation and brings down a high temperature. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take celecoxib with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run celecoxib against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is celecoxib sold under?

We track 4 celecoxib-containing products in the U.S.: Celecoxib, Celebrex, Elyxyb and Vyscoxa. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does celecoxib come in?

Across the brands we track, celecoxib is currently marketed as capsule, liquid and suspension, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic celecoxib?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic celecoxib product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Has celecoxib been recalled?

The FDA's Enforcement database lists 2 recall records whose product description mentions celecoxib. The most recent: Celecoxib Capsules (May 13, 2025). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.

Celecoxib: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sold in the U.S. under 4 brand and generic names, for rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea and osteoarthritis. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Treats: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Dysmenorrhea and Osteoarthritis
Available as: Capsule · Liquid · Suspension
Sold as: 4 products — Celecoxib, Celebrex and Elyxyb, and others
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $3 for a 30-count supply
Boxed warning: Boxed warning

How celecoxib is dosed

From the FDA label for Celecoxib (application ANDA202240). Other celecoxib products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Use the lowest effective dosage for shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. ( 2.1 ) OA: 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily. ( 2.2 , 14.1 ) RA: 100 mg to 200 mg twice daily. ( 2.3 , 14.2 ) JRA: 50 mg twice daily in patients 10 kg to 25 kg. 100 mg twice daily in patients more than 25 kg. ( 2.4 , 14.3 ) AS: 200 mg once daily single dose or 100 mg twice daily. If no effect is observed after 6 weeks, a trial of 400 mg (single or divided doses) may be of benefit. ( 2.5 , 14.4 ) AP and PD: 400 mg initially, followed by 200 mg dose if needed on first day. On subsequent days, 200 mg twice daily as needed. ( 2.6 , 14.5 ) Hepatic Impairment: Reduce daily dose by 50% in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B). ( 2.7 , 8.6 , 12.3 ) Poor Metabolizers of CYP2C9 Substrates: Consider a dose reduction by 50% (or alternative management for JRA) in patients who are known or suspected to be CYP2C9 poor metabolizers. ( 2.7 , 8.8 , 12.3 ). 2.1 General Dosing Instructions Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of celecoxib capsules and other treatment options before deciding to use celecoxib capsules. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 )]. These doses can be given without regard to timing of meals. 2.2 Osteoarthritis For OA,…

Celecoxib side effects

Most common adverse reactions in arthritis trials (>2% and >placebo) are: abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, peripheral edema, accidental injury, dizziness, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, rash ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc at 1-800-399-2561 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Heart Failure and Edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Anaphylactic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The adverse reaction information from clinical trials does, however, provide a basis for identifying the adverse events that appear…

Every celecoxib product we track (4)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Celecoxib products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Celecoxib Boxed warning	56/100	Prescription	Capsule	Generic	$3	View →
2	Celebrex

What celecoxib pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Celecoxib pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
APO;C100	100 mg	white	capsule	—
SG;158	200 mg	white	capsule	—
C6;200mg	200 mg	white	capsule	—
OE;100	100 mg	white	capsule	—
Cipla;421;200	200 mg	white	capsule	—

Combination products containing celecoxib

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

Celecoxib recalls

From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.

Frequently asked questions

What is celecoxib?: Celecoxib capsules is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, available as capsules containing 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg celecoxib for oral administration. The chemical name is 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide and is a diaryl-substituted pyrazole. The molecular weight is 381.38. Its molecular formula is C 17 H 14 F 3 N 3 O 2 S, and it has the following chemical structure: Celecoxib is a white to off-white powder with a pKa of 11.1 (sulfonamide moiety). Celecoxib is hydrophobic (log P is 3.5) and is practically insoluble in aqueous media at physiological pH range. The inactive ingredients in celecoxib include: black iron oxide, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C blue #1, FD&C red #40, gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, potassium hydroxide, povidone, propylene glycol, shellac, sodium lauryl sulphate, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide and yellow iron oxide. image-01
What kind of drug is celecoxib?: The FDA classifies celecoxib as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that your body uses to make prostaglandins, the chemicals behind pain, swelling, and fever. Lowering prostaglandins eases pain and inflammation and brings down a high temperature. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take celecoxib with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run celecoxib against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is celecoxib sold under?: We track 4 celecoxib-containing products in the U.S.: Celecoxib, Celebrex, Elyxyb and Vyscoxa. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does celecoxib come in?

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.