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) sourcesUpdated Jul 24, 2026How we research

Key facts

Drug class: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Treats (across its forms): 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
Half-life: about 11 hours
What the pharmacy pays: about $2 for a 30-count supply — not your price
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,…

Everything below is the FDA label for Celecoxib (capsule). Celecoxib is also sold as liquid and suspension, and those are different medicines to take — follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

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…

Who shouldn’t take Celecoxib

Known hypersensitivity to celecoxib or any components of the drug product or sulfonamides. ( 4 ) History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. ( 4 ) In the setting of CABG surgery. ( 4 ) Celecoxib is contraindicated in the following patients: Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to celecoxib, any components of the drug product [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.9 )]. History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs, have been reported in such patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.8 )]. In the setting of CABG surgery [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. In patients who have demonstrated allergic-type reactions to sulfonamides [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ].

Celecoxib drug interactions

Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (e.g. warfarin, aspirin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]/ serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs]) : Monitor patients for bleeding who are concomitantly taking celecoxib with drugs that interfere with hemostasis. Concomitant use of celecoxib and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended. ( 7 ) Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB), or Beta-Blockers : Concomitant use with celecoxib may diminish the antihypertensive effect of these drugs. Monitor blood pressure. ( 7 ) ACE Inhibitors and ARBs : Concomitant use with celecoxib in elderly, volume depleted, or those with renal impairment may result in deterioration of renal function. In such high risk patients, monitor for signs of worsening renal function. ( 7 ) Diuretics : NSAIDs can reduce natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazide diuretics. Monitor patients to assure diuretic efficacy including antihypertensive effects. ( 7 ) Digoxin : Concomitant use with celecoxib can increase serum concentration and prolong half-life of digoxin. Monitor serum digoxin levels. ( 7 ) See Table 3 for clinically significant drug interactions with celecoxib. Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Celecoxib Drugs That Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact: • Celecoxib and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding. The concomitant use of celecoxib and anticoagulants have an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone. • Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Case-control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone. Intervention: Monitor patients with concomitant use of celecoxib with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin), SSRIs, and SNRIs for signs of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )]. Aspirin Clinical Impact: Controlled clinical studies showed that the concomitant use of NSAIDs and analgesic doses of aspirin does not produce any greater therapeutic effect than the use of NSAIDs alone. In a clinical study, the concomitant use of an NSAID and aspirin was associated with a significantly increased incidence of GI adverse reactions as compared to use of the NSAID alone [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. In two studies in healthy volunteers, and in patients with osteoarthritis and established heart disease respectively, celecoxib capsules (200 mg to 400 mg daily) has demonstrated a lack of interference with the cardioprotective antiplatelet effect of aspirin (100 mg to 325 mg). Intervention: Concomitant use of celecoxib and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended because of the increased risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )]. Celecoxib capsules are not a substitute for low dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection. ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, and Beta-Blockers Clinical Impact: • NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE ARBs, or beta-blockers (including propranolol). • In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or have renal impairment, co-administration of an NSAID with ACE inhibitors or ARBs may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Intervention: • During concomitant use of celecoxib and ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or beta-blockers, monitor blood pressure to ensure that the desired blood pressure is obtained. • During concomitant use of celecoxib and ACE inhibitors or ARBs in patients who are elderly, volume-depleted, or have impaired renal function, monitor for signs of worsening renal function [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. • When these drugs are administered concomitantly, patients should be adequately hydrated. Assess renal function at the beginning of the concomitant treatment and periodically thereafter. Diuretics Clinical Impact: Clinical studies, as well as post-marketing observations, showed that NSAIDs reduced the natriuretic effect of loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) and thiazide diuretics in some patients. This effect has been attributed to the NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. Intervention: During concomitant use of celecoxib with diuretics, observe patients for signs of worsening renal function, in addition to assuring diuretic efficacy including antihypertensive effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. Digoxin Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of celecoxib with digoxin has been reported to increase the serum concentration and prolong the half-life of digoxin. Intervention: During concomitant use of celecoxib and digoxin, monitor serum digoxin levels. Lithium Clinical Impact: NSAIDs have produced elevations in plasma lithium levels and reductions in renal lithium clearance. The mean minimum lithium concentration increased 15%, and the renal clearance decreased by approximately 20%. This effect has been attributed to NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. Intervention: During concomitant use of celecoxib and lithium, monitor patients for signs of lithium toxicity. Methotrexate Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of NSAIDs and methotrexate may increase the risk for methotrexate toxicity (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction). Celecoxib capsules has no effect on methotrexate pharmacokinetics. Intervention: During concomitant use of celecoxib and methotrexate, monitor patients for methotrexate toxicity. Cyclosporine Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of celecoxib and cyclosporine may increase cyclosporine's nephrotoxicity. Intervention: During concomitant use of celecoxib and cyclosporine, monitor patients for signs of worsening renal function. NSAIDs and Salicylates Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of celecoxib with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Intervention: The concomitant use of celecoxib with other NSAIDs or salicylates is not recommended. Pemetrexed Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of celecoxib and pemetrexed may increase the risk of pemetrexed-associated myelosuppression, renal, and GI toxicity (see the pemetrexed prescribing information). Intervention: During concomitant use of celecoxib and pemetrexed, in patients with renal impairment whose creatinine clearance ranges from 45 to 79 mL/min, monitor for myelosuppression, renal and GI toxicity. NSAIDs with short elimination half-lives (e.g., diclofenac, indomethacin) should be avoided for a period of two days before, the day of, and two days following administration of pemetrexed. In the absence of data regarding potential interaction between pemetrexed and NSAIDs with longer half-lives (e.g., meloxicam, nabumetone), patients taking these NSAIDs should interrupt dosing for at least five days before, the day of, and two days following pemetrexed administration. CYP2C9 Inhibitors or inducers Clinical Impact: Celecoxib metabolism is predominantly mediated via cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 in the liver. Co-administration of celecoxib with drugs that are known to inhibit CYP2C9 (e.g. fluconazole) may enhance the exposure and toxicity of celecoxib whereas co-administration with CYP2C9 inducers (e.g. rifampin) may lead to compromised efficacy of celecoxib. Intervention Evaluate each patient's medical history when consideration is given to prescribing celecoxib. A dosage adjustment may be warranted when celecoxib is administered with CYP2C9 inhibitors or inducers. [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. CYP2D6 substrates Clinical Impact: In vitro studies indicate that celecoxib, although not a substrate, is an inhibitor of CYP2D6. Therefore, there is a potential for an in vivo drug interaction with drugs that are metabolized by CYP2D6 (e.g. atomoxetine), and celecoxib may enhance the exposure and toxicity of these drugs. Intervention Evaluate each patient's medical history when consideration is given to prescribing celecoxib. A dosage adjustment may be warranted when celecoxib is administered with CYP2D6 substrates. [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Corticosteroids Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of corticosteroids with celecoxib capsules may increase the risk of GI ulceration or bleeding. Intervention Monitor patients with concomitant use of celecoxib capsules with corticosteroids for signs of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].

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?	Pharmacy pays
1	Celecoxib Boxed warning	64/100	Prescription	Capsule	Generic	$2	View →
2	Celebrex Boxed warning	Not yet rated	Prescription	Capsule	Generic	$2	View →
3	Elyxyb Boxed warning	Not yet rated	Prescription	Liquid	Generic	$2	View →
4	Vyscoxa Boxed warning	Not yet rated	Prescription	Suspension	Generic	$2	View →

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.

Celecoxib and breastfeeding

From LactMed, the US National Library of Medicine’s Drugs and Lactation Database — quoted, not rewritten.

Because of the low levels of celecoxib in breastmilk, amounts ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. No special precautions are required.

Full LactMed record for celecoxib: levels in milk, effects in breastfed infants, and the drugs it would consider instead

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, record revised May 15, 2025. LactMed states its information is not a substitute for professional judgement.

What people report to the FDA about celecoxib

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 36,415 reports naming celecoxib, and the FDA flagged 75% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:

fatigue3,258 reports
arthralgia3,213 reports
nausea3,160 reports
diarrhoea2,874 reports
vomiting2,546 reports
headache2,416 reports
rash2,407 reports
rheumatoid arthritis2,382 reports

Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean celecoxib caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label section above.

Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved July 25, 2026.

How long celecoxib stays in your system

The elimination half-life of celecoxib is about 11 hours. This is the effective (terminal) half-life in healthy adults under fasting conditions; celecoxib follows roughly linear kinetics at therapeutic doses, so most of a dose clears in roughly 2–3 days. It is metabolized mainly by CYP2C9 to metabolites that have no detectable COX activity (no active metabolite outlasts the parent). Clearance is slower — and plasma levels higher — in CYP2C9 poor metabolizers, in the elderly (higher Cmax/AUC), and in moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B roughly doubles exposure; dose reduced 50%; severe hepatic impairment not studied). Not recommended in severe renal insufficiency.

Celecoxib capsule — FDA label (DailyMed SPL), Actavis Pharma, Inc. ↗

Half-life is how long the body takes to clear half a dose. It is not the same as how long a drug test can detect it, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.

Related calculators

How long it stays in your system →

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.

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.

How long does celecoxib stay in your system?

The elimination half-life of celecoxib is about 11 hours — that is how long the body takes to clear half of a dose. This is the effective (terminal) half-life in healthy adults under fasting conditions; celecoxib follows roughly linear kinetics at therapeutic doses, so most of a dose clears in roughly 2–3 days. It is metabolized mainly by CYP2C9 to metabolites that have no detectable COX activity (no active metabolite outlasts the parent). Clearance is slower — and plasma levels higher — in CYP2C9 poor metabolizers, in the elderly (higher Cmax/AUC), and in moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B roughly doubles exposure; dose reduced 50%; severe hepatic impairment not studied). Not recommended in severe renal insufficiency. Half-life is not the same as how long a drug test can detect the drug, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.

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.

Cite this page

APA: pharmaranks. (2026, July 24). Celecoxib: uses, dosing, side effects & brands. https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/celecoxib
MLA: “Celecoxib: uses, dosing, side effects & brands.” pharmaranks, 24 July 2026, https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/celecoxib.

We summarise public FDA and NIH sources — for a clinical claim, cite the primary source we link to as well.

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.

Read the full FDA label for celecoxib on DailyMed (NIH) ↗ — including its boxed warning in full.