Celecoxib

• The dose of celecoxib will be different for different people. Your healthcare provider will tell you the dose that is right for you. Your dose of celecoxib will depend on what it's being used for.
• The usual dose of celecoxib for adults is 200 mg once a day or 100 mg twice a day. 
• Some people may need a higher dose of 200 mg twice a day.
• Always take your celecoxib exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Take celecoxib with a full glass of water: Swallow the capsules whole. Don't crush or chew them. 
• Food: If celecoxib makes your stomach sore, take it with food.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it when you next need pain relief and then continue as before. Don't take 2 doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Taking celecoxib with other pain medicines

Don't take other anti-inflammatory medicines such as diclofenac, ibuprofen or naproxen while taking celecoxib. This can increase your risk of side effects.

It's safe to take celecoxib with paracetamol because they work differently. 

Taking celecoxib with blood pressure medicines

Celecoxib interacts with some medicines, especially those used for high blood pressure, so check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start taking it.

Image credit: Healthify He Puna Waiora

Taking NSAIDs together with blood pressure medicines can be harmful to your kidneys. This is called the ‘triple whammy’. If you're taking blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) and diuretics tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting celecoxib. Talk to them about safe pain-relief options for you.

• Examples of ACE inhibitors are captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril and quinapril.
• Examples of ARBs are candesartan, irbesartan and losartan.
• Examples of diuretics are furosemide, bumetanide, bendroflumethiazide, chlortalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, spironolactone, eplerenone and metolazone.

Read more about the triple whammy.(external link) 

Here are some other things to know when you're taking celecoxib. 

• You may only need to take celecoxib for a few days or long-term. It won’t cure your condition but helps to control pain, swelling and stiffness.
• If you’re not well: It can be harmful to take celecoxib when you’re dehydrated or have been sick with diarrhoea (runny poo) or vomiting (being sick). Read more about the risks of NSAIDs.
• Alcohol: Celecoxib doesn't directly interact with alcohol. This means that most people could have the occasional drink while taking it without any serious problems. However, if celecoxib makes you feel dizzy or gives you a sore stomach, don't drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
• Driving: Celecoxib can make you feel dizzy. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

Like all medicines, celecoxib can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• Heartburn (indigestion), sore stomach, runny poo (diarrhoea). Take celecoxib with food.
• Headache.
• Feeling dizzy. Don’t drink alcohol. Be careful when driving or using tools until you feel better.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Serious stomach problems such as really bad stomach pain, blood in your stool or black stools, cough or vomiting up blood or dark-coloured vomit.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
• Signs of a stroke such as weakness in one part or side of your body and slurred speech.
• Signs of kidney problems such as swollen ankles, blood in your pee or not peeing at all.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.