Celecoxib

Celecoxib is a medicinal drug best known under the brand name Celebrex.

Celecoxib is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, painful menstruation and menstrual symptoms, and to reduce numbers of colon and rectum growths (polyps) in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. It is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, and should not be taken by anyone allergic to NSAIDs.

Celecoxib is considered a COX-2 inhibitor since it only acts on one specific form of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, whereas other NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2. This specificity allows Celecoxib and other COX-2 inhibitors to reduce inflammation (and pain) while minimizing undesired side effects (such as stomach ulcers) that can occur with non-selective NSAIDs.

Celecoxib is manufactured and marketed under the brand name Celebrex (a registered trademark) by G. D. Searle & Company. It is available by prescription in capsule form.