Properties:
Celoxib is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) drug possessing ant-inflammatory, analgesic & antipyretic activities.
Its mechanism of action is due to its inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis primarily via inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase - 2 (COX 2)
Celoxib does not inhibit the cyclo-oxygenase -1 (COX 1) iso-coenzymes.
Celoxib capsules can be taken without prior regard to timing of meals.
Peak plasma levels occur within approximately 3 hours after an oral dose. The drug is highly protein bound with extensive distribution within the tissues.
Celoxib is predominantly eliminated by hepatic metabolism with little unchanged drug recovered in the urine and feaces.
The half life is approximately 11 hours.

Indications:
Relief of symptoms & signs of osteoarthritis.
Relief of symptoms & signs of rheumatoid arthritis in adults.

Contraindications:
Celoxib is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensivity to Celoxib, aspirin or any other NSAIDs.
It should not be given to patients who have demonstrated allergic –type reactions to sulfonamides.
Celoxib & pregnancy:
Celoxib should be used only if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the fetus.
Celoxib should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy because it may cause premature closure of the ductus arterious.

Celoxib & nursing mothers:
A decision should be taken whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug all together. The importance of the drug to the mother should be taken into account.

Side effects:
Serious side effects have occurred rarely in patients taking Celoxib. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal manifestations such as dyspepsia or abdominal pain. Others include allergic reactions, anorexia, anemia & thrombocythemia.

Dosage and administration:
In osteoarthritis 200 mg per day as a single dose or as 100mg twice per day
In rheumatoid arthritis 100 – 200 mg once or twice daily.
Drug interaction:
Celoxib metabolism is mediated via cytochrome P450 2C9 in the liver. Co-administration of Celoxib with drugs that are known to inhibit 2C9 should be done with caution. NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme) and the natriuretic effect of furosemide.the lowest recommended dose of Celoxib should be given in patients receiving fluconazole.
Anticoagulant activity should be monitored in patients receiving warfarin or similar agents concurrently.

Warning:
NSAIDS must be prescribed with extreme caution in patients with prior history of ulcer diseases or GIT bleeding to minimize the potential risk of an adverse GI event, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible duration.
For high risk patients alternate therapies that do not involve NSAIDs should be considered.
Presentation:
Box of 10 capsules (100 – 200 mg)
Box of 1000 capsules (100 – 200 mg)