What is the best time of day to take Celebrex? 

In this concise article, we will be discussing various significant aspects related to the administration of Celebrex. These aspects encompass determining the most suitable timing for taking Celebrex, considering factors that influence the appropriate timing, recommending actions to be taken in the event of a missed dose, potential adverse effects associated with Celebrex, and exploring alternative treatment options for individuals who may not achieve satisfactory results with Celebrex.

You can take Celebrex at any time of the day (1,2). However, you should consider adjusting the timing of your Celebrex intake to coincide with your meals each day (1,3).

If you forget to take your prescribed dose of Celebrex, take it as soon as you remember. You should not take a double dose to make up for a missed one (4).

Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent problems while taking this medication.

If Celebrex fails to provide sufficient pain relief, your doctor can recommend an alternative medication that is better suited to your clinical condition(5).

What is the best time of day to take Celebrex? 

You can take Celebrex at any time of the day. 

Celebrex doesn’t come with any restrictions, so it can be taken in the morning or at night. 

Since it is a prescription-only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ,it is recommended that you follow  your doctor’s directions and the timings he/she has suggested.

In most cases, Celebrex is prescribed to take twice daily with a 12-hour time gap (1,2). This means that you’ll need to take Celebrex in the morning as well as at night. 

Therefore, there is not a ‘best’ time to take Celebrex; you can take it at whichever time suits you best. 

How should you choose the timing for taking Celebrex?

Celebrex is not commonly associated with side effects that can be prevented by changing the timing of the medication. However, as an NSAID, Celebrex falls into a category of medications known for causing gastrointestinal side effects (1,3).

To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to take Celebrex with food, as it can create a protective barrier in the stomach. . Therefore, you should consider adjusting the timing of your Celebrex intake to coincide with your meals each day. 

What to do if you forget to take one dose of Celebrex? 

If you forget to take your prescribed dose of Celebrex, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one (4).

Remember that, as previously described, it is recommended to take Celebrex with food (1,3).

What adverse effects may Celebrex cause?

Celebrex may be associated with the following adverse effects (1,4):

  • Gas or bloating
  • Sore throat
  • Cold symptoms
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Dysgeusia

Some side effects can be serious, such as:

  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the abdomen, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Itching
  • Lack of energy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Blisters
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, or hands
  • Hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Pale skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
  • Back pain
  • Difficult or painful urination
  • Frequent urination, especially at night

Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent problems while taking this medication.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking Celebrex and call your doctor: stomach pain, heartburn, vomiting a substance that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, blood in the stool, or black and tarry stools (1).

Additionally, it’s important to know that NSAIDs, such as Celebrex, cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, as well as serious gastrointestinal adverse events, which can be fatal (4).

What are the alternative treatment options to Celebrex? 

If Celebrex does not provide you adequate pain relief, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider. 

Many medications can have analgesic effects, and it is likely that you have already tried some of them before taking Celebrex.

Within the category of non-opioid analgesic agents, there are acetaminophen, NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Celebrex, and others), antidepressant medications (such as Trazodone), antiepileptic drugs (such as Gabapentin), and local anesthetics (such as Lidocaine).

In addition to these, there are opioid medications, which provide benefits in relieving acute and chronic pain. However, the use of this class of medications has been among the most controversial analgesics, particularly because of their potential for addiction, tolerance, and side effects (5).

Therefore, if you are not satisfied with the outcome of the treatment with Celebrex, please consult your doctor, who can recommend an alternative medication that is more suitable for your clinical condition.

Conclusion 

In this concise article, we have discussed various important aspects concerning the administration of Celebrex. These included determining the optimal timing for taking Celebrex, considerations for selecting the appropriate timing, actions to be taken in the event of a missed dose, potential adverse effects associated with Celebrex, and alternative treatment options available for individuals who may not respond adequately to Celebrex.

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References

1.-

CELEBREX® (celecoxib).  U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Reference ID: 3517626 [Internet] [updated 2017 Jun; cited 2023 Jun 29]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/020998s056lbl.pdf.

3.-

Simon LS, Weaver AL, Graham DY, Kivitz AJ, Lipsky PE, Hubbard RC, et al. Anti-inflammatory and upper gastrointestinal effects of celecoxib in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 1999;282(20):1921-8.

4.-

MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); c1998–2023. Celecoxib; [updated 2022 Oct 15; cited 2023 Jun 29]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699022.html.

5.-

Queremel Milani DA, Davis DD. Pain Management Medications. [Updated 2023 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560692/.