Celebrex dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes Celebrex’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Celebrex. If you want to know more about Celebrex, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Celebrex is a brand-name medication that comes in a capsule that you swallow. It’s available in a generic version called celecoxib. This article describes dosages of Celebrex.

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Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious gastrointestinal issues. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.

Form and strengths of Celebrex

Celebrex comes as follows:

• Form: a capsule that you swallow
• Strengths: 50 milligrams (mg), 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg

Dosage of Celebrex

This article describes the recommended dosages for Celebrex. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Celebrex without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of Celebrex in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Celebrex. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Celebrex that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for short-term pain, such as back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions

Dosages of Celebrex in children

Celebrex is approved for the relief of symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. The usual dosage is based on body weight in kilograms (kg), and is listed below. For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).

For children who have difficulty swallowing capsules, the contents of the capsule can be sprinkled on applesauce and swallowed immediately.

Dosage adjustments for Celebrex

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Celebrex based on several factors. These include:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• your age
• other medications you may be taking
• other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of Celebrex

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Celebrex. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Celebrex and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Celebrex and its dosage.

Is it safe to take Celebrex 400 mg twice per day?

Taking Celebrex 400 mg twice per day can increase your risk of developing complicated stomach ulcers. You’re at an even greater risk of developing stomach ulcers if you also take aspirin or if you’re 65 years or older. 

Generally, the maximum recommended dosage of Celebrex is 400 mg per day or 200 mg twice per day. Doses above 200 mg twice per day do not provide additional benefits. 

Speak with your doctor if you have questions about your Celebrex dosage.

Do older adults need to take a lower dose of Celebrex?

Not necessarily. If you’re an older adult (age 65 years or older), you and your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of your dosage of Celebrex. Usually, your doctor will start by prescribing a low dosage of Celebrex and then adjust it over time to the lowest dose that’s most effective for your condition.

Older adults are typically monitored more closely when taking Celebrex. This is because older adults are at an increased risk of adverse side effects when taking this drug. These side effects can include digestive tract bleeding, ulcers, liver and kidney damage, stroke, and heart attack.

If you’re an older adult, talk with your doctor about the dose of Celebrex that may be most beneficial for you.

Is Celebrex taken long term?

Possibly. It depends on why you’re taking Celebrex. You may only need to take it short-term. But your doctor can prescribe it as a long-term treatment if you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition.

If you have questions about how long you should take Celebrex, talk with your doctor.

How Celebrex is taken

You’ll swallow Celebrex once or twice per day. 

If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, the contents of the capsule can be sprinkled on applesauce and swallowed immediately.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body, which can help the drug work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Celebrex coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Celebrex when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Overdose of Celebrex

It’s important that you do not take more Celebrex than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Celebrex overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• drowsiness
• nausea and vomiting
• pain in your upper abdomen
• bleeding in your digestive tract
• high blood pressure
• kidney failure
• slowed or shallow breathing
• coma

What to do if you take too much Celebrex

If you think you’ve taken too much Celebrex, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource.

If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the nearest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Celebrex. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Celebrex without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Celebrex exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How long will I need to take Celebrex?
• Will you change my dosage of Celebrex if I need to take other drugs with it?
• Do you need to monitor anything while I’m taking Celebrex?

Boxed warnings for Celebrex

This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. Studies have shown an increased risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems, including heart attack and stroke, when taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Celebrex. This can happen whether or not you have a history of heart or blood vessel problems. To minimize this risk, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time.

Risk of serious digestive problems. NSAIDs like Celebrex can cause serious digestive problems. This includes swelling, bleeding, and the development of ulcers or tears in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. These can be fatal. To minimize this risk, use the lowest effective dose of Celebrex for the shortest amount of time.

Also, avoid taking other NSAIDs while you’re taking Celebrex. Get immediate medical attention if you think you may have bleeding or a tear in your digestive tract.

For details, see the “Dosage of Celebrex” section above. You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.