Definition of Celebrex
By Carly Main | June 11, 2008
Celebrex vs. Celecoxib
The information contained in this web site applies to the drug Celebrex, and to its generic version Celecoxib. According to the FDA, generic drugs are identical to brand-name drugs in use, dosage, effectiveness, format, risk, and active ingredient.
What is Celebrex?
Celebrex (or Celebra, as it is known outside of the US) is the brand name of the drug Celecoxib, a pain treatment medication originally developed by G.D. Searle & Co. and now manufactured by Pfizer. Celebrex is one of a class of pain treatment drugs called NSAIDs.
Chemistry of Celebrex
Chemical Formula: C17H14F3N3O2S
Chemical Name: methylphenyl-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-benzenesulfonamide
As is evidenced by the ending “-sulfonamide,” Celebrex is a “sulfa drug,” or a member of the drug class sulfonamides. Celebrex may cause an allergic reaction in people with a known allergy to sulfonamides.
What are NSAIDs?
NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, are used in certain patients to treat chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and in some cases menstrual cramps, as well as acute pain. NSAIDs are designed to have the effectiveness of steroidal pain medications, without the side effects associated with the narcotic steroids.
How Does Celebrex Work?
Celebrex treats inflammation by preventing the body’s synthesis of a chemical called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin has a dual effect in the body: protecting the stomaching and intestinal lining with a layer of mucous (associated with the COX-1 enzyme); and causing inflammation and pain (associated with the COX-2 enzyme). Celebrex is called a Selective COX-2 Inhibitor because it is designed to target the COX-2 enzyme specifically, while sparing the protective effects of the prostaglandin formed by COX-1.
COX-2 Inhibitors have been available since the late 1990s. Learn more about the history of Celebrex.
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