Prescription Drugs 2 Go

Celebrex is a COX-2 Blocker

Celebrex is pain-reliever that is prescribed for various painful conditions such as arthritics, menstrual cramps, ankylosing spondylitis, and also in the treatment of colonic polyps.

NSAIDs are Pain-Killers

It belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. This differentiates it from other types of pain-relievers that are steroidal in nature.

But what are NSAIDs? This class of drugs which includes celebrex relieves pain by reducing the inflammation associated with it. Inflammation is a serious problem in arthritic patients, where the joints become stiff and the muscles and tissues surrounding the joint get inflamed.

NSAIDs like celebrex inhibit the enzymes that produce prostaglandins, which are the chemicals that cause tissues to get inflamed. Prostaglandins also cause pain and fever.

But that’s not all they do.

They also protect the lining of the stomach and intestines from the damaging effects of acid, and promote blood clotting by activating blood platelets. Prostaglandins also affect kidney function.

What are COX Inhibitors?

These enzymes are called cyclooxygenase or COX. There are two types of COX enzymes – COX-1 and COX-2. Both manufacture prostaglandins that promote pain, inflammation and fever.

But only COX-1 is responsible for the manufacture of prostaglandins that also promote blood clotting and protect the stomach and intestinal lining.

What NSAIDs do is they inhibit COX enzymes and thereby reduce the production of prostaglandins. While doing so, they also leave the patient open to the possibility of bleeding and stomach and intestinal ulcers.

Celebrex is a pain-reliever and anti-inflammatory drug that acts selectively as it blocks only COX 2 enzymes. Hence, it does not affect the gastrointestinal tract nor does it interfere with the platelets.

It is also one of the few COX 2 drugs that has not been banned by the US food and Drugs Administration. Others before it were banned after they were found to increase the risk of cardiac arrest.

Colonic Polyps Treatment

Celebrex has also been found useful in the treatment of colonic polyps. It discourages the formation and reduces the size of polyps in the colon, which is a part of the large intestine.

It has been found especially beneficial in patients who are genetically predisposed to colonic polyps, a disease known as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or FAP.

FAP polyps usually turn malignant and the only option is surgery. Drugs like NSAIDs are therefore a second line of treatment.

Yet another condition that is alleviated by celebrex is menstrual cramps and pain. These cramps are once again caused by prostaglandins.