Celecoxib

Also indexed as: Celebrex

Celecoxib is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; it is in a class of medications known as selective COX-2 inhibitor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them.	Potassium Sodium
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	Willow*
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.	Lithium
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Sodium and Potassium
Controlled studies indicate that individuals on low-salt diets who take celecoxib retain sodium and potassium, which might result in higher than normal blood levels of these minerals.¹ More research is needed to determine whether potassium supplements might produce unwanted side effects in people taking celecoxib. Until more information is available, people taking celecoxib should have their sodium and potassium blood levels monitored by their doctor.

Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts to treat mood disorders such as manic-depression. Taking celecoxib together with the mineral can result in significant increases in lithium blood levels,² which might cause unwanted side effects. Consequently, people taking celecoxib and lithium-containing supplements should consult their doctor about having their lithium blood levels checked regularly.

Interactions with Herbs

Willow (Salix alba)
Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. Taking aspirin and celecoxib together increases the likelihood of developing stomach and intestinal ulcers.³ Though no studies have investigated a similar interaction between willow bark and celecoxib, people taking the drug should avoid the herb until more information is available.

References

1. Rossat J, Maillard M, Nussberger J. Renal effects of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition in normotensive salt-depleted subjects. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1999;66:76–84.

2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2901–4.

3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2901–4.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.