Prescribed medication relieves approximately 58% of people with chronic pain.
The quest for quick relief from pain symptoms is ongoing for people who experience chronic or short-term pain.
Pain management remains crucial to patient care if you navigate today's health landscape.
One of the hottest debate topics in this realm is the comparison of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Celebrex vs. ibuprofen.
As both of these medicines are widely prescribed to patients to alleviate any symptoms of pain and inflammation, the debate on using Celebrex vs. ibuprofen remains a much-studied one that has created a significant divide amongst healthcare professionals.
In this post, we will highlight and compare the efficacy of Celebrex vs. ibuprofen by exploring the intricacies and advantages of each of these NSAIDs.
So let’s get started.
An Overview Of Celebrex
Celebrex provides symptomatic relief from pain in adults. It’s specifically a type of NSAID called a COX-2 inhibitor.
Reducing pain and inflammation-causing substances in the body by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme, Celebrex lowers the production of prostaglandins that lead to inflammation, pain, and fever.
It mainly targets only COX-2, resulting in less frequent stomach side effects like bleeding or ulcers.
An Overview Of Ibuprofen
Globally, one in five adults experience pain, and 10% get diagnosed with chronic pain every year.
As you all know, ibuprofen is the most commonly prescribed NSAID to relieve mild to moderate pain symptoms.
It acts as a cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, ultimately reducing pain symptoms.
Although the anti-inflammatory properties of ibuprofen are weaker than other NSAIDs, it is known for its prominent antipyretic and analgesic role.
Uses Of Celebrex vs. Ibuprofen
Understanding the uses of Celebrex and ibuprofen for an in-depth comparison of Celebrex vs. ibuprofen is essential.
Here’s a table that compares their primary uses to help you understand the uses and efficacy of these two most commonly prescribed NSAIDs.
|
Aspect |
ibuprofen |
Celebrex |
|
Uses |
||
|
Reduces the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis |
Alleviates the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis |
|
|
Prescribed as an OTC for quick back pain relief |
Usually prescribed for chronic back pain |
|
|
Non-selective action reduces inflammation but can have greater side effects |
Selective COX-2 inhibition that specifically targets inflammation |
|
Mechanism |
||
|
Enzyme targeting |
COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor |
Selective COX-2 inhibitor. |
|
Treatment Duration |
Ideal for short-term pain relief. It can lead to increased side effects when used chronically. |
It can be used long-term to treat chronic conditions. |
|
Availability |
Readily available as an OTC |
Available on prescription only |
Although you are familiar with the uses of Celebrex vs. ibuprofen for back pain, Celebrex vs. ibuprofen for inflammation, their mechanisms, treatment duration, and availability, it is best to consult your general practitioner to make the right decision.
Side Effects Of Celebrex
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Upset Stomach
Like most NSAIDs, the intake of Celebrex can lead to serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues that can result in tarry stools, blood vomiting, and intestinal bleeding.
These side effects are usually rare, and most people only experience indigestion, heartburn, and gas after using Celebrex.
1. Increased Blood Pressure
10.3% of patients who initially had normal blood pressure experienced an increase in their blood pressure, reaching hypertension levels after 4 months of using Celebrex.
Celebrex increases fluid and sodium retention in the human body, eventually increasing blood volume and leading to hypertension.
2. Cardiovascular Risks
Patients who use Celebrex for longer periods of time are at a higher risk of suffering from heart-related diseases.
It increases the risk of stroke and heart attacks when taken in higher doses or for a prolonged period of time.
You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and slurred speech.
Side Effects Of Ibuprofen
1. Nausea And Vomiting
As ibuprofen inhibit the production of certain enzymes to alleviate pain, gastrointestinal discomfort is a common side effect experienced by patients taking ibuprofen.
You can suffer from mild nausea and vomiting in the short run. However, when taken for a prolonged period, it can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues.
2. Allergic Reactions
Certain components of ibuprofen can cause allergic reactions in people, causing skin rashes and irritation.
These rashes are usually in the form of red patches, but in some cases, they can appear as raised areas on the skin.
Certain individuals experience severe allergic reactions that can manifest as tongue, lips, and face swelling and difficulty breathing.
Common Drug Interactions With Celebrex
- Aliskiren, ACE inhibitors like captopril and lisinopril, angiotensin II receptor blockers like valsartan and losartan, cidofovir, and diuretics such as furosemide are some of the common medicines that might interact with Celebrex.
- When Celebrex is combined with medicines that increase bleeding tendencies, there's an increased risk of bleeding.
- Anti-platelet medications like clopidogrel and anticoagulants such as dabigatran, enoxaparin, and warfarin are common medications that should be avoided with Celebrex.
Make sure you list down all of your herbal and non-herbal medication while visiting your general practitioner so that they can start, stop, or change your dosage to minimise the risk of interactions between Celebrex and other medications.
Common Drug Interactions With Ibuprofen
- Certain medicines such as aliskiren, ACE inhibitors like lisinopril and catopril, angiotensin II receptor antagonists like losartan and valsartan, cidofovir, diuretics like furosemide and corticosteroids including prednisone may interact with ibuprofen.
- Anti-platelet drugs and blood thinners should be avoided with ibuprofen.
Some of the common anti-platelet medicines and blood thinners include clopidogrel and dabigatran/enoxaparin.
It is recommended to thoroughly check all the labels of your medications since many of them consist of pain relievers, which can lead to potentially severe side effects when combined with ibuprofen.
We suggest you get in touch with your doctor so that they can prescribe the right medication that does not lead to any adverse interactions.
Now that you are familiar with the efficacy, side-effects, and mechanism of action of Celebrex vs ibuprofen, choose the right medication for yourself by contacting your healthcare provider and alleviate your pain instantly!
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