Does Celebrex raise blood pressure?
Yes, Celebrex (celecoxib) can raise blood pressure, but not everyone will experience high blood pressure from taking Celebrex. All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause or worsen high blood pressure.
Having blood pressure that is too high can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke. It can also damage other organs in your body. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment with Celebrex, and let your healthcare provider know if you notice changes from your normal blood pressure readings.
How Much Does Celebrex Raise Blood Pressure?
A multi-center study known as PRECISION-ABPM looked at the effects of Celebrex on blood pressure compared to naproxen and ibuprofen. The double-blind, randomized trial included 444 patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Patients received either 100 mg to 200 mg of Celebrex twice a day, one of the other NSAIDs, or a placebo. Researchers measured blood pressure after 4 months.
The study showed that patients taking 100 mg twice a day saw a decrease in 24-hour systolic blood pressure by 0.3 mmHg at month 4. However, about 10% of patients in the study with normal blood pressure developed high blood pressure after taking Celebrex. The study also showed that Celebrex had a lower risk of increasing blood pressure compared to ibuprofen.
The amount Celebrex can raise blood pressure varies among individuals, so it is a good idea to measure your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication.
How does Celebrex raise blood pressure?
NSAIDs, including Celebrex, can increase blood pressure because they block prostaglandins from being made in the body. Prostaglandins lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. When prostaglandins are lowered:
- Blood vessels can become narrower, increasing resistance.
- The kidneys may retain more salt and water, raising fluid levels in the blood stream.
- These effects can occasionally result in higher blood pressure, especially in those with existing cardiovascular risk.
NSAIDs also raise levels of endothelin-1 and aldosterone. Endothelin tightens blood vessels, which raises blood pressure. Aldosterone is a hormone that helps regulate your blood pressure. When there is too much aldosterone in your body, it can cause your kidneys to hold on to too much salt and water. This increases blood pressure.
How Often Does Celebrex Raise Blood Pressure?
Clinical trials show that Celebrex (celecoxib) can raise blood pressure in some users, but the average effect is generally mild. For instance:
- A major study (PRECISION-ABPM) found that after 4 months of use, the average 24-hour systolic blood pressure actually decreased by 0.3mmHg in the celecoxib group. In comparison, ibuprofen users saw an average increase of 3.7mmHg.
- About 10% of previously normotensive patients developed high blood pressure while taking Celebrex in the same study.
- A study found that Celebrex is not associated with significant attenuation of 24-hour BP control in patients with high blood pressure treated with an ACE inhibitor.
Celebrex vs. Other NSAIDs: Which Raises Blood Pressure Most?
Comparative trials highlight that ibuprofen tends to raise blood pressure the most, followed by naproxen, with celecoxib having the smallest average impact:
| Medication | Mean Change in 24h Systolic BP | Percentage with Hypertension Developed |
|---|---|---|
| Celecoxib | -0.3 mmHg (decrease) | ~10% |
| Naproxen | +1.6 mmHg | ~19% |
| Ibuprofen | +3.7 mmHg | ~23% |
Sources: PRECISION-ABPM trial
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
Many people do not notice any symptoms of having high blood pressure. However, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Vision changes
- Confusion
- Chest pain
Get medical attention if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and think you may have high blood pressure.
This is not all the information you need to know about Celebrex (celecoxib) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Celebrex [package insert]. Updated April 2021. PFIZER LABORATORIES DIV PFIZER INC. Accessed August 1, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8d52185d-421f-4e34-8db7-f7676db2a226
- Rivasi, G., et. al. 2022. The Effects of Pain and Analgesic Medications on Blood Pressure. In: Current Hypertension Reports. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs11906-022-01205-5
- Ruschitzka, F., et. al. 2017. Differential blood pressure effects of ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib in patients with arthritis: the PRECISION-ABPM (Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Celecoxib Integrated Safety Versus Ibuprofen or Naproxen Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement) Trial. In: European Heart Journal. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehx508
- White, W. B., Kent, J., Taylor, A., Verburg, K. M., Lefkowith, J. B., & Whelton, A. (2002). Effects of celecoxib on ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive patients on ACE inhibitors. Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979), 39(4), 929–934. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.hyp.0000014323.99765.16
- World Health Organization. March 2023. Hypertension. Accessed August 1, 2024 at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
See also:
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