How do Celebrex and ibuprofen compare?
Celebrex (celecoxib) and ibuprofen are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and inflammation. However, they differ in their strength and how they work in the body.
- Ibuprofen: Commonly sold under brand names like Advil and Motrin, ibuprofen is typically taken in dosages of 200-800 mg per dose, 2 to 4 times daily.
- Celebrex: Typically prescribed in doses of 100 mg or 200 mg per dose, 1 or 2 times per day.
How Many Ibuprofen Equal One Celebrex?
There is no direct one-to-one equivalence between ibuprofen and Celebrex due to their different potencies and mechanisms of action. It is also important to consider the overall effectiveness and side effects. Based on typical dosing:
- 100 mg Celebrex is considered equivalent to about 200-300 mg of ibuprofen
- 200 mg Celebrex is considered equivalent to about 400-600 mg of ibuprofen.
This comparison can vary based on individual responses to the medication, so it's important to follow a doctor's advice.
Celebrex vs. Ibuprofen: Mechanism of Action
Both Celebrex and ibuprofen work on COX (cyclooxygenase) enzymes, which are involved in inflammation, blood clotting, and normal protein functioning. There are two types of COX enzymes: COX-1 and COX-2.
- COX-1: Helps maintain the normal lining of the stomach and intestines, controls important blood clotting pathways found in platelets and blood vessels, and is involved in kidney function.
- COX-2: Mainly found at sites of inflammation.
Celebrex is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, meaning it specifically targets COX-2, while not targeting COX-1.
Ibuprofen is a non-selective COX inhibitor, meaning it works by inhibiting both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.
Related questions
- Can you take Ibuprofen if you have COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- Naproxen vs ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Can you take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?
Celebrex vs. Ibuprofen: Side Effects
Celebrex is associated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than non-selective NSAIDs, but there is a theoretical risk of cardiovascular events, although this has not been conclusively proven. Celebrex is associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to non-selective NSAIDs, making it a preferable option for long-term use in some patients.
Because ibuprofen inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2, it can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach ulcers and gastric bleeding, but may reduce the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular events.
Celebrex vs. Ibuprofen: Duration of Action
Celebrex has a longer half-life than ibuprofen, allowing for less frequent dosing. Celebrex is often taken once or twice a day, while ibuprofen may need to be taken every 4-6 hours.
References
- Gordo, A. C., Walker, C., Armada, B., & Zhou, D. (2017). Efficacy of celecoxib versus ibuprofen for the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized double-blind, non-inferiority trial. The Journal of international medical research, 45(1), 59–74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0300060516673707
- Qureshi O, Dua A. COX Inhibitors. [Updated 2024 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549795/
- Fitzpatrick F. A. (2004). Cyclooxygenase enzymes: regulation and function. Current pharmaceutical design, 10(6), 577–588. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612043453144
- Armstrong, P. C., Kirkby, N. S., Zain, Z. N., Emerson, M., Mitchell, J. A., & Warner, T. D. (2011). Thrombosis is reduced by inhibition of COX-1, but unaffected by inhibition of COX-2, in an acute model of platelet activation in the mouse. PloS one, 6(5), e20062. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0020062
Read next
Can you take expired ibuprofen?
Although taking expired ibuprofen is not recommended by the manufacturer, the actual shelf-life is likely to be longer than that indicated by the expiry date, with FDA testing showing many drugs are active for years beyond their expiry date, although specific data on ibuprofen is not available. Within reason, an ibuprofen tablet that is a few months past its expiry date is probably safe to take. Ibuprofen that is years past its expiry date should not be taken. Continue reading
What's the difference between aspirin and ibuprofen?
Both aspirin and ibuprofen are popular NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that work by blocking prostaglandin production to reduce pain and inflammation. However, these over-the-counter pain relievers have important differences in safety, uses, and side effects.
Continue reading
Can You Take Tramadol with Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin?
Yes, it is safe for most people to take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin if they are old enough (aspirin is not recommended for children less than 16 years and tramadol should not be taken by children under the age of 12).
Continue readingSee also:
Related medical questions
- Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Can you overdose on ibuprofen?
- Can you drink alcohol with ibuprofen?
- Aleve vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- What's the best medicine for sore throat?
- Can you take Advil & Tylenol together? Safe Dosing Guide
- How much ibuprofen can I take and how often?
- Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen: Which is better?
- Can I take ibuprofen with blood pressure medications?
- Is ibuprofen (Advil) a blood thinner?
- Is Ibuprofen bad for your kidneys and liver?
- What temperature is considered a fever?
- Can you take ibuprofen 800 mg with tramadol 50 mg?
- How long does ibuprofen take to work?
- Can ibuprofen cause constipation?
- What cold medicine can you take with diabetes?
- All Eyes on Ibuprofen: What are 10 Things You Need to Know?
- Is it safe to take ibuprofen right after taking prednisone?
- Why is Ibuprofen dangerous for dogs? Here are safer alternatives
- Can you take Ibuprofen after the COVID booster vaccine?
- What are the inactive ingredients in ibuprofen?
- I just took ibuprofen and prednisone, is that ok?
- Which painkiller should you use?
- Does Feverfew interact with any drugs?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Ibuprofen (267 questions, 239 members)
- Celebrex (67 questions, 139 members)
- Pain (2,296 questions, 11,959 members)
- Back Pain (418 questions, 3,295 members)
- Chronic Pain (305 questions, 3,369 members)
- Migraine (304 questions, 1,643 members)
- Gout - Acute (29 questions, 29 members)
- Headache (421 questions, 1,469 members)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (337 questions, 1,336 members)
- Osteoarthritis (219 questions, 879 members)
- Muscle Pain (167 questions, 574 members)