Can you drink alcohol while taking Celebrex?
Drinking alcohol while taking Celebrex (celecoxib) can raise your risk for side effects, including serious stomach side effects. Combining the two can increase your risk of:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
These are potential side effects of Celebrex, but alcohol can make them worse. In addition, alcohol raises your risk for stomach ulcers and bleeds from taking NSAIDs, including Celebrex. Get medical attention right away if you notice blood in your stool, are vomiting blood, or if you have stomach pain.
Both alcohol and Celebrex have the potential to damage your liver. Signs of liver damage include nausea, yellowing of your skin or eyes, and stomach pain.
For the reasons listed above, it is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Celebrex. Talk to your healthcare provider about what a safe amount of alcohol is to drink, or if you need help cutting back.
How Alcohol and Celebrex Affect Your Digestive Tract: The Science
Both alcohol and Celebrex (celecoxib) are known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) complications, including stomach ulcers and potentially life-threatening GI bleeding. The mechanism involves two direct effects: Celebrex inhibits prostaglandin production, reducing the protective mucus lining of your stomach, while alcohol further irritates this lining, making the tissue more vulnerable to injury.
Drinking alcohol while taking Celebrex amplifies this risk, particularly in older adults or those with a history of GI ulcers, because aging tissues are less resilient and metabolize drugs and alcohol less efficiently.
How Long Should I Wait to Drink Alcohol After Taking Celebrex?
There isn’t a specific amount of time you should wait to drink alcohol after taking Celebrex, and it is best to discuss this with your healthcare provider. For healthy individuals, it usually takes about 2-3 days for Celebrex to leave your system.
Official Guidelines
The U.S. FDA and major associations warn of the risks of drinking alcohol during Celebrex therapy, citing increased risk of ulcers, GI bleeding, liver, and cardiovascular complications. Always review the Medication Guide provided with your prescription and consult your healthcare provider for individualized advice.
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 February 2023). Viatris Specialty LLC. Accessed July 19, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2d6675e4-5859-4be2-8037-a20ce9f707aa
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 2007. Harmful interactions: Mixing alcohol with medicines. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Accessed August 9, 2025 at https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol's Effects on Health. Research-based information on drinking and its impact. Accessed July 19, 2024 at https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
See also:
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