Classification
Celebrex is a drug prescribed for the treatment of arthritis, inflammation, and acute menstrual pain. The drug is classified under nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Within the NSAID category, Celebrex is also classified under COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitors’ mode of action is through selective blocking of the COX-2 enzyme, responsible for the production of pain-causing prostaglandins (Salib et al., 2019).
Preference of NSAIDs over Other Classes
Besides the NSAID, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used in the treatment of pain and inflammation. NSAID’s are, however, preferred due to several cons that the class has over the steroidal class. First, NSAIDs have a quick onset with the ability to relieve pain and inflammation after a few hours of use (Nissen et al., 2016). While treating swellings, prolonged use of NSAIDs is prescribed in place of short-term options. Unlike the corticosteroids, continued use of NSAIDs does not cause psychiatric and psychotic behaviors such as insomnia and depression. Additionally, NSAIDs have no negative effect on the immunity, does not cause osteoporosis, and may be suddenly withdrawn when need be. These are advantages that cannot be enjoyed while using corticosteroids.
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Nursing Assessments before Prescription
Before the prescription of Celebrex, the allergy history of a patient should be investigated. People with asthma or allergic to any other NSAID may experience difficulties in breathing after using Celebrex. Patients' history of heart diseases and complications associated with blood vessels should also be checked. The use of Celebrex elevates the risk of heart attacks and stroke (Nissen et al., 2016). Nurses should also investigate other medications being taken by patients at the time of prescribing Celebrex. Patients on medications that reduce the clotting ability of platelets should avoid taking Celebrex. The drug counters the clotting characteristic of blood, thus a potential risk to fatal over bleeding. Lastly, the medication should not be prescribed to alcohol addicts. Persons who are unable to refrain from three takes of alcohol per day are prone to develop stomach ulcers when using Celebrex.
References
Nissen, S. E., Yeomans, N. D., Solomon, D. H., Lüscher, T. F., Libby, P., Husni, M. E., … Lincoff, A. M. (2016). Cardiovascular Safety of Celecoxib, Naproxen, or Ibuprofen for Arthritis. New England Journal of Medicine , 375 (26), 2519-2529. doi:10.1056/nejmoa1611593
Salib, C. G., Reina, N., Trousdale, W. H., Limberg, A. K., Tibbo, M. E., Jay, A. G., … Abdel, M. P. (2019). Inhibition of COX ‐ 2 Pathway as a Potential Prophylaxis Against Arthrofibrogenesis in a Rabbit Model of Joint Contracture. Journal of Orthopaedic Research , 37 (12), 2609-2620. doi:10.1002/jor.24441
