Key takeaways
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and celecoxib (Celebrex) are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and inflammation, but they have some key differences. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, while celecoxib is only available by prescription. Ibuprofen works by blocking both COX-1 and COX-2 proteins, which can lead to more stomach-related side effects like ulcers and bleeding. In contrast, celecoxib selectively blocks only the COX-2 protein, which generally results in fewer stomach issues. Celecoxib is often used for various types of arthritis and can be taken once or twice a day, whereas ibuprofen is taken every 4 to 8 hours depending on the formulation. Both medications carry risks of heart attack and stroke, but celecoxib has a specific warning for people with sulfa allergies. Additionally, neither medication is not recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
