Compare Ibuprofen vs. Celebrex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
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.
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- IbuprofenCelebrex (celecoxib)
- IbuprofenCelebrex (celecoxib)
Summary of Ibuprofen vs. Celebrex
Summary for NSAIDIbuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.
Summary for COX-2 selective NSAIDPrescription onlyCelecoxib, also known by the brand name Celebrex, is a prescription pain medication that's used to temporarily relieve aches and pains from certain conditions, such as different types of arthritis. Celebrex (celecoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but it has a lower risk of causing stomach upset than other medications in its drug class, such as naproxen. The dosage for Celebrex (celecoxib) is typically once or twice a day. It's recommended to avoid taking this medication with alcohol since it can raise your risk for stomach bleeding. Other side effects include headache, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Indications of Ibuprofen vs. Celebrex
Indications forOver-the-counter ibuprofen:
•Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps•FeverPrescription ibuprofen:
•Mild-to-moderate pain•Pain from menstrual crampsIndications for•Osteoarthritis (OA)•Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)•Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)•Sudden pain•Menstrual crampsPros and Cons of Ibuprofen vs. Celebrex
Pros and Const for NSAIDPros•Works well for fever, pain, and swelling•Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics•Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid•Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in childrenCons•Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day•Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems•Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems•Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effectsPros and Const for COX-2 selective NSAIDPros•Can use for different types of arthritis•Safe to take for children 2 years and older with RA•Can open capsules and mix contents with applesauce, so it's convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pillsCons•Can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke•Not recommended during second and third trimesters of pregnancy•Not recommended for use if you have severe liver disease•Might not be safe for people with a sulfa allergyCommon Side Effects of Ibuprofen vs. Celebrex
Common Side Effects forThe following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.
•Nausea•Stomach pain•Heartburn•Dizziness•RashCommon Side Effects forAdults
•Headache (16%)•Indigestion (9%)•Diarrhea (6%)•Sinus infection (congestion, runny nose; 5%)•Belly pain (4%)Children
•Headache (13%)•Fever (8%)•Belly pain (4-8%)•Cough (7%)•Nausea (7%)•Diarrhea (5%)•Common cold (stuffy nose, sneezing; 5%)Warnings of Ibuprofen vs. Celebrex
Common Side Effects for•Stomach bleeding and ulcers•Heart attack and stroke•High blood pressure and heart failure•Kidney damage•Liver problems•Severe allergic reactions•Harm to unborn babies•Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets onlyCommon Side Effects for•Heart attack and stroke•Stomach bleeding and ulcers•Liver problems•High blood pressure and heart failure•Kidney damage and high potassium levels•Severe allergic reactions•Severe asthma attack•Harm to unborn babiesPrices with our coupons for Ibuprofen vs. Celebrex
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