Does CBD Interact With Celecoxib (Celebrex)?

Other Names For Celecoxib

Celecoxib is sold under different names. All share the same risk and potential interactions.

Other names for celecoxib includes:

• Celebrex
• Onsenal
• Consensi
• Elyxyb

Similar Medications: CBD and Celecoxib

Celecoxib is classified as an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) under the sub-classification of selective COX-2 inhibitors. CBD and NSAIDs all share similar risks for interaction and side effects.

Here’s a list of medications that share a similar level of risk when combined with CBD:

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, Caldolor & Neoprofen)
• Aspirin (Ascriptin, Aspergum, Aspirtab, Bayer, Easprin, Ecotrin, Ecpirin, Entercote)
• Naproxen (Aleve)
• Etodolac (Ultradol)
• Ketorolac (Toradol)
• Meloxicam (Mobic)

Is It Safe to Take CBD and Celecoxib Together?

CBD is unlikely to result in a severe interaction with celecoxib. However, side effects are still possible, so it’s wise to speak to your doctor about taking CBD if you’ve been given a prescription for celecoxib or any NSAID drug. 

It’s also a good idea to use a lower dosage of CBD if taking this combination. 

Adequate spacing (2 hours apart) can also significantly reduce the chances of experiencing adverse side effects. 

It’s best to consult your doctor before you decide to take CBD while using celecoxib.

Is CBD A Viable Alternative to Celecoxib (Celebrex)?

For mild to moderate arthritis, pain, and inflammation, CBD may be a viable alternative to celecoxib. 

Both substances work to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain — however, the COX-2 anti-inflammatory activity of celecoxib is many times stronger than CBD.

Many people are using CBD to help alleviate symptoms of arthritis effectively. However, some find it isn’t strong enough to alleviate symptoms entirely and turn to pharmaceuticals instead. 

What is Celecoxib?

Celecoxib belongs to the class NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) family. It’s available under the trade name Celebrex. 

Celebrex is used to treat osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), acute pain, and primary dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation). 

This substance acts by selectively inhibiting the COX-2 pathway — which is one of the primary enzymes responsible for producing inflammatory messengers. This effect reduces various mediators of pain and inflammation. 

Celecoxib is available by prescription-only as per the FDA.

Celecoxib Specs:

How Does Celecoxib Work? 

Phospholipids present in the membranes of the human body are converted to compounds called arachidonic acids. These arachidonic acids are metabolized via two pathways, COX-1, and COX-2 pathways, producing different prostaglandins and thromboxanes. These different prostaglandins are responsible for mediating pain and inflammation through various metabolites. 

Celecoxib is a potent, selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor and exerts minimal action on the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) pathway. The COX-2 pathway, when inhibited, prevents the formation of different prostaglandins responsible for pain and inflammation.

The COX-1 pathway is responsible for prostaglandin-mediated maintenance of gut epithelium and thromboxane-mediated promoting platelet aggregation. Since celecoxib relatively spares the COX-1 pathway, gastrointestinal side effects are rare, while the imbalance between prothrombotic and antithrombotic mediators leads to the risk of thrombo-vascular events.

Celecoxib is readily absorbed when taken orally and binds to plasma proteins. Its half-life is approximately 11 hours, so it is given once or twice daily for optimal therapeutic benefits.

Simultaneous use of CBD enhances the effect on pain and inflammation while also increasing the risk of side effects. Concurrent use might lead to headaches, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal bleed, and renal toxicities.

Celecoxib (Celebrex) should be used during pregnancy only if needed and if the benefit outweighs the risk. Its side effect warrants precaution with its use. 

Celecoxib should be avoided in the following conditions:

• Patients with heart failure.
• Patient with chronic kidney disease.
• Patient with peptic ulcer disease.
• Patient with vascular and hematologic conditions.
• Children less than two years of age.

Side Effects of Celecoxib 

• Esophagitis
• Gastritis
• Jaundice
• Dizziness
• Hypertension
• Stroke
• Myocardial Infarction
• Cold symptoms
• Acute Kidney Injury

Key Takeaways: Is it Safe to Take Celecoxib With CBD?

CBD and celecoxib are both used for managing pain and inflammation, but their mechanism of action is not similar. 

There’s a mild risk of interaction between CBD and celecoxib, but only when used in high doses or for long periods. CBD potentiates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory action of celecoxib. CBD also increases the serum concentration of celecoxib over time.

It’s usually safe to take CBD with celecoxib. However, it is best not to take these medications of your own accord and always talk to your prescribing physician first. 

References 

1. Davies NM, McLachlan AJ, Day RO, Williams KM. Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of celecoxib: a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2000 Mar;38(3):225-42.
2. Siu YA, Hao MH, Dixit V, Lai WG. Celecoxib is a substrate of CYP2D6: Impact on celecoxib metabolism in individuals with CYP2C9*3 variants. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2018 Oct;33(5):219-227.
3. Klein TW, Newton CA, Nakachi N, Friedman H. Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol treatment suppresses immunity and early IFN-gamma, IL-12, and IL-12 receptor beta 2 responses to Legionella pneumophila infection. J Immunol. 2000 Jun 15;164(12):6461-6.