Also indexed as: Celebrex
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Potassium
Sodium
|
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Willow*
|
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Lithium
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Sodium and
Potassium
Controlled studies indicate that individuals on low-salt diets who take celecoxib retain
sodium and potassium, which might result in higher than normal blood levels of these
minerals.1 More research is needed to determine whether potassium supplements might
produce unwanted side effects in people taking celecoxib. Until more information is available,
people taking celecoxib should have their sodium and potassium blood levels monitored by their
healthcare practitioner.
Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts
to treat mood disorders such as manic-depression. Taking celecoxib together with the mineral
can result in significant increases in lithium blood levels,2 which might cause
unwanted side effects. Consequently, people taking celecoxib and lithium-containing
supplements should consult their healthcare practitioner about having their lithium blood
levels checked regularly.
Interactions with Herbs
Willow
(Salix alba)
Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to
aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been
converted to salicylic acid in the body. Taking aspirin and celecoxib together increases the
likelihood of developing stomach and intestinal ulcers.3 Though no studies have
investigated a similar interaction between willow bark and celecoxib, people taking the drug
should avoid the herb until more information is available.
References:1. Rossat J, Maillard M, Nussberger J. Renal effects of selective
cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition in normotensive salt-depleted subjects. Clin Pharmacol
Ther 1999;66:76–84.
2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ:
Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2901–4.
3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ:
Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2901–4.