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Does Celebrex raise blood pressure?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 1, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, Celebrex (celecoxib) can raise blood pressure, but not everyone will experience high blood pressure from taking Celebrex. All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause or worsen high blood pressure.

Having blood pressure that is too high can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke. It can also damage other organs in your body. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment with Celebrex, and let your healthcare provider know if you notice changes from your normal blood pressure readings.

Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Celecoxib Integrated Safety Versus Ibuprofen or Naproxen Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement (PRECISION-ABPM) Trial

A multi-center study known as PRECISION-ABPM looked at the effects of Celebrex on blood pressure compared to naproxen and ibuprofen. The double-blind, randomized trial included 444 patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Patients received either 100 mg to 200 mg of Celebrex twice a day, one of the other NSAIDs, or a placebo. Researchers measured blood pressure after 4 months.

The study showed that patients taking 100 mg twice a day saw a decrease in 24-hour systolic blood pressure by 0.3 mmHg at month 4. However, about 10% of patients in the study with normal blood pressure developed high blood pressure after taking Celebrex. The study also showed that Celebrex had a lower risk of increasing blood pressure compared to ibuprofen.

How does Celebrex raise blood pressure?

NSAIDs, including Celebrex, can increase blood pressure because they block prostaglandins from being made in the body. Prostaglandins lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. NSAIDs also raise levels of endothelin-1 and aldosterone. Endothelin tightens blood vessels, which raises blood pressure. Aldosterone is a hormone that helps regulate your blood pressure. When there is too much aldosterone in your body, it can cause your kidneys to hold on to too much salt and water. This increases blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Many people do not notice any symptoms of having high blood pressure. However, you may notice the following symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Vision changes
  • Confusion
  • Chest pain

Get medical attention if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and think you may have high blood pressure.

This is not all the information you need to know about Celebrex (celecoxib) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Celebrex [package insert]. Updated April 2021. PFIZER LABORATORIES DIV PFIZER INC. Accessed August 1, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8d52185d-421f-4e34-8db7-f7676db2a226

Rivasi, G., et. al. 2022. The Effects of Pain and Analgesic Medications on Blood Pressure. In: Current Hypertension Reports. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs11906-022-01205-5

Ruschitzka, F., et. al. 2017. Differential blood pressure effects of ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib in patients with arthritis: the PRECISION-ABPM (Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Celecoxib Integrated Safety Versus Ibuprofen or Naproxen Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement) Trial. In: European Heart Journal. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehx508

World Health Organization. March 2023. Hypertension. Accessed August 1, 2024 at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension

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