Drug interactions
Celecoxib + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Celecoxib and Imatinib: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Imatinib can cause thrombocytopenia and other cytopenias, which may increase bleeding risk when an NSAID is added. Imatinib may also inhibit CYP2C9 to a small degree and slightly raise celecoxib levels, and both drugs can cause fluid retention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Celecoxib and Imatinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Celecoxib belongs to Musculoskeletal; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive bleeding risk from imatinib-related thrombocytopenia and NSAID effects, with possible minor CYP2C9 inhibition raising celecoxib exposure.
What to do
Monitor platelet counts and for signs of bleeding or fluid retention. Use the lowest effective celecoxib dose or choose an alternative analgesic if counts fall.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Celecoxib
- Celecoxib + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Celecoxib + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Celecoxib Major
- Acemetacin + Celecoxib Major
- Amiloride + Celecoxib Major
- Apixaban + Celecoxib Major
Other interactions of Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Celecoxib with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Celecoxib and Imatinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Imatinib can cause thrombocytopenia and other cytopenias, which may increase bleeding risk when an NSAID is added. Imatinib may also inhibit CYP2C9 to a small degree and slightly raise celecoxib levels, and both drugs can cause fluid retention.
How serious is the interaction between Celecoxib and Imatinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor platelet counts and for signs of bleeding or fluid retention. Use the lowest effective celecoxib dose or choose an alternative analgesic if counts fall.
What other medicines interact with Celecoxib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Celecoxib with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Celecoxib page.
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