Celecoxib tolerability in patients with hypersensitivity (mainly cutaneous reactions) to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Adverse reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly observed in clinical practice, particularly among patients with chronic urticaria or asthma. The identification of a safe and reliable alternative is a frequent problem for both general practitioners and allergists.

METHODS:

We assessed 120 patients (83 women and 37 men) who had experienced adverse reactions to one or more NSAIDs; 64 (53.3%) of them had reacted to only one NSAID (single reactors) and 56 (46.7%) to multiple NSAIDs (multiple reactors). Among our subjects, 76.7% reported cutaneous reactions, 8.3% respiratory symptoms, 10.8% both cutaneous and respiratory symptoms, and 4.2% anaphylaxis. All patients were subjected to a single-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenge with two different doses of celecoxib (50 + 150 mg 1 h later = cumulative dose of 200 mg).

RESULTS:

None of the patients reacted to the placebo and only one (0.8%) suffered a reaction (urticaria) after the second dose of celecoxib.

CONCLUSIONS:

Celecoxib showed a 98.9% rate of tolerability in the 92 patients with exclusively cutaneous reactions and was well tolerated by all 28 subjects with NSAID-related respiratory or anaphylactic symptoms.

• Authors: Marinella Viola, Donato Quaratino, Francesco Gaeta, Mario Caringi, Rocco Valluzzi, Cristiano Caruso, Sabrina Volpetti, Antonino Romano
• Journal: International archives of allergy and immunology (Int Arch Allergy Immunol) Vol. 137 Issue 2 Pg. 145-50 (Jun 2005) ISSN: 1018-2438 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 15897671 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
• Pyrazoles
• Sulfonamides
• Celecoxib

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (adverse effects, toxicity)
• Celecoxib
• Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors (toxicity)
• Drug Hypersensitivity (complications, diagnosis, prevention & control)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity, Immediate (complications)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pyrazoles (toxicity)
• Skin Diseases, Vascular (chemically induced)
• Sulfonamides (toxicity)