Celecoxib (Celebrex) is currently the only kind of selective cyclo–oxygenase 2 (COX–2) inhibitor approved for sale in the United States. Patients may be advised by their physician not to take this drug if they have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:

• Allergies to other nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, or to sulfonamide antibiotics or other sulfa drugs
  
  
• Asthma
  
  
• Hives
  
  
• Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or recent coronary artery bypass surgery
  
  
• Bleeding problems, stomach ulcer or other intestinal problems
  
  
• Anemia (too few red blood cells in the blood)
  
  
• Alcoholism
  
  
• Tobacco use
  
  
• Dehydration or abnormal fluid retention
  
  
• Kidney or liver disease