Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Amlodipine and celecoxib is a combination medicine used in adults who have both osteoarthritis and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Amlodipine and celecoxib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Celecoxib can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Celecoxib may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

You may have new or worsening chest pain when you first start taking this medicine, or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.

Keep using amlodipine and celecoxib even if you feel well. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: Amlodipine 5 mg-Celecoxib 200 mg orally once a day

Maximum dose: Amlodipine 10 mg-Celecoxib 200 mg orally once a day

Comments: Allow 7 to 14 days between titration. If more rapid titration is clinically warranted, monitor closely.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

Initial dose: Amlodipine 5 mg-Celecoxib 200 mg orally once a day

Maximum dose: Amlodipine 10 mg-Celecoxib 200 mg orally once a day

Comments: Allow 7 to 14 days between titration. If more rapid titration is clinically warranted, monitor closely.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: Amlodipine 2.5 mg-Celecoxib 200 mg orally once a day

Maximum dose: Amlodipine 10 mg-Celecoxib 200 mg orally once a day

Comments: Allow 7 to 14 days between titration. If more rapid titration is clinically warranted, monitor closely.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Osteoarthritis:

Initial dose: Amlodipine 2.5 mg-Celecoxib 200 mg orally once a day

Maximum dose: Amlodipine 10 mg-Celecoxib 200 mg orally once a day

Comments: Allow 7 to 14 days between titration. If more rapid titration is clinically warranted, monitor closely.

Celecoxib can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use amlodipine and celecoxib just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Celecoxib may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using amlodipine and celecoxib, especially in older adults.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or celecoxib (Celebrex), or if you have:

• an allergy to sulfa drugs; or

• a history of asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a stomach ulcer, bleeding in your stomach or intestines;

• bleeding problems;

• heart problems, coronary artery disease;

• liver or kidney disease; or

• if you smoke or drink alcohol.

If you are pregnant, you should not take celecoxib unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women. Ask your doctor about this risk.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, rapid heartbeats, redness or warmth in your arms or legs, or fainting.

Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs without your doctor's advice.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to celecoxib (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

amlodipine and celecoxib may cause serious side effects. Stop using amlodipine and celecoxib and call your doctor at once if you have:

• nausea, weakness, tingly feeling;

• new or worsening chest pain;

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;

• rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

• swelling in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• liver problems--stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of amlodipine and celecoxib may include:

• stomach pain, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, nausea;

• drowsiness, feeling tired;

• swelling;

• increased urination;

• joint pain;

• rash;

• flushing (sudden warmth or redness in your face);

• headache, dizziness; or

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• any other blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill";

• any type of steroid medicine;

• an antidepressant;

• heart medication; or

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect amlodipine and celecoxib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.