SHEET /vs/celecoxib-vs-ibuprofen · COMPARISON
Celecoxib vs Ibuprofen: what is the difference?
How they differ
from source
Both are NSAIDs, but they aim at different halves of the same enzyme family. Ibuprofen blocks COX-1 and COX-2 more or less equally; celecoxib was designed to hit COX-2 while largely sparing COX-1, which is the enzyme that maintains the stomach lining and normal platelet function. That selectivity is the entire reason celecoxib exists, and it shows in the structure: a sulfonamide and a trifluoromethyl group on a pyrazole core, nothing like ibuprofen's small propionic acid. Celecoxib is prescription only and ibuprofen is sold over the counter, which is the most visible difference to a shopper. It is also nearly twice the weight, 381.4 against 206.28.
Side by side
| Celecoxib | Ibuprofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | C17H14F3N3O2S | C13H18O2 |
| Molecular weight | 381.4 g/mol | 206.28 g/mol |
| Family | NSAIDs | Over-the-counter medicines, NSAIDs, Non-opioid painkillers |
| Everyday group | Prescription medicine | OTC medicine |
| Functional groups | Amines, Aromatics, Halogenated | Carboxylic Acids, Aromatics |
| GHS signal wordThe supplier-filed hazard label, not a statement about ordinary use. | Danger | Danger |
| Oral LD50A single acute animal measure. It ranks nothing about human safety. | not recorded | 636 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| Half-life | not recorded | 2 h |
| Also sold as | not recorded | Advil, Motrin, Nurofen |
| CAS number | 169590-42-5 | 58560-75-1 |
| PubChem CID | 2662 | 3672 |
Common questions
- What is the difference between Celecoxib and Ibuprofen?
- Both are NSAIDs, but they aim at different halves of the same enzyme family. Ibuprofen blocks COX-1 and COX-2 more or less equally; celecoxib was designed to hit COX-2 while largely sparing COX-1, which is the enzyme that maintains the stomach lining and normal platelet function. That selectivity is the entire reason celecoxib exists, and it shows in the structure: a sulfonamide and a trifluoromethyl group on a pyrazole core, nothing like ibuprofen's small propionic acid.
- Is Celecoxib bigger than Ibuprofen?
- Celecoxib is the heavier molecule, 381.4 g/mol against 206.28 g/mol for Ibuprofen. Celecoxib is C17H14F3N3O2S and Ibuprofen is C13H18O2.