Celecoxib as a Post-tonsillectomy Pain Medication
Celecoxib as a Post-tonsillectomy Pain Medication
The hypothesis is that celecoxib effectively reduces pain after a tonsillectomy and reduces
 post-operative narcotic use.

 To test this hypothesis, the study is placebo controlled (sugar pill). Half of the
 participants will receive a sugar pill, half will not.

 All participants will receive the standard post-operative pain medications.

 We ask participants to log the amount of medications they use daily, and the amount of pain
 they have each day. It is hoped that celecoxib will reduce the amount of post-operative pain
 medication needed.
Post-tonsillectomy pain is typically controlled through narcotic medications, such as Lortab
 elixir. Despite its standard use, this pain control is typically not as effective as a
 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). The problem with using NSAIDs for
 post-tonsillectomy operative pain is the significant increased risk of rebleeding.

 Celecoxib is an NSAID that is a COX-2 inhibitor; the drug is designed to act as an NSAID
 without the increased risk of rebleeding or hemorrhage.

 This study is a double blind, randomized study; neither the study participant or the study
 investigator knows if the participant is receiving celecoxib or a placebo (sugar pill). The
 blinded list is maintained by the research pharmacists and can be unblinded when needed (such
 as in an emergency).

 Participants begin taking the study medication the night before surgery and continue through
 10 days post-operative. Participants are asked to complete a journal that catalogs the amount
 of standard post-operative medications taken, the amount of pain experienced, and any other
 comments.

 Participants are contacted by phone at 5 and 10 days post-op.

 Study participation ends at the standard 3-week post-operative check-up.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age at least 18 years

 -  Indication for tonsillectomy (patients undergoing a tonsillectomy as a portion of
 additional surgical procedures will not be included)

 -  Have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent
 document

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  History of bleeding disorders

 -  History of liver or kidney dysfunction

 -  History of allergy to sulfa containing medications

 -  History of lactose intolerance

 -  History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions to aspirin or NSAIDs

 -  Women who are currently pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive

 -  History of allergy or intolerance to acetaminophen or hydrocodone

 -  History of allergy to any COX-2 inhibitor, including celecoxib or rofecoxib.

 -  PT, PTT, hemoglobin, or hematocrit values that are outside of institutional limits.

 -  History of cardiovascular disease

 -  Patients currently taking celecoxib