Which NSAID should be avoided in patients with sulfa allergies?

Celecoxib should be avoided in patients with sulfa allergies due to its chemical structure, which contains a sulfonamide group. Individuals with sulfa allergies can experience allergic reactions when exposed to sulfonamide antibiotics and related compounds. Since celecoxib is classified as a selective COX-2 inhibitor and has a sulfonamide component, there is a risk that patients with a sulfa allergy may react negatively to it.

In contrast, options like diclofenac, meloxicam, and sulindac do not have the same sulfonamide structure and are generally considered safe for patients with sulfa allergies. Meloxicam and sulindac are non-selective NSAIDs that do not contain a sulfa moiety, and diclofenac is also a standard NSAID without any sulfa-related risk. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to be cautious and avoid prescribing celecoxib to patients with a known sulfa allergy to prevent possible allergic reactions.