Background: Preterm labor is the leading cause of newborn deaths and a major public health challenge. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of celebrex and magnesium sulfate in the prevention of preterm labor.

Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial, 100 patients with preterm uterine contractions were randomly allocated into two groups: one group received oral celebrex 100 mg twice daily and another group received magnesium sulfate intravenously for up to 48 hours. A 48-hour delay in delivery and the drug complications were evaluated.

Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding maternal age, parity and gestational age. A 48-hour delay in delivery was observed for 42 patients in each group (86%) and was the same for both groups. Delivery before 48 hours was also observed for 8 patients (14%) in each group and was the same for both groups.

Conclusion: The tocolytic efficacy of celebrex is equal to that of magnesium sulfate, the most commonly used tocolytic agent. So, for its ease of use celebrex is recommended for the prevention of preterm labor in pregnant women with preterm uterine contractions.