What is piroxicam? What are the uses for piroxicam?
Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. Piroxicam blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. The FDA approved piroxicam in 1982.
What brand names are available for piroxicam?
Feldene
Is piroxicam available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for piroxicam?
Yes
What are the side effects of piroxicam?
The most common side effects of piroxicam are:
- rash,
- headaches,
- dizziness,
- drowsiness,
- abdominal pain,
- nausea,
- constipation,
- fluid retention,
- ringing in the ears, and
- photosensitivity.
NSAIDs reduce the ability
of blood to clot and therefore increase bleeding after an injury.
Piroxicam also
may cause stomach and intestinal bleeding and ulcers. Sometimes, stomach
ulceration and intestinal bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain.
Black
tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of the
bleeding. People who are allergic to other NSAIDs should not use piroxicam.
NSAIDs reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys and impair function of the
kidneys. The impairment is most likely to occur in patients with preexisting
impairment of kidney function or congestive heart failure, and use of NSAIDs in
these patients should be done cautiously.
Individuals with asthma are more
likely to experience allergic reactions to prioxicam and other NSAIDs. Fluid
retention, blood clots,
heart attacks,
hypertension, and heart failure have also
been associated with the use of NSAIDs.
What is the dosage for piroxicam?
The recommended dose is 20 mg once daily or 10 mg twice daily.
Piroxicam should be taken with food.
Which drugs or supplements interact with piroxicam?
Piroxicam may increase the blood levels of lithium
(Eskalith, Lithobid) by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys.
Increased levels of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity.
Piroxicam may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of blood pressure
medications. This may occur because prostaglandins play a role in the regulation
(reduction) of blood pressure.
Combining NSAIDs such as piroxicam with angiotensin receptor blockers (for
example, valsartan [Diovan], losartan [Cozaar], irbesartan [Avapro]) or
angiotensin converting enzyme ACE) inhibitors (for example, enalapril [Vasotec],
captopril [Capoten]) in patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including
those on diuretic therapy), or with poor kidney function may result in reduced
kidney function, including kidney failure. These effects usually are reversible.
When piroxicam is used in combination with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
or aminoglycoside antibiotics (for example, gentamicin) the blood levels of
methotrexate or aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because the elimination
of methotrexate or aminoglycosides from the body is reduced. This may lead to
more methotrexate- or aminoglycoside- related side effects.
Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants, for example,
warfarin, (Coumadin), should avoid piroxicam because piroxicam also thins the
blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding.
Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers when
taking piroxicam or other NSAIDs.
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Is piroxicam safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Use in late pregnancy may cause premature closing of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus.
Piroxicam is excreted into human breast milk. Use by nursing mothers is not recommended.
What else should I know about piroxicam?
What preparations of piroxicam are available?
Capsules: 10 and 20 mg
How should I store piroxicam?
Piroxicam should be stored at room temperature in a sealed container that excludes moisture.