Piroxicam
Description
Piroxicam is a pain killer used to treat arthritic pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. It acts by preventing the production of certain natural chemicals in your body that cause swelling and pain.
Piroxicam is available as a tablet, orodispersible tablet (tablets that dissolve in your mouth), capsule, injection and gel on prescription.
Piroxicam may cause some side effects like headache, nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, constipation, etc. Inform your doctor if any of the side effects become severe or persist for a longer time. Consult your doctor if you do not see any improvement in your symptoms after treatment.
Piroxicam may not be suitable for everyone. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any problems with your kidneys, heart or liver. Let your doctor know about all your ongoing medications. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Piroxicam
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Excessive air or gas in stomach
- Change in appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Weight gain
- Swelling of ankles or feet
Uses of Piroxicam
What is it prescribed for?
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken by Piroxicam to show its effect may vary depending on the dosage form and strength of the medicine.
- Duration of effectPiroxicam remains active in your body for around 11-12 days.
- Safe with alcohol?Do not consume alcohol if you are on treatment with Piroxicam. Alcohol may substantially increase the risks of stomach bleeding.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported for Piroxicam.
- Usage in pregnancy?Piroxicam is not advisable in pregnancy as it may cause complications in the development of your foetus. Hence your doctor may advise a safer alternative with the same medicinal effect based on your clinical condition.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Piroxicam can be avoided if you are breastfeeding as this medicine may be excreted in your breast milk and harm your baby. Your doctor may advise a safer alternative with the same medicinal effect based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
Piroxicam is not recommended if you have any known allergy to it. Inform your doctor if you experience any symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness or breathing difficulty etc.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
Piroxicam may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke (damage to the brain due to interrupted blood flow). Hence, it is not recommended for use if you have undergone recent heart surgery.
Gastro-intestinal bleeding
Piroxicam may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding. It is not recommended for use if you have a known history of gastrointestinal bleeding because this medicine may worsen your condition.
Severe kidney/liver Impairment
Piroxicam is metabolised in your liver and excreted through urine. If you have problems with your liver and kidney function, this medicine can further worsen it. Hence avoid taking Piroxicam if you have such conditions.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Piroxicam is not advisable in pregnancy as it may cause complications in the development of your foetus. Hence your doctor may advise a safer alternative with the same medicinal effect based on your clinical condition.
Breast-feeding
Piroxicam can be avoided if you are breastfeeding as this medicine may be excreted in your breast milk and harm your baby. Your doctor may advise a safer alternative with the same medicinal effect based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Heart problem
Piroxicam should be used with caution if you have heart problems due to the increased risk of adverse effects on the heart, especially after prolonged use.
Gastro-intestinal bleeding
Piroxicam may cause intestinal bleeding. If you have severe stomach pain or any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestines, such as passing black or bloodstained bowel movements or vomiting blood, immediately report it to the doctor.
Driving or operating machinery
Piroxicam may cause dizziness or drowsiness. It is recommended that you do not perform any activities such as driving any vehicle or operating machines if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Skin reactions
Piroxicam may lead to skin reactions such as rash, blisters, fever, itching, or any other sign of hypersensitivity, especially when used for a long time. Inform your doctor if you notice such side effects.
Galactose intolerance
Piroxicam is not recommended if you have Galactose intolerance (reduced absorption of galactose in your body).
Missed Dose
Tablet, Capsules: If you missed a dose of this medicine at a given time, then take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Injection: Since injections are usually administered by healthcare professionals, the chances of missing a dose is very unlikely.
Gel: If you have missed a dose of Piroxicam, then use it as soon as you can, but if it is almost the time for the second dose then skip the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek immediate medical assistance if you suspect that you might have taken an overdose of Piroxicam. Signs and symptoms of overdose include stomach irritation, difficulty in breathing, black-coloured stools etc. Immediate medical attention is needed if an overdose is confirmed.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Do not consume alcohol if you are on treatment with Piroxicam. Alcohol may substantially increase the risks of stomach bleeding.
Interaction with Medicine
Warfarin
Fluoroquinolone
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
Anisindione
Celecoxib
Disease interactions
Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which the airways in your lungs become swollen, narrow, and produce excess mucus/phlegm, making breathing difficult. Take Piroxicam with caution If you have a history of asthma or a history of breathing problems after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Fluid Retention and oedema
Oedema is a condition of fluid retention in your body. You should use Piroxicam with caution if you have the swelling disorder as it may increase fluid retention in your body. Your doctor may adjust an appropriate dose or prescribe an alternative based on your clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Tablet/Capsules- Take/Administer Piroxicam as prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Do not give your medicine to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Drink an adequate amount of water to minimize the irritation in the stomach.
Injection: Injection is normally administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a clinic or hospital. You might feel some pain in the injection site that usually goes away soon.
Gel: This medicine is meant for external use only. If the medicine is swallowed, seek immediate medical help. Follow all dosing instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Do not use this medicine for durations shorter or longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not cover the application area with bandages or other coverings unless specifically instructed by the doctor. Report any severe undesired side effects or a lack of improvement to your doctor immediately.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Piroxicam works by blocking the action of chemical messengers in your body that causes pain and swelling.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
Schedule
Schedule H
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 August 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Piroxicam. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 26 August 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Piroxicam: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 26 August 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Feldene Melt 20mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 26 August 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 6 Sep 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.