Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat joint pain and stiffness o (osteoarthritis) 2. To treat rheumatoid arthritis (joint inflammation due to autoimmune disease) 3. To treat ankylosing spondylitis (inflammatory spine condition) 4. To treat musculoskeletal pain (muscle and joint pain) 5. To treat acute gout attacks 6. To relieve menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Stomach pain 2. Nausea 3. Vomiting 4. Heartburn 5. Diarrhea or constipation 6. Dizziness 7. Headache |
| Additional Information | To keep you safe and healthy, use this medicine only with your doctor’s guidance. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children. |
| How to Take This Medicine | This medicine should be taken orally with a sip of water. |
Piroxicam Uses
Piroxicam is an oral medicine belonging to the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used to treat the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Acute gout attacks
- Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Piroxicam side effects
More Common
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
Less common
- Stomach ulcers
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (black stools, blood in vomit)
- Increased blood pressure
- Swelling of legs or feet
- Kidney problems
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, breathing difficulty)
How Piroxicam works
Piroxicam works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body called prostaglandins, which are responsible for causing pain, inflammation, and swelling. It does this by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis. By reducing these inflammatory chemicals, piroxicam helps relieve pain, decrease swelling, and improve joint movement.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy/Hypercreativity
If you are allergic to piroxicam in this medicine, you should avoid it because it may cause serious allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or breathing difficulties. Seek medical help immediately if these occur.
Myasthenia Gravis
If you have myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes severe muscle weakness), you should not take this medicine because it can worsen muscle weakness and make symptoms more severe.
Liver Problems
If you have liver disease or a history of liver problems, inform your doctor before taking this medicine because it may worsen your condition or require dose adjustment.
Kidney Problems
If you have kidney issues, tell your doctor before starting this medicine because the drug may accumulate in the body and increase the risk of side effects.
Low Blood Pressure
If you already have low blood pressure, use this medicine only after discussing with your doctor because it may further lower your blood pressure and cause dizziness or fainting.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor before taking Tolperisone because its safety during pregnancy has not been fully established.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before using this medicine because it is not clearly known whether Tolperisone passes into breast milk.
Piroxicam Interaction with other Medicines
Avoid taking Piroxicam with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Piroxicam Interaction with Food Products
Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the chances of stomach pain or heartburn. Alcohol should be avoided while using this medicine because it can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding diet and medication use.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep away from the reach of children.
Piroxicam Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
Piroxicam Chemical Structure: 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,1-dioxo-N-pyridin-2-yl-1λ6,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide
Intake routine/cycle
Daily Dose
Take Piroxicam exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Do not take more than 40 mg of Piroxicam per day, as exceeding this amount may lead to overdose. Overdose symptoms can include severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and in serious cases, stomach bleeding, kidney problems, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Piroxicam Summary
Piroxicam 20 mg is a pain-relieving medicine that belongs to the group of drugs called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It is used to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout attacks, muscle and joint pain, and menstrual pain. It works by blocking certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation. It should be taken before or after food to prevent stomach irritation. Common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, dizziness, and headache.
In some cases, it may cause stomach ulcers or bleeding, especially if taken for a long time. The maximum recommended dose is 40 mg per day, and taking more than this can increase the risk of serious side effects.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of piroxicam tablets?
Piroxicam tablets are used to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, musculoskeletal pain, acute gout attacks, and menstrual pain.
What are the side effects of piroxicam?
Piroxicam may cause side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dizziness, headache, constipation, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, swelling of legs, kidney problems, and allergic reactions.
What is the class of piroxicam?
Piroxicam belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
What is the mechanism of action of piroxicam?
Piroxicam works by blocking certain body chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation. By reducing these chemicals, it helps to relieve pain, decrease swelling, and improve joint movement.
Reference
- PubChem. Piroxicam [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from
- FELDENE FLASH 20 mg Tablets [Internet]. Available from
- Feldene [Internet]. Medscape.com. 2024. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.