What is Piroxicam?

Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain and inflammation. The medication is available as the brand-name drug called Feldene. NSAIDs are non-narcotic pain relievers that can be used for a number of conditions, like:

They function by lowering prostaglandin levels, which are the chemicals that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. Piroxicam inhibits the enzyme that produces prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower prostaglandin concentrations.

What are the Uses of Piroxicam?

Piroxicam is used to relieve arthritis-related discomfort, swelling, and stiffness. Reducing these symptoms allows you to participate in more of your everyday activities. This drug belongs to the class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). It works by preventing the development of certain natural substances that cause inflammation in your body.

What are the Side Effects of Piroxicam?

The most common side effects of Piroxicam are:

Some of the serious side effects of Piroxicam are:

Piroxicam can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. If you are facing any of the above serious side effects, talk with your doctor.

What are the Precautions of Piroxicam?

Before taking Piroxicam, talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The drug may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using any drug, consult with your doctor if you have any medical history such as:

Talk to your doctor if you are taking any prescriptions, non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. If you have or have ever had asthma, tell your doctor, particularly if you still have a stuffy or runny nose, nasal polyps (swelling of the nose lining), heart failure, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, or liver or kidney disease.

How to use Piroxicam?

Piroxicam comes in the form of capsules which should be taken orally. Mainly, the drug is taken once or twice a day. Try to take the drug at the same time every day. The medication will help you to control the symptoms but is unable to cure the condition. It can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer to show the benefit of the medications.

Drug forms and strengths

Dosage for osteoarthritis

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): 20 mg should be taken once per day or 10 mg two times a day.

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): 20 mg should be taken once per day or 10 mg two times a day.

What if One misses a dose of Piroxicam?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s time for your next dose, then wait and take a single dose at your regular time. Never try to make up for missed doses by taking two at once. This can lead to some severe consequences.

What to Do If Someone is Overdosing of Piroxicam?

If you are taking too much medication, there is a chance of getting some severe symptoms like fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and stomach bleeding. In some rare cases, taking too many drugs can lead to allergic reactions, high blood pressure, kidney failure, trouble breathing, and coma. Talk to your doctor immediately if you are having any serious medical conditions.

Warnings for Serious Health Conditions

For people with Asthma

Asthma attacks can be triggered by piroxicam. It should not be used if you have asthma that is caused by aspirin. It's possible that it has the same impact as aspirin.

For people with ulcer or stomach bleeding

This drug increases the chances of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. If you take piroxicam and have a history of ulcers, stomach or intestinal bleeding, then try to avoid it for a certain period of time.

For people with Kidney disease

If you take the medication for a long time, it can damage your kidneys. This medication should not be used if you have extreme kidney disease.

For people with High Blood Pressure

The drug has the potential to trigger or exacerbate elevated blood pressure. When taking piroxicam, you may need to monitor your blood pressure often.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

The drug should not be taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. It has the potential to endanger your pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, speak to your doctor.

The drug can pass through your breast milk and cause side effects in a breastfed infant. Breastfeeding is not advised while taking this drug.

How to Properly Store Piroxicam Medicines?

Direct contact with heat, air, and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.

Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Before taking Piroxicam, consult your doctor. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Piroxicam, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while traveling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your doctor's advice whenever you take Piroxicam.

Piroxicam vs Paracetamol

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