Piroxicam (
Feldene®) is a prescription medicine used to treat pain, inflammation, swelling, and/or stiffness. It is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or
NSAIDs for short.
It is manufactured by Pfizer.
Piroxicam is not a cure for the
types of arthritis mentioned above, nor does it slow the progression of the disease.
Piroxicam and other NSAIDs work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, piroxicam is useful for reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of
arthritis and painful conditions.
When and How Do I Take Piroxicam?
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Piroxicam comes in a capsule form. It is taken by mouth.
- Your dosage should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent an upset stomach.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the capsules.
- For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it may take several weeks for piroxicam to begin working to its full potential.
- It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of serious side effects occurring.
- Piroxicam should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medicine to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Piroxicam will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribes.
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your piroxicam dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(The side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of piroxicam. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with piroxicam. Not everyone who takes it will experience side effects, however. When people do develop side effects, in many cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by a healthcare provider.
Common side effects of piroxicam include, but are not limited to:
- Heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Swelling
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Gas
- Unexplained bleeding
- Ulcer in the stomach or intestines (peptic ulcer)
- Anemia
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tiredness or weakness
- Unexplained rash
- Itching
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Less common but serious side effects include:
- Cardiovascular problems, including a heart attack or stroke
- Stomach or intestinal problems, including bleeding, ulcers, or a hole (known as a perforation)
- Liver damage
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Fluid retention
- Congestive heart failure
- Allergic reaction
- Unexplained rash.
These possible side effects are shared with all
NSAIDs and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
(Click Side Effects of Piroxicam to learn about specific side effects of the drug, including potentially serious side effects to look out for.)
Drug Interactions With Piroxicam
Piroxicam can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using
NSAIDs, including piroxicam, may have a higher risk of having a
heart attack or
stroke than those people who do not take NSAIDs. This warning does not apply to those who take aspirin. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time. These events can occur without any warning and can lead to death. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following:
You should also talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking piroxicam if you have:
- Asthma
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Bleeding problems (or if you are taking medicine that decreases your blood's ability to clot)
- Diabetes
- Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
- Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAID pain medicines.
Let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Feldene and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Smoke
- Are having or have recently had heart surgery.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much piroxicam may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Excessive sleepiness
- Coma
- Convulsions
- The heart stopping.
If you happen to overdose on piroxicam, seek medical attention immediately.
Piroxicam should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. The capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep piroxicam and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your piroxicam as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
Piroxicam is available in several strengths, including:
- Piroxicam 10 mg capsules
- Piroxicam 20 mg capsules.
There is a generic form of piroxicam available.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print