It is an anti-inflammatory drug, which is being used to reduce pain and inflammation. It is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and contains analgesic and antipyretic properties. It is being used to treat osteoarthritis, acute pain, severe headache, migraine headache, pain and inflammation, dental pain, fever, rheumatoid, back pain, and also being used to treat period pain. The brand name of Piroxicam is Feldene, produced by Pfizer.
It is an analgesic and antipyretic agent, which reduces pain and inflammation within few minutes.
Action: It is well absorbed in oral administration but slightly delays with food. The plasma half-life is 50 hours in man. It generally peaks within three to five hours after medication. In a single 20mg dose, the plasma levels 1.5 to 2mg/ml while after daily ingestion of 20mg Piroxicam, it starts to stabilize at 3-8 mcg/ml. It is 95% metabolized and less than 5% of the daily dose is excreted unchanged in urine and feces.
Indications and Symptoms
| Indications & Symptoms | Indications & Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Mastalgia |
| Ankylosing Spondylitis | Low back pain |
| Post-Surgical Pains | Periodontitis |
| Sports Injuries | Toothache |
| Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases | Maxillo-facial surgery |
| Dysmenorrhoea | Acute Pain |
| Osteoarthritis Pain | Dental Pain |
| Menstruation Pain | Pain and Inflammation |
| Back pain | To reduce Fever |
| Headache | Severe and Migraine headache |
Dosage
In mild to moderate pain, the recommended dose for adults should be 10-20mg twice daily or as recommended by the physician. In severe pain, the dose can be increased to 40mg every 12 hours. It all depends on the severity and medical condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: The recommended starting dose is 20mg given as a single dose daily.
Acute Musculoskeletal Disorders: The recommended dose started from 20-40mg two times a day and the treatment period is 7-14 days.
Acute Gout: The dose should be initiated with 40mg daily for the first three days.
Post-Operative and Post-Traumatic Pain: The recommended therapy is 20mg single daily dose. In severity condition the dosage
Dysmenorrhea: The recommended therapy is 40mg as a single daily dose.
Upper respiratory tract inflammation: The usual dosage is 10 or 20mg daily or as recommended by the physician. It can be increased to 40mg in severity condition.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: In children, the JRA dosage is based on body weight as follows. For less than 15kg body weight 5mg Piroxicam, 16-45kg, 10mg Piroxicam, 26-45kg, 15mg Piroxicam, 46-above, 20mg Piroxicam daily.
Overdosage: In overdosage of Piroxicam, supportive therapy is indicated. It has been studied that administration of activated charcoal may result in reducing Piroxicam. Or induce vomiting.
Side Effects of Piroxicam
Piroxicam is generally well tolerated. Normally gastrointestinal symptoms are most commonly absorbed, this adverse reaction includes, nausea, stomatitis, anorexia, distress, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and sometimes vomiting has been absorbed.
Sign of hypersensitivity includes headache, vertigo, skin rashes and asthenia have been absorbed.
Rare side effects include gastric ulcer, ocular disturbances, aplastic anemia, vomiting, allergic edema, and heart failure.
Central Nervous System CNS adverse effects include dizziness, insomnia, depression, nervousness, headache, hallucinations, and mental confusion has been reported.
Hypersensitive reactions include anaphylaxis, urticaria, bronchospasm, vasculitis, and serum sickness has been absorbed.
Contraindications
Piroxicam is contraindicated in patients with active peptic ulceration and all those patients who have previously shown a hypersensitive to Piroxicam. It is also contraindicated with Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Pregnancy and Lactation
The safety of Piroxicam in pregnancy and lactation has not been established. Consult your physician before taking Piroxicam in pregnancy and lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take Piroxicam for Headache?
Yes, you can use Piroxicam for headaches because it has an anti-inflammatory property. You can also take Piroxicam for dental pain as well.
What is the difference between Piroxicam Vs Paracetamol?
Piroxicam is being used to treat acute pain and inflammation while Paracetamol is being used to treat pain and fever. It is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine while Paracetamol is being used to treat headaches, toothache,s, and backaches. Piroxicam is quite more powerful than paracetamol.
Is Piroxicam safe to Use?
It is safe to use but you should not have had active peptic ulceration. The benefits are more than its side effects; therefore you can use Piroxicam if you have no liver problem.
When to not take Piroxicam?
Do not use Piroxicam if you have kidney disease, stomach pain, heart problem, or liver disease.
How long should I take Piroxicam?
Do not use Piroxicam for more than 15 days. The daily dosage of Piroxicam is 20mg twice daily.