Piroxicam (brand name Feldene®) is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that works by stopping the body’s production of an enzyme, cyclooxygenase, which makes prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that affect inflammation, muscle relaxation/contraction, and blood vessel contraction and dilation in the body.

Why is it prescribed?

Piroxicam is prescribed to treat pain, tenderness, stiffness, swelling and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Piroxicam is also sometimes used to treat arthritis caused by gout and a type of arthritis affecting the spine, as well as conditions such as bursitis and tendonitis. It can also be used to relieve menstrual pain, muscle pain, low back pain, and pain from surgery or from giving birth.

What is the dosage?

Piroxicam comes as a capsule of either 10 mg. or 20 mg., to be taken by mouth. The usual dose is 20 mg. once a day, or 10 mg. taken twice daily, with food. It may take 8-12 weeks before the full benefit of the medication is achieved.

Contraindications

Do not use Piroxicam if you have previously had an allergic reaction to it, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), etc. Also be sure to tell your doctor of any other allergies you may have to either foods or medicines.

Before taking Piroxicam, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• Asthma
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal problems (bleeding, ulcers, recurring heartburn)
• Heart disease, history of heart attack or stroke
• High blood pressure
• Swelling of the ankles/feet/hands
• Blood disorders or bleeding/clotting problems

Also let your doctor know if you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages. If you are planning on having surgery of any kind, tell your doctor you are taking Piroxicam.

Interactions

Piroxicam may interact with the following drugs. Please let your physician know if you are taking any of these drugs before starting Piroxicam.

• Warfarin (Coumadin®), heparin or other blood thinners
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin)
• Lithium
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex®)
• Diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix®), hydrochlorothiazide, or spironolactone
• Drugs for seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin®) or valproic acid (Depakote®)
• Aspirin and other NSAIDs
• ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec®) and benazepril (Lotensin®)
• ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers), such as valsartan (Diovan®)
• Oral medications for diabetes

Side Effects

The following side effects are most common with this drug. Call your doctor if they become severe or persistent.

• Rash
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Fluid retention
• Tinnitus
• Photosensitivity

Call your doctor immediately and stop taking Piroxicam if you have any of the following serious side effects. These symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction, an overdose, liver or kidney problems, heart problems or gastrointestinal bleeding.

• Vision problems
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite/upset stomach
• Vomiting blood or “coffee ground” substance
• Bloody/”tarry” stool
• Unexplained sudden weight gain
• Fever or chills
• Blisters
• Joint pain
• Pale skin
• Blisters, rash, hives or itching
• Swelling of the throat, face, eyes, lips or tongue
• Edema of the arms, hands, or lower extremities
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness
• Husky voice, hoarseness
• Tachycardia
• Severe tiredness, no energy
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Feeling as if you have the flu
• Jaundice (yellow color of the skin or eyes)
• Dark urine or cloudy/bloody urine
• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Problems with urination (difficulty, pain)

Piroxicam and other NSAIDs may cause a higher risk of heart attack and stroke among those taking them, especially over long periods of time. Be sure to mention any heart-related symptoms to your doctor immediately.

References:

http://www.medicinenet.com/Piroxicam-oral/article.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682880.html

The drug was first marketed by Pfizer under the brand name Feldene and it was extremely successful during the entire 1980s.  It was very popular, because it was once of the first drugs to treat arthritis in a low dosage.  It had very little side effects and is effective all day long, making it the clear choice for both doctors and patients in dealing with osteoarthritis.

After the 1980s, right around 1992, the Pfizer drug patent wore off and the market was flooded with generic versions of Feldene (Piroxicam).

Today the drug is still very popular because it has proven to work with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  The low side effects are key and the fact that the drug can be taken in either 20mg or 40mg dosage, make it one of the best drugs on the market for treating arthritis.

The half-life of Piroxicam is anywhere from 30 up to 86 hours, with the average being right around 50.  This makes the drug very effective at treating arthritis long term.  It provides long term pain relief, which is what most of those suffering from arthritis are looking for.

Piroxicam can be administered in either tablet or capsule form.  It is taken orally and will only provide a reduction in arthritic symptoms while taking the medication.  It will not cure arthritis, but it is very effective in treating the symptoms of arthritis when taken over a long period.

This has been a short introduction into the generic drug Piroxicam.  We will have more information about this generic drug as well as the brand names of the drug.  Stay tuned for more high quality information.  Always consult with a doctor about this medication and any others that you are considering starting or stopping.  This information is not to be taken as medical advice, but we do hope that it helps you understand the medicine better and helps you make an informed decision.  Good luck with your arthritis!

Incoming search terms:

• fasden piroxicam noxa
• lowest dose of piroxicam effective in