Oxicam: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 17:44, 18 February 2025

A class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Overview[edit]

The oxicams are a class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used to relieve pain and inflammation. They are particularly effective in the treatment of chronic conditions such as arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Oxicams are known for their long half-life, which allows for once-daily dosing in many cases.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Oxicams work by inhibiting the activity of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are responsible for the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are compounds that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, oxicams help to alleviate the symptoms of inflammation and pain.

Common Oxicams[edit]

Several drugs belong to the oxicam class, including:

Piroxicam - One of the earliest oxicams, piroxicam is used to treat various inflammatory conditions. It is known for its long duration of action.
Meloxicam - A more selective COX-2 inhibitor, meloxicam is often preferred for its reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to other NSAIDs.
Tenoxicam - Used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, tenoxicam is effective in treating both acute and chronic pain.
Lornoxicam - Known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, lornoxicam is used in the management of pain and inflammation in musculoskeletal disorders.

Pharmacokinetics[edit]

Oxicams are characterized by their long half-lives, which range from 20 to 70 hours depending on the specific drug. This allows for once-daily dosing, which can improve patient compliance. They are well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and are extensively metabolized in the liver.

Side Effects[edit]

Like other NSAIDs, oxicams can cause a range of side effects, particularly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Common side effects include:

Due to their mechanism of action, oxicams can also affect renal function and should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease.

Clinical Use[edit]

Oxicams are primarily used in the management of chronic inflammatory conditions such as:

They may also be used for the relief of acute pain, such as that associated with musculoskeletal injuries.

Images[edit]

Chemical structure of meloxicam, a commonly used oxicam.

Chemical structure of piroxicam, one of the first oxicams developed.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Oxicam''' is a class of [[non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] (NSAIDs) that are used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. The Oxicam group includes several drugs, such as [[piroxicam]], [[meloxicam]], and [[tenoxicam]].
+{{Short description|A class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs}}
-== History ==
+==Overview==
-The first Oxicam drug, piroxicam, was introduced in the 1980s. It was followed by other drugs in the same class, including meloxicam and tenoxicam. These drugs were developed as a response to the need for more effective and safer NSAIDs.
+The '''oxicams''' are a class of [[non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] (NSAIDs) that are used to relieve pain and inflammation. They are particularly effective in the treatment of chronic conditions such as [[arthritis]], including [[rheumatoid arthritis]] and [[osteoarthritis]]. Oxicams are known for their long half-life, which allows for once-daily dosing in many cases.
-== Mechanism of Action ==
+==Mechanism of Action==
-Oxicam drugs work by inhibiting the enzyme [[cyclooxygenase]] (COX), which is involved in the production of [[prostaglandins]]. Prostaglandins are chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. By inhibiting COX, Oxicam drugs reduce the production of these chemicals, thereby relieving symptoms.
+Oxicams work by inhibiting the activity of the [[cyclooxygenase]] (COX) enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are responsible for the conversion of [[arachidonic acid]] into [[prostaglandins]], which are compounds that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, oxicams help to alleviate the symptoms of inflammation and pain.
-== Uses ==
+==Common Oxicams==
-Oxicam drugs are used to treat a variety of conditions, including [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[osteoarthritis]], and [[ankylosing spondylitis]]. They are also used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by injuries and other conditions.
+Several drugs belong to the oxicam class, including:
-== Side Effects ==
+* '''[[Piroxicam]]''' - One of the earliest oxicams, piroxicam is used to treat various inflammatory conditions. It is known for its long duration of action.
-Like all NSAIDs, Oxicam drugs can cause side effects. These can include stomach upset, heartburn, dizziness, and headache. More serious side effects can include stomach ulcers, bleeding, and kidney problems.
+* '''[[Meloxicam]]''' - A more selective COX-2 inhibitor, meloxicam is often preferred for its reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to other NSAIDs.
+* '''[[Tenoxicam]]''' - Used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, tenoxicam is effective in treating both acute and chronic pain.
+* '''[[Lornoxicam]]''' - Known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, lornoxicam is used in the management of pain and inflammation in musculoskeletal disorders.
-== Precautions ==
+==Pharmacokinetics==
-Before taking an Oxicam drug, it is important to discuss any medical conditions or allergies with a healthcare provider. These drugs should not be used by people with certain conditions, such as severe heart disease or kidney disease.
+Oxicams are characterized by their long half-lives, which range from 20 to 70 hours depending on the specific drug. This allows for once-daily dosing, which can improve patient compliance. They are well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and are extensively metabolized in the liver.
-== See Also ==
+==Side Effects==
+Like other NSAIDs, oxicams can cause a range of side effects, particularly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Common side effects include:
+* [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]]
+* [[Ulceration]]
+* [[Nausea]]
+* [[Dyspepsia]]
+Due to their mechanism of action, oxicams can also affect renal function and should be used with caution in patients with [[kidney disease]].
+==Clinical Use==
+Oxicams are primarily used in the management of chronic inflammatory conditions such as:
+* [[Rheumatoid arthritis]]
+* [[Osteoarthritis]]
+* [[Ankylosing spondylitis]]
+They may also be used for the relief of acute pain, such as that associated with [[musculoskeletal injuries]].
+==Images==
+[[File:Meloxicam.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of meloxicam, a commonly used oxicam.]]
+[[File:Piroxicam.svg|thumb|left|Chemical structure of piroxicam, one of the first oxicams developed.]]
+==Related Pages==
 * [[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug]]
-* [[Piroxicam]]
+* [[Cyclooxygenase]]
-* [[Meloxicam]]
+* [[Prostaglandin]]
-* [[Tenoxicam]]
 [[Category:Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]
-[[Category:Oxicam]]
-{{medicine-stub}}