Piroxicam

Information about Piroxicam

Piroxicam is a commonly used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that is available by prescription only and is used in therapy of chronic arthritis. Piroxicam can cause mild serum aminotransferase elevations and, in rare instances, leads to clinically apparent acute liver injury that can be severe and even fatal.

Mechanism of action of Piroxicam

Piroxicam (pir ox' i kam) belongs to the oxicam family, which is a class of enolic acids structurally unrelated to other NSAIDs. Piroxicam, like other NSAIDs, acts through inhibition of tissue cyclooxygenases (Cox-1 and -2) leading to a decrease in synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, which are potent mediators of pain and inflammation. Piroxicam has analgesic as well as antipyretic and antiinflammatory activities.

FDA approval information for Piroxicam

Piroxicam was approved for use in the United States in 1982 and is still widely used, with several million prescriptions filled yearly.

Current indications include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Brand name for Piroxicam

Piroxicam is available as capsules of 10 and 20 mg in several generic forms as well as under brand names such as Feldene, Novo-Pirocam and Nu-Pirox. The recommended dose is 10 to 20 mg orally once daily.

Dosage and administration for Piroxicam

Piroxicam is available by prescription only. Other oxicam NSAIDs include meloxicam, tenoxicam, and droxicam, the latter two being available in other countries, but not the United States.

Side effects of Piroxicam

As with other NSAIDs, side effects can include headache, dizziness, somnolence, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, peripheral edema and hypersensitivity reactions.

Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Acetaminophen, Celecoxib, Diclofenac, Diflunisal, Etodolac, Fenoprofen, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, Ketorolac, Mefenamic Acid, Meloxicam, Nabumetone, Naproxen, Nimesulide, Oxaprozin, Phenylbutazone, Piroxicam, Rofecoxib, Sulindac, Tolmetin

• Dailymed label info on Piroxicam
• FDA Piroxicam