Piroxicam
About Piroxicam
Piroxicam belongs to a group of medications called 'Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs),' used to relieve symptoms like pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage (a protective covering) and the underlying bone. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue), leading to joint pain and damage. Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes stiffness and fusion of the spinal bones (vertebrae).
Piroxicam contains Piroxicam, which works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, that produce another chemical, prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
Take Piroxicam exactly as prescribed. Your doctor will decide the dosage and timing of this medication based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience common side effects, such as diarrhoea, stomach upset, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to speak to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Piroxicam if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or have a history of an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction to NSAIDs. Piroxicam can increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. So, if you have had any recent heart bypass surgery, do not take Piroxicam unless prescribed by the doctor. Piroxicam increases the chances of stomach ulcers and bleeding, especially in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before taking Piroxicam if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Piroxicam, as it can pass into breast milk. Piroxicam is not recommended for children under 18 years, as its safety and efficacy have not been established. Piroxicam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and vision problems, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Piroxicam, as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Uses of Piroxicam
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: It helps reduce inflammation and joint damage caused by autoimmune activity.
• Osteoarthritis: It helps relieve joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by cartilage wear and tear.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: It helps alleviate spinal pain and stiffness associated with this chronic inflammatory disease.
• Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea) Management: It can effectively relieve pain caused by menstrual cramps, providing comfort during menstruation (periods).
• Postoperative Pain Management: It is often prescribed for the short-term management of pain and inflammation following surgical procedures.
Medicinal Benefits
Piroxicam belongs to the group of painkillers known as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Piroxicam is used to relieve symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, such as stiffness, swelling, and joint pain. Piroxicam contains Piroxicam, which works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, that produce another chemical, prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
Directions for Use
- Piroxicam can be taken with or without food. However, taking it after food may help reduce stomach upset.
- It is usually taken 1-2 times daily at the same time each day or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, break, or open the medication.
Storage
Side Effects of Piroxicam
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Drug Warnings
Do not take Piroxicam if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or have a history of an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction to NSAIDs. Piroxicam may increase the risk of serious heart-related problems, like heart attack and stroke. It may also cause stomach and intestinal bleeding/ulcers. So, inform your doctor if you have any heart or stomach problems before taking Piroxicam. Avoid taking Piroxicam if you have had heart bypass surgery or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), as it can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Consult your doctor before taking Piroxicam if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Piroxicam, as it can pass into breast milk. Piroxicam is not recommended for children under 18 years, as its safety and efficacy have not been established. Piroxicam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and vision problems, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Piroxicam, as it may increase drowsiness and the risk of stomach bleeding. Inform your doctor before taking Piroxicam if you have asthma, water retention (oedema), hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes (high blood sugar), high cholesterol, blood clots, or liver/kidney disease.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Piroxicam may interact with other NSAIDs (aspirin, diclofenac), blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel), heart medicines (digoxin), antidepressants (lithium, fluoxetine, citalopram), antihypertensives (metoprolol), immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, tacrolimus), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), and diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol along with Piroxicam, as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. It could also lead to an increase in the risk of stomach bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have/had heart failure, fluid retention (oedema), asthma, stomach ulcer/bleeding, hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium), thrombosis (formation of clots), anaemia (low red blood cells), rash, platelet aggregation inhibition, and kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Piroxicam, as it may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness. It may also cause an increase in the risk of stomach/intestinal ulcers and bleeding.
Pregnancy
cautionAvoid taking Piroxicam if you are pregnant unless prescribed by the doctor. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe Piroxicam only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Do not take Piroxicam in the last 20 weeks of pregnancy, as it may cause serious kidney and heart problems in the unborn baby and complications with the pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafePiroxicam can pass into breast milk. So, avoid breastfeeding while taking Piroxicam. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Driving
unsafePiroxicam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and vision problems. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Piroxicam should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Piroxicam should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment/kidney disease. Please consult your doctor if you have a kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafePiroxicam is not recommended for children under 18 years, as its efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles and relieve joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help improve joint flexibility and pain.
- Maintain a healthy weight by engaging in regular low-impact exercises and consuming a balanced diet.
- Get adequate sleep, as rest can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20minutes regularly.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, and dark chocolate.
- Foods containing flavonoids can help reduce inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes, and green tea.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering called cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, inflammation, and tenderness. The main reason for osteoarthritis is age; the older you are, the more likely you are to develop osteoarthritis, thus known as a degenerative disease. Other reasons might include a past injury, such as torn cartilage, dislocated joints, and ligament injuries.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue), leading to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities, and loss of joint function.
Ankylosing spondylitis: It is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes stiffness and fusion of the spinal bones (vertebrae), leading to reduced mobility. Early signs of this condition may include hip and lower back pain and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after prolonged inactivity. Fatigue and neck pain are also common symptoms.
FAQs
Piroxicam is used to relieve symptoms like pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Piroxicam works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers (prostaglandin), thereby reducing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation.
Diarrhoea might be a side effect of Piroxicam. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Do not take Piroxicam for longer durations or high doses as it may cause unpleasant side effects. Do not exceed the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
Piroxicam may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Do not use Piroxicam immediately before or after bypass surgery. Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or other heart problems.
Consult your doctor before taking Piroxicam if you have diabetes, as Piroxicam might increase your blood sugar levels.
The common side effects of Piroxicam are diarrhoea, stomach upset, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to speak to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
