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Piroxicam

Generic name: piroxicam [ peer-OX-i-kam ]
Brand name: Feldene
Dosage form: oral capsule (10 mg; 20 mg)
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 23, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is piroxicam?

Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Piroxicam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Piroxicam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Stop using piroxicam and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Piroxicam may cause serious side effects. Stop using piroxicam and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of piroxicam may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Piroxicam can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use piroxicam just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Piroxicam may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use piroxicam if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Piroxicam can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Piroxicam may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using piroxicam, especially in older adults.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

If you are pregnant, you should not take piroxicam unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

Ovulation (release of an egg from your ovary) could be delayed while you are taking piroxicam. This effect is usually not permanent. You should not take piroxicam while you are trying to get pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Piroxicam is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take piroxicam?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medicine as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

If you use piroxicam long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Piroxicam dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Recommended dose: 20 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-The lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible should be used based on individual patient treatment goals.
-Due to the long half-life, there is a progressive response to treatment over several weeks; the effect of therapy should not be assessed for 2 weeks.

Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

Recommended dose: 20 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-The lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible should be used based on individual patient treatment goals.
-Due to the long half-life, there is a progressive response to treatment over several weeks; the effect of therapy should not be assessed for 2 weeks.

Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood.

What should I avoid while taking piroxicam?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking piroxicam.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to piroxicam (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

What other drugs will affect piroxicam?

Ask your doctor before using piroxicam if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect piroxicam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.