piroxicam at a glance
Medicine class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Licensed uses
Symptom relief in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Place in treatment
Second-line option initiated by a clinician experienced in rheumatic disease
Administration
Taken by mouth, preferably with or after food
What is piroxicam used for?
The selected oral products are licensed for symptomatic relief in adults. Piroxicam controls symptoms but does not cure the underlying condition.
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
How does piroxicam work?
Piroxicam reversibly inhibits cyclo-oxygenase enzymes, reducing production of prostaglandins involved in pain, inflammation and fever.
piroxicam preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg
How to take piroxicam
Take piroxicam exactly as shown on the dispensing label. Do not combine it with another piroxicam product or another NSAID unless specifically directed by the prescriber.
Take oral formulations preferably with or after food.
Swallow capsules by mouth.
Fast-dissolving tablets may be swallowed with water or placed on the tongue, allowed to disperse and swallowed with saliva.
piroxicam side effects
Common or expected effects
- Indigestion, abdominal discomfort or pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea, constipation or wind
- Headache, dizziness, sleepiness or vertigo
- Itching or skin rash
- Ankle swelling or other fluid retention
- Anaemia or changes in blood counts
Get urgent medical advice
- Stomach or intestinal ulceration, bleeding or perforation
- Severe allergic reaction or bronchospasm
- Blistering, peeling or other severe skin reactions
- Kidney injury or reduced kidney function
- Liver injury or jaundice
- Heart failure, marked fluid retention, heart attack or stroke symptoms
piroxicam in pregnancy
Piroxicam should generally be avoided in pregnancy unless a specialist decides it is necessary. NSAIDs should not be used after 20 weeks without medical supervision. Piroxicam is contraindicated during the third trimester and may reversibly impair female fertility.
piroxicam while breastfeeding
The selected product information does not recommend piroxicam during breastfeeding because clinical safety is not established. Its long half-life may increase the potential for accumulation in the infant.
piroxicam interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy and over-the-counter products before piroxicam is started.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Can enhance anticoagulant effects and substantially increase bleeding risk; concomitant use is contraindicated in the selected products.
Aspirin and other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen
Combining them increases adverse-effect and bleeding risks and should be avoided.
Common questions about piroxicam
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is piroxicam a first-line NSAID?
No. It is reserved as a second-line option after an individual risk assessment because of important gastrointestinal and serious skin risks.
Can piroxicam be taken with ibuprofen or naproxen?
Usually not. Combining NSAIDs increases bleeding and other adverse-effect risks.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.