Piroxicam
About
Piroxicam belongs to the group of medications known as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) used to relieve symptoms like pain, inflammation and joint stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering (cartilage). Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue), leading to joint pain and damage.
Piroxicam contains 'Piroxicam' that works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, lesser prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
Take Piroxicam as prescribed. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as diarrhoea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. 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.
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. Consult your doctor before taking Piroxicam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Piroxicam may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Piroxicam is not recommended for children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Piroxicam as it could lead to increased dizziness. It could also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Uses of Piroxicam
Medicinal Benefits
Piroxicam belongs to the group of pain killers known as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Piroxicam is used to relieve symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, such as stiffness, swelling, and joint pain. Piroxicam works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make 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
Storage
Side Effects of Piroxicam
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Piroxicam may increase the risk of serious heart-related problems, like heart attack and stroke. So, if you are a heart patient, let your doctor know before taking Piroxicam. Besides this, Piroxicam may also cause stomach and intestinal bleeding/ulcers, so let your doctor know if you have these problems. Do not take 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 breastfeeding. Piroxicam may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Piroxicam is not recommended for children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Piroxicam as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Tell your doctor before taking Piroxicam if you have asthma, water retention (oedema) or high blood pressure, stuff/runny nose, nasal polyps, liver or kidney problems.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Piroxicam may have interaction with anti-depressants (duloxetine, sertraline), anti-hypertensives (metoprolol), drugs used to treat arthritis (celecoxib).
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, gastrointestinal ulcer/bleeding, high blood pressure, hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium), thrombosis (formation of clots), anaemia (low red blood cells), rash, platelet aggregation inhibition, kidney and liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Piroxicam. Alcohol intake, along Piroxicam may cause increased dizziness. It may also cause an increase in the risk of stomach/intestine 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
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Piroxicam. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionPiroxicam may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience dizziness.
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 kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafePiroxicam is not recommended for children, as the efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing 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 food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing 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 could get osteoarthritis, thus known as degenerative disease, meaning that the joints wear out as a person ages. Other reasons might include a past injury such as torn cartilage, dislocated joints, and ligament injuries.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune 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.
FAQs
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 heart problems.
Consult your doctor before taking Piroxicam if you have diabetes as Piroxicam might increase the blood sugar levels.
