Piroxicam helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is used to provide relief in pain associated with joint disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation in the joints of the spine), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrist, feet, and ankles) and osteoarthritis (a joint disorder where the protective tissue that covers the ends of bones wears down causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Piroxicam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal.
Piroxicam is available as a capsule or fast-dissolving tablet.
If you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the fast-dissolving tablet, you may swallow it whole with water or place it on the tongue to disperse then swallow with or without water.
You may stop taking this medicine when you have no more pain and inflammation.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not take Piroxicam if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or other similar painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or celecoxib.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- active or history of ulcer or bleeding in the stomach or bowel
- active or history of inflammatory bowel disease (group of diseases that cause long-term inflammation of the digestive tract) e.g. Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that usually affects the small intestine and colon), ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- history of severe skin reactions e.g. rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes
- history of asthma, rhinitis (inflammation inside the lining of the nose caused by allergens), skin rash, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or similar painkillers
- history of uncontrolled high blood pressure
- history of stroke or heart attack
- severe heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
Piroxicam should not be used to treat pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (a procedure to improve and restore the blood flow in the heart).
Do not take Piroxicam with other medicines for pain and inflammation and blood-thinning medicines. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems e.g. mild to moderate heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- risks of having heart problems e.g. diabetes, high cholesterol levels in the blood
- disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- other forms of asthma
- prone to bleeding
- swollen ankles, feet, or hands
- low volume of circulating fluids in the body
- peripheral arterial disease (narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain causing poor blood circulation to the arms and legs)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are in your 1st or 2nd trimester of pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding.
This medicine may make it more difficult for women to become pregnant. Inform your doctor if you are planning to have a baby soon or if you have problems becoming pregnant.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Piroxicam to the elderly or debilitated individual (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people and debilitated individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Individuals' genetic traits are unique from each other. Researchers say that certain genetic traits (e.g. intermediate or poor metabolisers of CYP2C9) can enhance this drug's side effects. Though not routinely done, in some exceptional cases, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this drug is best suited for you.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver or kidney function, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
Piroxicam may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or some problems with your eyesight such as blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach wind, loss of appetite, and ringing in the ears.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, changes in balance or coordination
- signs and symptoms of heart attack e.g. chest pain, tightness, or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, tongue, or throat
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Piroxicam with the following medicines:
- other NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat depression e.g. sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram
- corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines) e.g. prednisolone
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. captopril, losartan
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Piroxicam.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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