This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Piroxocam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis). It is prescribed both for sudden flare-ups and for long-term treatment.

How to Take

The usual dose is 20 milligrams a day in one dose. Your doctor may want you to divide this dose into smaller ones. You will not feel Piroxocam's full effect for 7 to 12 days, although some relief of symptoms will start to occur soon after you take the medication.

The safety and effectiveness of Piroxocam have not been established in children.

Warning and Precautions

Piroxicam may cause dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Piroxicam with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Serious stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of Piroxicam. Taking it in high doses or for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of these side effects. Taking Piroxicam with food will not reduce the risk of these effects. Contact your doctor or emergency room at once if you develop severe stomach or back pain; black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling.

Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

Piroxicam is an NSAID. Before you start taking any new medicine, read the ingredients. If it also has an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen) in it, check with your doctor. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take aspirin while you are using Piroxicam unless your doctor tells you to.

Lab tests, including kidney function, complete blood cell counts, and blood pressure, may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center immediately, if such symptoms occur: decreased urination; loss of consciousness; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; severe nausea or stomach pain; slow or troubled breathing; unusual bleeding or bruising; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Storage

Store Piroxicam at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Piroxicam out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects: constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Piroxicam. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.