Product Description
Piroxicam capsules containing 20mg of the active ingredient piroxicam are a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by arthritis. It works by blocking the production of certain natural substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Important Information about Piroxicam:
- Cardiovascular Risk: Piroxicam, like other NSAIDs, can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease are at greater risk. Piroxicam is contraindicated for the treatment of pain after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
- Gastrointestinal Risk: Piroxicam can also cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use, even without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious GI events.
- Other Important Considerations:
- Hepatotoxicity: Piroxicam can cause liver damage. Patients should be informed of the warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity and discontinue use if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen or if clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease develop.
- Hypertension: Piroxicam can interfere with the effectiveness of some antihypertensive medications. Blood pressure should be monitored closely.
- Heart Failure and Edema: Piroxicam should be avoided in patients with severe heart failure unless the potential benefits outweigh the risk of worsening heart failure.
- Renal Toxicity: Renal function should be monitored in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, heart failure, dehydration, or hypovolemia. Piroxicam should be avoided in patients with advanced renal disease unless the benefits outweigh the risk of worsening renal function.
- Anaphylactic Reactions: Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
- Exacerbation of Asthma: Piroxicam is contraindicated in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Patients with pre-existing asthma (without aspirin sensitivity) should be monitored closely.
- Serious Skin Reactions: Discontinue piroxicam at the first appearance of skin rash or other signs of hypersensitivity.
- Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus: Avoid use in pregnant women starting at 30 weeks gestation.
- Hematologic Toxicity: Monitor hemoglobin or hematocrit in patients with any signs or symptoms of anemia.
Dosage and Administration:
The recommended starting dose is 20mg once daily. The majority of patients will be maintained on 20mg daily. However, some patients may require up to 30mg daily, given in single or divided doses.
Important Note:
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.
