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Piroxicam

  • Piroxicam may be used in children over 6 years for juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
  • Take piroxicam with or after food.
  • Piroxicam should not be taken if you have had, or are suffering from, a stomach ulcer.
  • If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking piroxicam do not drive or operate machinery.

About piroxicam

Type of medicine Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Used for Pain and inflammation in rheumatic disease
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children over 6 years
Other musculoskeletal disorders
Acute gout
Also called Feldene
Brexidol
Available as Tablet
Capsule
Liquid
Injection (into the muscle)

Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation.
A substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, including prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation.
Piroxicam blocks the action of COX and therefore stops production of these prostaglandins.

Before taking piroxicam

Before taking piroxicam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have an inherited disorder of protein metabolism called phenylketonuria.
  • If you have ever had a reaction after taking another NSAID such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.
  • If you suffer from a stomach ulcer or other stomach problems.
  • If you suffer from porphyria.
  • If you suffer from asthma.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from heart problems.

How to take piroxicam

  • Take with or after food.
  • If you are taking the melt-in-the-mouth tablets, peel back the loose flap at the edge of the packet to reveal a tablet and place the tablet on your tongue - it will melt in a few seconds.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you experience indigestion after taking piroxicam try taking the next dose with a glass of milk.

Can piroxicam cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, drink plenty of liquid.
Constipation Try to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
Inflammation of the mouth Speak to your pharmacist who may be be able to recommend a soothing gel
Rash, itching Speak to your pharmacist who may be be able to recommend a soothing cream
Difficulty sleeping, drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Ankle swelling Raise your legs when at rest.
See your doctor as soon as possible.

Use of suppositories may lead to irritation of the back passage.
Use of the injection may cause a mild reaction at the site of injection.

How to store piroxicam

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1189		 DocRef:
dils2275		 Last Updated:
12 Sep 2007		 Date of Next Review:
11 Sep 2009		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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