What is Piroxicam - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: January 23, 2019.

A nonsteroidal oxicam derivative with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties.
As a non-selective, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), piroxicam binds and chelates both isoforms of cyclooxygenases (COX 1 and COX 2), thereby stalling phospholipase A2 activity and conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin precursors at the rate-limiting cyclooxygenase enzyme step. This results in inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis.
As a second, independent effect, piroxicam inhibits the activation of neutrophils, thereby contributing to its overall anti-inflammatory effects.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: January 23, 2019.

Adult
PO
Ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis: 20 mg/day as a single or in divided doses as necessary.

Topical/cutaneous
Pain and inflammation - 0.5% gel: apply to the affected area 3-4 times/day.

Adverse drug reactions: edema, CHF, HTN, syncope, tachycardia; anorexia, abdominal pain, constipation, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, esophagitis, gastritis, hematemesis, melena, confusion, depression, dream abnormalities, drowsiness, insomnia, nervousness, paresthesia, somnolence, pruritus, desquamation.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

Piroxicam

Related terms

To cite