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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Piroxicam: uses, side effects & precautions

Also known as Feldene, Brexin.

Diese Informationen dienen ausschließlich der allgemeinen Orientierung und stellen keine medizinische Beratung dar. Konsultieren Sie bei persönlichen gesundheitlichen Anliegen stets eine qualifizierte medizinische Fachkraft. Wählen Sie im Notfall Ihre örtliche Notrufnummer.

What it is used for

  • Pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Long-term joint conditions where once-daily dosing is helpful

How it works

Piroxicam inhibits COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandins, easing pain, stiffness and inflammation. It is long-acting and usually taken once daily.

How it is taken

Available as capsules, dispersible tablets, gel for the skin and suppositories. Take or apply it exactly as your doctor or the label directs, usually once daily with or after food for oral forms. It is generally reserved for arthritis and used under specialist or careful medical guidance because of its side-effect profile.

No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.

Common side effects

  • Indigestion or stomach discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Skin reactions with the gel

Serious effects — get help

  • Stomach or gut bleeding or ulcers (black stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain)
  • Heart attack or stroke warning signs
  • Serious skin reactions (severe rash, blistering, peeling)
  • Serious allergic reaction (swelling, wheezing, difficulty breathing)
  • Signs of kidney or liver problems

If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.

Interactions to watch

  • Other NSAIDs and aspirin
  • Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs
  • Some blood pressure medicines and diuretics
  • Lithium and methotrexate
  • Corticosteroids and SSRIs (bleeding risk)
  • Alcohol

Who should take care

  • Avoided in late pregnancy; use only on clinician advice otherwise
  • Carries a relatively higher risk of serious skin and stomach reactions, so it is usually a second-line option started by a specialist
  • Tell your doctor about ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney or liver problems
  • Use the lowest effective amount for the shortest time
  • Seek urgent care for severe rash, gut bleeding or allergic reaction

Frequently asked questions

Why is piroxicam not a first-choice NSAID?
It has a higher risk of serious stomach and skin reactions and a long action, so guidelines often reserve it for when other NSAIDs are unsuitable, started by a specialist.
How often do I take it?
Because it is long-acting, oral piroxicam is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's exact instructions and the label.
What skin reactions should I watch for?
Stop and seek urgent care if you develop a severe or spreading rash, blistering or peeling skin, as these can be signs of a serious reaction.
Is the gel safer than capsules?
Applied to the skin, much less reaches the rest of the body, generally reducing whole-body side effects. Still follow the label and avoid combining with oral NSAIDs without advice.

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