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