Degenerative diseases in the musculoskeletal system are very common in elderly people, deteriorating their quality of life and sometimes the family group that surrounds them.
In this sense, medical science aware of this problem has worked together with the pharmaceutical industry and has managed to develop drugs that help reduce the symptoms of these pathologies and one of them is piroxicam.
In the following article, we will provide you with the information you need to know about this drug, its most relevant characteristics and for which situations the doctor can prescribe it.
What is piroxicam?
Piroxicam is a synthetic drug with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Its active ingredient is piroxicam , a chemical compound that belongs to the group of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and is commercially distributed as 20 mg tablets to be administered orally.
This drug’s mechanism of action is the inhibition of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation , an action that depends on its inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase. This is especially relevant for those patients suffering from degenerative joint diseases. The recommended dose, in adults and elderly patients, is 25 mg orally with water.
Important: The adjustment of the dose according to the patient’s response must be made by a specialist doctor.
What is piroxicam used for?
Taking piroxicam is indicated as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic in the following situations:
1. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are very common pathologies in the elderly and are caused by chronic damage to the joints, causing pain and inflammation in the affected area. (1)
You should know: In controlled trials, the efficacy and safety profile of piroxicam was verified in the treatment of pain caused by osteoarticular diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. (two)
2. Ankylosing spondylitis and acute gout
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the spine, decreasing its flexibility and mobility. This disease is a type of arthritis and affects mainly in adulthood (3) .
For its part, gout is a complex form of arthritis that causes pain and inflammation as a result of the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. (4)
To highlight: Some studies have shown the effectiveness of piroxicam in the treatment of rheumatic pain. (5)
3. Postoperative and menstrual pain
After surgery, it is very common for the patient to experience postoperative pain after coming out of the effects of anesthesia. In this sense, certain studies indicate that treatment with piroxicam for pain after surgery is very satisfactory. (6)
In relation to menstruation , this is a cycle typical of women at a certain stage of their lives and during its manifestation pain occurs in the belly area.
Note: According to some studies, treatment with piroxicam has shown to be effective in reducing menstrual pain. (7)
Piroxicam Side Effects
Taking piroxicam can cause some of the following adverse reactions in certain patients:
- Allergic reaction due to contact with any of the components of piroxicam.
- Serious skin reactions such as rashes, itching and blisters.
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing.
- Headache, abdominal pain or stomach ache, blurred vision.
- May cause risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding disorders such as ulcerative colitis.
Important: Consult your doctor and stop using piroxicam if you experience any of these side effects or any other not included in this list.
Contraindications of piroxicam
Treatment with piroxicam is contraindicated in any of the following cases:
- In patients with hypersensitivity to any of the components of piroxicam or any other NSAID drug including acetylsalicylic acid.
- If you are pregnant or in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- In patients who have developed Stevens Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- In patients with severe renal insufficiency.
- In patients with liver failure.
You should know: Make a review of your medical history to your doctor before starting treatment with this drug and try to keep it out of the reach of children.
Key Findings
- Piroxicam is a synthetic medication that acts as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic.
- Its active principle is piroxicam, a chemical compound that belongs to the group of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- This drug is indicated for the treatment of symptoms such as pain and inflammation, caused by osteoarticular diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis .
- Piroxicam is delicate to use, so the prescription and administration must be supervised by a specialist doctor.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.