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Piroxicam |
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What is Piroxicam and why is it prescribed? Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Piroxicam is prescribed both for sudden flare-ups and for long-term treatment. In a few patients on long-term therapy, Piroxicam can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. Warning signs include severe abdominal or stomach cramps, pain or burning in the stomach, and black, tarry stools. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms. How should you take Piroxicam? Follow your doctors directions for taking Piroxicam. To avoid digestive side effects, take Piroxicam with food or an antacid, and with a full glass of water. Never take it on an empty stomach. Avoid alcohol and aspirin while taking Piroxicam. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Piroxicam at room temperature. Protect from light and heat. Are there any Piroxicam side effects? Piroxicam side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Piroxicam side effects may include abdominal pain or discomfort, anemia, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, general feeling of ill health, headache, heartburn, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, rash, ringing in ears, sleepiness, stomach ulcers or bleeding, stomach upset, vertigo, and vomiting. Less common or rare Piroxicam side effects may include severe allergic reactions, angioedema, anxiety, asthma, belching, black stools, blood in the urine, blurred vision, bruising, colicky pain, coma, confusion, congestive heart failure, convulsions, depression, dream abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, eye irritations, fainting, fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms, hair loss, hallucinations, hearing loss, heart attack, hepatitis, high or low blood pressure, hives, inability to sleep, infection, inflammation in the mouth or digestive tract, joint pain, labored breathing, low or high blood sugar, nervousness, nosebleed, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rectal bleeding, serum sickness, skin allergy to sunlight, skin eruptions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, sweating, swollen or inflammed eyes, tingling or burning feeling, tremors, urinary problems, vertigo, vomiting blood, weakness, weight loss or gain, worsening of angina, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Piroxicam? If Piroxicam is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Piroxicam with Anticoagulants (blood thinners such as Coumadin), Aspirin, Blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors (including Accupril, Altace, Mavik, Prinivil, and Zestril), Furosemide (Lasix), Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), or Thiazide-type water pills (such as HydroDIURIL). Are there any special warnings about Piroxicam? The chances that Piroxicam will cause a stomach ulcer or bleeding are dramatically higher if you've had such problems previously. Severe stomach reactions are also more likely among older adults, those in poor health, smokers, heavy drinkers, and people taking steroids or blood thinners. If you have heart disease, or high blood pressure, or other conditions that cause fluid retention, use this drug with caution. Piroxicam can increase water retention. Piroxicam has been known to damage the kidneys, and is not recommended for people with advanced kidney disease. Piroxicam can also cause liver damage. If you develop warning signs of liver dysfunction such as fatigue, itchiness, yellow skin or eyes, a flu-like feeling, and pain in the upper right abdomen, stop taking Piroxicam and see your doctor immediately. Drugs such as Piroxicam may cause eye disturbances in some people. If you develop visual problems, notify your eye doctor. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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