Piroxicam

Piroxicam is a standard NSAID in Pakistani pharmacies and clinics, from Aga Khan in Karachi to general hospitals in Lahore, where doctors prescribe it for joint pain and swelling that hits hard in conditions like arthritis. It’s not a first-line for everything, but PMDC guidelines back its use for inflammation when other options fall short. This covers the essentials—uses, how it works, forms, side effects—based on local practices, not a push to grab it without a doctor’s nod.

Basic Product Details

• Form and Strength: Oral capsules or tablets, usually 10 mg or 20 mg.
• Packaging: Strips of 10 or 20 capsules; generics come in boxes from local labs.
• Pricing: PKR 100-200 for a strip of 10×20 mg, varies by brand—check Dawaai.pk, Servaid, or nearby chemists for stock.
• Brands in Pakistan: Feldene from Pfizer, or generics like Pirox, Artiflam, or PMDC-approved versions from Getz or Hilton Pharma.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Piroxicam (10 mg or 20 mg per capsule).
• Excipients: Gelatin for capsules, plus fillers like starch or magnesium stearate—label specifics vary by manufacturer.

Drug Class

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID).

How It Functions

Piroxicam cuts pain and swelling by blocking COX enzymes that produce prostaglandins—those chemicals behind inflammation, fever, and aches. In Pakistan’s busy OPDs, it’s valued for longer-lasting relief in chronic joint issues, but docs warn about gut and heart risks with extended use.

Common Applications

From local rheumatology and ortho guidelines, it’s for:

• Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis pain and stiffness.
• Acute musculoskeletal injuries or gout flares.
• Sometimes dysmenorrhea or post-op pain, as decided by the doctor.

Dosage Form

Capsules or tablets taken orally, once daily due to its long half-life.

Potential Side Effects

Most handle it okay, but watch for:

• Nausea, indigestion, or diarrhea.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Stomach discomfort or gas.
• Swelling in legs (edema).
• Skin rash.

Serious ones from reports in Pakistani hospitals: Gut bleeding (black stools, vomit blood), heart issues like attack or stroke symptoms (chest pain, breathlessness), liver strain (jaundice, dark urine), kidney problems (less urine, swelling), or severe allergies (hives, swelling, breathing trouble). Hit ER fast for these.

Key Warnings and Precautions

PMDC stresses:

• Gut Risks: Higher chance of ulcers or bleeds—avoid if history of stomach issues, especially over 60, smokers, or alcohol users.
• Heart: Ups stroke or attack risk, worse post-heart event or with long use; skip before/after bypass surgery.
• Kidneys/Liver: Adjust or avoid if impaired; monitor function.
• Pregnancy: Category C/D late-term—harms fetus; discuss with doc if planning.
• Allergies: Crosses with aspirin/NSAIDs; test history.
• Elderly/Kids: Cautious dosing; not routine for under 18.

Regular checks for blood pressure, stool blood, and organ function during course. No alcohol, and take with food.

When It’s Not Suitable (Contraindications)

Pass if:

• Allergic to piroxicam, NSAIDs, or aspirin.
• Active peptic ulcer or severe bleeding.
• Recent heart surgery or uncontrolled heart failure.

Drug Interactions

Flag with doc:

• Blood thinners (warfarin) or antiplatelets—bleed risk up.
• Other NSAIDs, steroids, or SSRIs—gut/bleed issues.
• Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs—kidney strain.
• Lithium or methotrexate—levels spike.
• Alcohol—worsens stomach damage.

In Case of Overdose

Symptoms like severe nausea, drowsiness, or bleeding need immediate hospital—supportive care, maybe activated charcoal.

Missed Dose

Take soon as remembered unless near next; skip and don’t double up.

Storage and Disposal

Room temp (15-30°C), dry spot away from kids and light. Dispose via pharmacy take-back, not trash or flush.

Quick Tips

• Prescription only—doc sets dose, often 20 mg daily max.
• Shortest course to avoid risks.
• Hydrate, eat with it, report gut pain early.

Doctor Review

Rheumatologists at places like Jinnah Hospital or Shaukat Khanum note piroxicam helps arthritis flares where swelling persists, but they favor it short-term over diclofenac for some due to once-daily dosing—still, allergy screens and PPI co-prescription are routine to fight common GI side effects.

Laboratory Screening

Track with:

• Blood: CBC for anemia/bleeding, liver/kidney tests, BP.
• Stool occult blood if gut symptoms.

This outlines piroxicam’s spot in Pakistan’s pain management—straight facts for awareness, not self-treatment.

Disclaimer: This is product information only, not a prescription or diagnosis. Consult a qualified Pakistani doctor before using piroxicam to ensure it’s safe. Seek immediate care for severe symptoms like chest pain, bleeding, or swelling.