Piroxicam

1 medicine

Piroxicam is an NSAID that carries the highest risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding among commonly used NSAIDs, so many guidelines restrict it to second-line use and short courses.

Feldene

Piroxicam

10/20mg

Feldene is a painkillers medication containing Piroxicam, available as 10/20mg tablets.

from $0.52 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Piroxicam (brand name Feldene) is an NSAID, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, used mainly for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Its long half-life means one dose a day is enough, but it also means the drug builds up in your body over several days.
  • Of the commonly used NSAIDs, piroxicam carries the highest risk of serious stomach and intestinal bleeding, which is why many guidelines reserve it for when other NSAIDs haven't worked, at the lowest dose for the shortest time.
  • Seek urgent care for black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain.

What piroxicam treats

Piroxicam treats the pain, stiffness and swelling of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it's sometimes used short-term for acute gout attacks. It is not a first-choice option for minor everyday aches, given its higher risk profile compared with other NSAIDs.

How piroxicam works

Piroxicam blocks cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the body's production of prostaglandins, chemicals that trigger pain, fever and inflammation. This action isn't limited to the site of injury, which is why NSAIDs ease pain throughout the body, but it also reduces prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining, which is the source of piroxicam's bleeding risk.

Before you take it

  • Do not take piroxicam if you have a current or past stomach or duodenal ulcer, or a history of bleeding after taking an NSAID.
  • Avoid it if you have severe heart failure, significant kidney disease, or are in the last trimester of pregnancy.
  • Tell your prescriber about blood thinners, other NSAIDs or aspirin, corticosteroids, or SSRIs, since combining these with piroxicam substantially increases bleeding risk.
  • Like other NSAIDs, it can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, and this risk rises with higher doses and longer use.

Side effects

Common effects include indigestion, heartburn, headache, and dizziness.

Seek urgent medical care for:

  • Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain, which are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Sudden chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech, which are signs of heart attack or stroke.
  • Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.
  • A severe skin reaction: widespread rash, blistering, or peeling skin.

Safety essentials

  • Piroxicam has the highest gastrointestinal bleeding risk of the commonly used NSAIDs. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, and take it with food.
  • Tell your doctor immediately about black stools, vomited blood, or ongoing stomach pain; these need urgent assessment.
  • Avoid combining it with other NSAIDs, aspirin, blood thinners, or long-term corticosteroids without medical advice.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.