$Unique_ID{BRK03295} $Pretitle{} $Title{piroxicam} $Subject{Feldene Pfizer Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic piroxicam inflammation pain swelling stiffness arthritis gout bursitis tendinitis chemicals prostaglandins} $Volume{} $Log{ Feldene*0329501.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. piroxicam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Feldene (Pfizer) TYPE OF DRUG Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic INGREDIENT piroxicam DOSAGE FORM Capsules (10 mg and 20 mg) STORAGE Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. USES Piroxicam is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and stiffness) of certain types of arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendinitis. Piroxicam blocks the production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that may trigger pain. However, it is not fully understood how piroxicam works. TREATMENT You should take this medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before meals or two hours after meals, so that it gets into your bloodstream quickly. To decrease stomach irritation, your doctor may want you to take the medicine with food or antacids. It is important to take piroxicam on schedule and not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if you are taking this drug once a day and are six hours late OR if you take this drug twice a day and are two hours late, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. If you are taking piroxicam to relieve arthritis, you must take it regularly, as directed by your doctor. It may take up to three months before you feel the full benefits of this medication. Piroxicam does not cure arthritis, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Abdominal bloating, constipation, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, or vomiting. As your body adjusts to the drug, these should disappear. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). If you become dizzy, sit or lie down; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression; difficult or painful urination; a problem with hearing; palpitations; ringing or buzzing in the ears; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling of the feet; tightness in the chest; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual weight gain; wheezing or difficulty in breathing; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Piroxicam interacts with several types of medications: 1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) can lead to an increase in bleeding complications. 2. Aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory medications can increase stomach irritation. 3. Probenecid may increase blood levels of piroxicam, which may increase the risks of side effects. 4. The action of beta blockers may be decreased by this drug. 5. This drug may interact with diuretics (water pills). BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any listed above. WARNINGS * Before you take this drug, tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to piroxicam or any of the other chemically related drugs (including aspirin or other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, sulindac, and tolmetin). * Tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma, bleeding problems, colitis, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, or stomach ulcers or other stomach problems. * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * This drug can prolong bleeding time. Therefore, before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, it is important for you to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication. Aspirin and alcohol should, therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although studies in humans have not been conducted, unwanted cardiac (heart) side effects have been observed in the offspring of animals that received this type of drug during pregnancy. If taken late in pregnancy, it can also prolong labor. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of piroxicam can pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.