Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam class used to relieve the symptoms of painful inflammatory conditions like arthritis.[ The medicine is available as capsules, tablets and, in some countries, as a prescription-free gel 0.5%.][ It is also available in a betadex formulation, which allows a more rapid absorption of piroxicam from the digestive tract.]
It was patented in 1968 by Pfizer and approved for medical use in 1979.[ and is marketed worldwide under many brand names.][
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Medical uses
It is used in the treatment of certain inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, primary dysmenorrhoea, and postoperative pain; it acts as an analgesic, especially where there is an inflammation component.[ The European Medicines Agency issued a review of its use in 2007 and recommended that its use be limited to the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, as it is only in these circumstances that its risk-benefit ratio proves to be favourable.]
Adverse effects
As with other NSAIDs the principal side effects include: digestive complaints like nausea, discomfort, diarrhoea and bleeds or ulceration of the stomach, as well as headache, dizziness, nervousness, depression, drowsiness, insomnia, vertigo, hearing disturbances (such as tinnitus), hypertension, oedema, light sensitivity, skin reactions (including, albeit rarely, Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis) and rarely, kidney failure, pancreatitis, liver damage, visual disturbances, pulmonary eosinophilia and fibrosing alveolitis.[
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In October 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required the prescribing information to be updated for all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to describe the risk of kidney problems in unborn babies that result in low amniotic fluid.[ ][ ]
Mechanism of action
Piroxicam is an NSAID and, as such, is a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor possessing both analgesic and antipyretic properties.[
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Chemical properties
Piroxicam exists as Enol tautomer in organic solvents and as form in water.
History
The project that produced piroxicam began in 1962 at Pfizer; the first clinical trial results were reported in 1977, and the product launched in 1980 under the brand name "Feldene".[. See: [1] Box 1: Discovery of piroxicam (1962–1980)][ and the drug is marketed worldwide under many brandnames.]
See also
Further reading
