Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam class used to relieve the symptoms of painful, inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Piroxicam works by preventing the production of a certain type of body chemical called prostaglandins which are involved in the mediation of pain, stiffness, tenderness and swelling. The medicine is available as capsules, tablets and (not in all 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 originally brought to market by under the tradename Feldene in 1980, became generic in 1992, and is marketed worldwide under many brandnames.
Piroxicam is used in inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system that are accompanied by painful symptoms. It is used for rheumatic heart disease, nonspecific infectious polyarthritis, gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, arthrosis, back pain, neuralgia, myalgia, and other diseases associated with inflammation.
