Piroxicam (20mg)

Piroxicam (20mg) — Uses and Benefits

Piroxicam is mainly used to treat pain and inflammation associated with joint and muscle conditions.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Acute musculoskeletal pain and swelling (as advised by doctor)

HOW IT WORKS

• Blocks enzymes called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) that produce prostaglandins
• Prostaglandins cause pain, swelling, and fever
• Reducing them helps relieve joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not a painkiller for mild headaches or common cold
• Not used for long-term daily pain relief without medical supervision
• Not a substitute for disease-modifying drugs in rheumatoid arthritis
• Not recommended for minor aches that can be managed with safer alternatives

How to Use Piroxicam (20mg)

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day
• Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
• Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset
• Do not increase the dose or take it for longer than advised
• Avoid lying down immediately after taking it

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink

Piroxicam (20mg) — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Stomach upset or pain
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Dizziness
• Headache

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Swelling of feet or ankles
• Skin rash or itching
• Ringing in the ears

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood (signs of stomach bleeding)
• Severe skin reaction with blistering or peeling
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Sudden swelling of face, lips, or throat with difficulty breathing
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness (signs of heart or stroke problems)
• Marked decrease in urine output

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Piroxicam (20mg) — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to piroxicam or other NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen
• Have active stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding
• Have severe heart, liver, or kidney disease
• Are in the last trimester of pregnancy

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Have heart disease, high blood pressure, or history of stroke
• Have kidney or liver problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are elderly, as risk of side effects is higher
• Take blood thinners or other regular medicines

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin
• Blood pressure medicines and diuretics
• Lithium or methotrexate
• Steroid medicines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine on an empty stomach?

It is better to take it with food or milk to lower the chance of stomach irritation.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, so it should be avoided.

Can I take this medicine for a long time?

• Long-term use should only be under a doctor's supervision due to risk of stomach and heart-related side effects.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.