What is Piroxicam Tablets?
Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling. It belongs to a class of medications known as oxicams. Piroxicam works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that are involved in the inflammatory response.
Piroxicam is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and as a gel for topical application. It is commonly prescribed to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders where pain and inflammation are prevalent.
Piroxicam Tablets Uses
- Arthritis: Piroxicam is often prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It helps alleviate pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints associated with these conditions.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: It can be used to manage pain and inflammation in conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and large joints.
- Pain Management: Piroxicam may be used for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain due to conditions such as muscle aches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, and postoperative pain.
- Gout: Piroxicam can be prescribed to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with acute gout attacks.
- Other Inflammatory Conditions: It may be used in the management of other inflammatory conditions, such as bursitis or tendinitis, which involve inflammation of the bursae or tendons.
- Dysmenorrhea: Piroxicam may be used to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.
Piroxicam Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
- Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase (COX): Piroxicam works by inhibiting the activity of both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for the production of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that play a key role in the inflammatory response, pain signaling, and fever.
- Suppression of Prostaglandin Synthesis: By inhibiting COX, piroxicam reduces the production of prostaglandins. This leads to a decrease in inflammation, pain, and fever associated with various conditions like arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, and other inflammatory conditions.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Piroxicam’s anti-inflammatory effects are primarily attributed to its ability to decrease the production of prostaglandins. This leads to a reduction in the inflammatory response, including symptoms like redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
- Analgesic (Pain-Relieving) Effects: By inhibiting COX and reducing prostaglandin levels, piroxicam helps to alleviate pain associated with inflammatory conditions.
- Antipyretic Effects: Piroxicam can also help reduce fever by interfering with the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in the body’s temperature regulation.
Piroxicam Tablets – Composition and Active Ingredients
Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. It is commonly available in the form of tablets. The active ingredient in piroxicam tablets is, of course, piroxicam.
The chemical name for piroxicam is 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-2-pyridinyl-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide 1,1-dioxide. It is a white crystalline solid, sparingly soluble in water.
Each tablet of piroxicam typically contains a specified amount of piroxicam, along with various inactive ingredients (also known as excipients) that help in the manufacturing and stabilization of the tablet. These inactive ingredients can include fillers, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, and other substances.
Piroxicam Tablets – Side-effect
- Stomach upset or pain: NSAIDs like piroxicam can irritate the lining of the stomach, potentially leading to symptoms like nausea, heartburn, indigestion, or abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea or constipation: Some individuals may experience changes in bowel habits while taking piroxicam.
- Headache or dizziness: These symptoms may occur in some individuals as a result of taking piroxicam.
- Drowsiness or fatigue: Piroxicam may cause drowsiness or tiredness in some people.
