This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Feldene Consumer Information
FELDENE
Generic Name: piroxicam (peer OX i kam)
Brand Names: Feldene
What is the most important information I should know about piroxicam?
- Take piroxicam with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- Remain upright (sitting or standing) for 15 to 30 minutes after each dose to prevent irritation of your esophagus (throat).
- Watch for bloody, black, or tarry stools or blood in your vomit. These symptoms could indicate damage to your gastrointestinal tract.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, piroxicam may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
What is piroxicam?
- Piroxicam is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Piroxicam works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
- Piroxicam is used to reduce the pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Piroxicam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take piroxicam?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs,
- have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach,
- drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day,
- have liver or kidney disease,
- have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder,
- have congestive heart failure,
- have fluid retention,
- have heart disease, or
- have high blood pressure.
- You may not be able to take piroxicam, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- It is not known whether piroxicam will harm an unborn baby. Piroxicam should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because a similar drug is known to affect the baby's heart. Do not take piroxicam without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether piroxicam passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take piroxicam?
- Take piroxicam exactly as directed. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take piroxicam with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- To prevent irritation of your esophagus (throat), do not lie down for 15 to 30 minutes after taking piroxicam.
- Store piroxicam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed since the missed dose, skip it and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a piroxicam overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, sweating, numbness or tingling, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.
What should I avoid while taking piroxicam?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Piroxicam may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, piroxicam may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.