Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Quick facts
- Drug class
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug [EPC], Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors [MoA]
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 198108
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
Piroxicam capsules are indicated: • For relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. • For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Piroxicam capsules are a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for •Relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) ( 1 )•Relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) ( 1 )
About this medicine
Piroxicam Capsules, USP is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, available as Ivory opaque/Swedish orange opaque 10 mg capsules and Swedish orange opaque/Swedish orange opaque 20 mg capsules for oral administration. The chemical name is 4-hydroxyl-2-methyl- N -2-pyridinyl-2 H -1,2,-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide 1,1-dioxide. The molecular weight is 331.35. Its molecular formula is C 15 H 13 N 3 O 4 S, and it has the following chemical structure. Piroxicam occurs as a white crystalline solid, sparingly soluble in water, dilute acid, and most organic solvents. It is slightly soluble in alcohol and in aqueous solutions. It exhibits a weakly acidic 4-hydroxy proton (pKa 5.1) and a weakly basic pyridyl nitrogen (pKa 1.8). The inactive ingredients in piroxicam capsules include: Hard gelatin capsules (which may contain FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Red 40, D&C Yellow 10, titanium dioxide and gelatin inactive ingredients), corn starch, lactose, magnesium stearate and sodium lauryl sulfate.
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Piroxicam has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of piroxicam capsules, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). Piroxicam is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in vitro. Piroxicam concentrations reached during therapy have produced in vivo effects. Prostaglandins sensitize afferent nerves and potentiate the action of bradykinin in inducing pain in animal models. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation. Because piroxicam is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, its mode of action may be due to a decrease of prostaglandins in peripheral tissues.
Who should not take it
Piroxicam capsules are contraindicated in the following patients: • Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to piroxicam or any components of the drug product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.9) ] • History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.8) ] • In the setting of CABG surgery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Known hypersensitivity to piroxicam or any components of the drug product ( 4 ) • History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs ( 4 ) • In the setting of CABG surgery ( 4 )
Warnings and cautions
• Hepatotoxicity : Inform patients of warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Discontinue if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen or if clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease develop ( 5.3 ) • Hypertension : Patients taking some antihypertensive medications may have impaired response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs. Monitor blood pressure ( 5.4 , 7 ) • Heart Failure and Edema : Avoid use of piroxicam capsules in patients with severe heart failure unless benefits are expected to outweigh risk of worsening heart failure ( 5.5 ) • Renal Toxicity : Monitor renal function in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, heart failure, dehydration, or hypovolemia. Avoid use of piroxicam capsules in patients with advanced renal disease unless benefits are expected to outweigh risk of worsening renal function ( 5.6 ) • Anaphylactic Reactions : Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs ( 5.7 ) • Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity : Piroxicam capsules are contraindicated in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Monitor patients with preexisting asthma (without aspirin sensitivity) ( 5.8 ) • Serious Skin Reactions : Discontinue piroxicam capsules at first appearance of skin rash or other signs of hypersensitivity ( 5.9 ) • Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus : Avoid use in pregnant women starting at 30 weeks gestation ( 5.10 , 8.1 ) • Hematologic Toxicity : Monitor hemoglobin or hematocrit in patients with any signs or symptoms of anemia ( 5.11 , 7 ) 5.1 Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Clinical trials of several cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke, which can be fatal. Based on available data, it is unclear that the risk for CV thrombotic events is similar for all NSAIDs. The relative increase in serious CV thrombotic events over baseline conferred by NSAID use appears to be similar in those with and without known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease. […]
Reported side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Heart Failure and Edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Anaphylactic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 2% from clinical trials) are: nausea, constipation, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, edema, rash. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. at quality@nostrumpharma.com or 1-877-770-1288 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In patients taking piroxicam capsules or other NSAIDs, the most frequently reported adverse experiences occurring in approximately 1% to 10% of patients are: Cardiovascular System: Edema Digestive System: Anorexia, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting Nervous System: Dizziness, headache, vertigo Skin and Appendages: Pruritus, rash Special Senses: Tinnitus Additional adverse experiences reported occasionally include: Cardiovascular System: Palpitations Digestive System: Stomatitis Nervous System: Drowsiness Special Senses: Blurred vision 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of piroxicam capsules. […]
Interactions with other medicines
See Table 1 for clinically significant drug interactions with piroxicam. Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Piroxicam Drugs That Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact: •Piroxicam and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding. The concomitant use of piroxicam and anticoagulants have an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone.•Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Case-control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone. Intervention: Monitor patients with concomitant use of piroxicam capsules with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin), SSRIs, and SNRIs for signs of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] . Aspirin Clinical Impact: Controlled clinical studies showed that the concomitant use of NSAIDs and analgesic doses of aspirin does not produce any greater therapeutic effect than the use of NSAIDs alone. In a clinical study, the concomitant use of an NSAID and aspirin was associated with a significantly increased incidence of GI adverse reactions as compared to use of the NSAID alone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Intervention: Concomitant use of piroxicam capsules and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended because of the increased risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] . Piroxicam capsules are not a substitute for low dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection. ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, and Beta-Blockers Clinical Impact: •NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or beta-blockers (including propranolol).•In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or have renal impairment, co-administration of an NSAID with ACE inhibitors or ARBs may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. […]
Use in specific groups
Pregnancy : Use of NSAIDs during the third trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Avoid use of NSAIDs in pregnant women starting at 30 weeks gestation ( 5.10 , 8.1 ) Infertility : NSAIDs are associated with reversible infertility. Consider withdrawal of piroxicam capsules in women who have difficulties conceiving ( 8.3 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of NSAIDs, including piroxicam capsules, during the third trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Avoid use of NSAIDs, including piroxicam capsules, in pregnant women starting at 30 weeks of gestation (third trimester). There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of piroxicam capsules in pregnant women. Data from observational studies regarding potential embryofetal risks of NSAID use in women in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy are inconclusive. In the general U.S. population, all clinically recognized pregnancies, regardless of drug exposure, have a background rate of 2% to 4% for major malformations, and 15% to 20% for pregnancy loss. In animal reproduction studies in rats and rabbits, there was no evidence of teratogenicity at exposures up to 5 and 10 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively. In rat studies with piroxicam, fetotoxicity (postimplantation loss) was observed at exposures 2 times the MRHD, and delayed parturition and an increased incidence of stillbirth were noted at doses equivalent to the MRHD of piroxicam. Based on animal data, prostaglandins have been shown to have an important role in endometrial vascular permeability, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization. In animal studies, administration of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors such as piroxicam, resulted in increased pre- and post-implantation loss. Clinical Considerations Labor or Delivery There are no studies on the effects of piroxicam capsules during labor or delivery. In animal studies, NSAIDs, including piroxicam inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, cause delayed parturition, and increase the incidence of stillbirth. […]
If too much is taken
Symptoms following acute NSAID overdoses have been typically limited to lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain, which are generally reversible with supportive care. Gastrointestinal bleeding has occurred. Hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma have occurred, but were rare [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2 , 5.4 , 5.6) ] . Manage patients with symptomatic and supportive care following an NSAID overdose. There are no specific antidotes. Consider emesis and/or activated charcoal (60 grams to 100 grams in adults, 1 gram to 2 grams per kg of body weight in pediatric patients) and/or osmotic cathartic in symptomatic patients seen within four hours of ingestion or in patients with a large overdosage (5 to 10 times the recommended dosage). The long plasma half-life of piroxicam should be considered when treating an overdose with piroxicam. Forced diuresis, alkalinization of urine, hemodialysis, or hemoperfusion may not be useful due to high protein binding. For additional information about overdosage treatment contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222).
Before you take anything new
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine you take — including ones bought without a prescription, herbal products and supplements. Interactions are one of the most common avoidable causes of harm from medicines, and a pharmacist can check your full list in a couple of minutes.
This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 25 October 2023. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.