A cyclooxygenase inhibiting, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that is well established in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and used for musculoskeletal disorders, dysmenorrhea, and postoperative pain. Its long half-life enables it to be administered once daily. [PubChem]
Indication
For treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Pharmacology
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.
Toxicity
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, nausea, stomach pain, and/or vomiting.
Affected Organisms
Humans and other mammals
Biotransformation
Renal
Absorption
Well absorbed following oral administration.
Half Life
30 to 86 hours
Elimination
Piroxicam and its biotransformation products are excreted in urine and feces, with about twice as much appearing in the urine as in the feces. Approximately 5% of a piroxicam dose is excreted unchanged. However, a substantial portion of piroxicam elimination occurs by hepatic metabolism. Piroxicam is excreted into human milk.