Drug Groups

approved; investigational

Description

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

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.

Distribution

* 0.14 L/kg

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