Piroxicam

Piroxicam is a generic name for the brand Feldene. Piroxicam is included in the family of drugs called NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This group of drugs is used to treat symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and post operative pain.

Before taking this medicine, you will need to see your doctor if your body is fit for such medicine. This is a prerequisite if you are seeking for prescription. The doctor will need to check on the following medical conditions: asthma, aspirin sensitive asthma, diabetes, anemia, bleeding, heart problems, blood circulation problems, heart rhythm irregularities, high blood pressure, heart failure, a record heart attack, fluid retention problems, blood clotting, liver disease, kidney disease, duodena ulcer, stomach pain, ulcerative colitis, SLE or systematic lupus erythematosus and recent CABG or coronary artery bypass graft.

The doctor will also need to check on your alcohol intake especially if you taking alcohol drinks thrice or more in a day, caffeinated beverages and use of street or illegal drugs. The doctor will also consider other conditions like pregnancy and breast feeding.

Ask your doctor if it is fine to continue your other medication. Certain drugs can interact with Piroxicam so you need to discuss this clearly with your doctor. Drug interactions with Piroxicam include: alcohol, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, cyclosporine, cidofovir, entecavir, lithium, herbal preparation or products such as ginkgo biloba, ginger, garlic, or feverfew, drugs for high blood pressure, drugs for blood clotting, drugs that may influence platelets, pemetrexed, methotrexate, water pills and other over the counter drugs.

Once you are given a Piroxicam prescription, make sure you fully understand all the instructions regarding the proper use of the medicine. Always follow what is stated in the label of the prescription. Take the Piroxicam capsule whole and do not crush, chew or cut. To facilitate the intake, sit up straight and follow up the swallowing with a filled glass of water. If you have a schedule in the evening, it is best to take your Piroxicam capsule ten minutes at least before you go to bed. Ask your doctor if you are allowed to take your Piroxicam capsule with your regular meal. Taking Piroxicam medication with food will eliminate the upsetting effect of the medicine on the stomach. Most prescriptions recommend once a day dosage, so make sure to be prompt with your dosing. If possible, be consistent with the schedule. Do not try to increase you dosage with consulting first your doctor.

If you failed on a schedule of dosage, try not to panic. Remember how late you are with your regular dosing, if it is not yet too late you can still take your Piroxicam capsule. However, do not double your dosing on the following day. You may contact your doctor regarding this incident.

Piroxicam side effects may range from more common to serious. More common side effects of Piroxicam do not usually need immediate medical attention unless it becomes worse. More common side effects of the drug include: drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, nausea and headache.

Serious side effects that need to be reported to your doctor immediately include: yellowish discoloration of the skin or the eyes, swelling of the ankles, swelling of the feet, stomach cramps, difficulty in urinating, trouble in swallowing food, serious throat pain, blurry vision, blisters on the skin, skin irritation, eyelid swelling, swelling of the lips, red spots on the skin, blood contents in the urine, weakness, blood spitting and bruises.

Notify your doctor right away if any of the side effects become intolerable. You can have extra capsules on your bag. Keep your Piroxicam in a safe place away from excess moisture and sunlight.