DOLONEX DT 20MG

# PIROXICAM 20 MG ## SHORT DESCRIPTION **Piroxicam 20 mg** is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (**NSAID**) used to relieve **pain, inflammation, and stiffness** associated with certain musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions. It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, substances involved in pain and inflammation. Because piroxicam has a relatively long duration of action and can cause significant gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects, it is generally recommended at the **lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration**. --- ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps relieve **pain and inflammation**. * Reduces joint stiffness and discomfort. * Provides relatively long-lasting NSAID activity. * May improve mobility and daily functioning in inflammatory joint conditions. * Can be useful for certain chronic musculoskeletal conditions when prescribed appropriately. --- ## USES / INDICATIONS Piroxicam 20 mg may be prescribed for symptomatic treatment of: 1. **Osteoarthritis** 2. **Rheumatoid arthritis** 3. Other inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions where an NSAID is considered appropriate. Piroxicam is generally **not preferred as a first-choice NSAID** because of its relatively high gastrointestinal risk and long half-life. A healthcare professional should determine whether it is appropriate for the individual patient. > Piroxicam treats pain and inflammation but does not cure the underlying cause of arthritis. --- ## HOW IT WORKS Piroxicam is a **non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor**. It inhibits COX enzymes involved in the production of **prostaglandins**. Prostaglandins contribute to: * Pain * Inflammation * Swelling * Fever By reducing prostaglandin production, piroxicam helps decrease pain and inflammation. **Piroxicam → inhibits COX enzymes → decreases prostaglandin production → reduces pain and inflammation.** --- ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION ### Adults The commonly recommended adult dose is: **20 mg once daily**, usually taken at the same time each day. In some circumstances, a lower dose may be considered depending on the patient's condition and risk factors. ### Important * Use the **lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration**. * Take with or after food if it causes stomach irritation. * Swallow the tablet with water. * Do not exceed the prescribed dose. * Do not take piroxicam together with another NSAID unless specifically instructed. ### Elderly Patients Older adults may have an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular adverse effects. A healthcare professional should carefully assess whether piroxicam is appropriate. ### Missed Dose Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. **Do not take two doses together.** --- ## SIDE EFFECTS ### Common Side Effects Possible side effects include: * Indigestion * Stomach discomfort * Nausea * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Constipation * Headache * Dizziness * Abdominal pain * Heartburn ### Serious Side Effects Stop taking piroxicam and seek medical attention if you develop: * Black or tarry stools * Vomiting blood * Severe abdominal pain * Chest pain * Difficulty breathing * Sudden weakness * Severe allergic reaction * Significant swelling * Severe skin rash or blistering ### Gastrointestinal Bleeding Piroxicam can cause **stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding**, which may occasionally be life-threatening. The risk is higher in: * Older adults * People with previous ulcers * Patients taking anticoagulants * Patients taking corticosteroids * Patients taking certain antidepressants * People using higher doses or prolonged treatment --- ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS ### Stomach Ulcers and Bleeding Piroxicam can increase the risk of **gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and perforation**. Tell your doctor if you have a history of: * Stomach ulcer * Gastrointestinal bleeding * Gastritis * Inflammatory bowel disease ### Cardiovascular Risk NSAIDs may increase the risk of: * Heart attack * Stroke * High blood pressure * Fluid retention The risk may increase with prolonged treatment or in people with existing cardiovascular disease. ### Kidney Problems Piroxicam can reduce kidney function, particularly in people who are: * Dehydrated * Elderly * Taking diuretics * Taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs * Living with kidney disease ### Liver Problems Tell your healthcare professional if you have liver disease or abnormal liver function tests. ### Allergic Reactions Avoid piroxicam if you have previously experienced asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. ### Pregnancy Piroxicam should generally be **avoided during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed**. NSAIDs can cause serious fetal complications, particularly later in pregnancy. NSAID use from around **20 weeks of pregnancy onward** may require specific medical consideration because of potential fetal kidney and amniotic-fluid effects. Use during the third trimester is generally contraindicated. ### Breastfeeding Consult a healthcare professional before using piroxicam while breastfeeding. ### Elderly Patients Older adults are more susceptible to gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney impairment, and other NSAID-related complications. --- ## DRUG INTERACTIONS ### Other NSAIDs Do not routinely combine piroxicam with: * Ibuprofen * Naproxen * Diclofenac * Aspirin at analgesic doses * Ketorolac * Other NSAIDs Combining NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney problems. ### Anticoagulants Medicines such as **warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants** may significantly increase bleeding risk when combined with piroxicam. ### Antiplatelet Medicines Aspirin and other antiplatelet medicines may increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk. ### Corticosteroids Medicines such as prednisone can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. ### SSRIs/SNRIs Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when combined with NSAIDs. ### ACE Inhibitors and ARBs Piroxicam may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect of ACE inhibitors or ARBs and may increase the risk of kidney impairment. ### Diuretics NSAIDs can reduce the effectiveness of diuretics and may increase the risk of kidney problems. ### Lithium Piroxicam can increase lithium concentrations and potentially increase lithium toxicity. ### Methotrexate NSAIDs may increase methotrexate exposure and toxicity in certain circumstances. ### Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus These medicines may increase the risk of kidney toxicity when combined with NSAIDs. Always tell your healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. --- ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep at room temperature unless otherwise specified. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. * Keep tablets in their original packaging. * Keep out of reach and sight of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets from damaged or improperly sealed packaging. --- ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Prescription medicine in many countries.** Piroxicam 20 mg should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional because of its potential for serious gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, renal, and allergic adverse effects. Prescription and dispensing requirements vary by country. --- ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE When purchasing **Piroxicam 20 mg**, obtain it from a **licensed pharmacy or authorized medicine supplier**. Check the packaging for: * Correct medicine name * Strength: 20 mg * Manufacturer * Batch/lot number * Manufacturing date * Expiry date * Intact seal and packaging * Appropriate regulatory information Avoid products with damaged packaging, altered expiry dates, missing labels, or questionable authenticity. --- # FAQ – PIROXICAM 20 MG ### 1. What is Piroxicam 20 mg used for? Piroxicam 20 mg is an NSAID used to relieve **pain, inflammation, and stiffness**, particularly in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. ### 2. Is piroxicam a painkiller? Yes. Piroxicam is an **NSAID painkiller and anti-inflammatory medicine**. ### 3. How does piroxicam work? It blocks COX enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins that contribute to pain and inflammation. ### 4. How should Piroxicam 20 mg be taken? It is commonly prescribed as **20 mg once daily**, but the exact dose and duration should be determined by a healthcare professional. ### 5. Can I take piroxicam with food? Yes. Taking piroxicam with or after food may help reduce stomach irritation, although food does not eliminate the risk of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. ### 6. Can I take ibuprofen with piroxicam? Generally, **no**. Taking piroxicam with ibuprofen or another NSAID can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and other adverse effects. ### 7. Can piroxicam cause stomach ulcers? Yes. Piroxicam can cause **stomach or intestinal ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding**, sometimes without warning symptoms. ### 8. Is piroxicam safe for long-term use? Long-term use increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, kidney, and other complications. Piroxicam should be used at the **lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration**. ### 9. Can piroxicam damage the kidneys? Yes. NSAIDs can reduce kidney function, particularly in people with kidney disease, dehydration, older age, or certain interacting medicines. ### 10. Can piroxicam increase blood pressure? Yes. NSAIDs can cause fluid retention and may increase blood pressure or reduce the effectiveness of some blood-pressure medicines. ### 11. Can I take piroxicam with aspirin? Do not combine piroxicam with aspirin unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. The combination can substantially increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. ### 12. Can I drink alcohol while taking piroxicam? Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach irritation and gastrointestinal bleeding. It is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol while taking piroxicam. ### 13. Can piroxicam be taken during pregnancy? Piroxicam should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional. NSAIDs can cause important fetal risks, particularly later in pregnancy. ### 14. Can piroxicam be used for headaches? Although piroxicam has pain-relieving effects, it is not generally the preferred treatment for routine headaches. Use it only as directed by a healthcare professional. ### 15. Does piroxicam make you sleepy? Drowsiness is not its primary effect, but dizziness or other nervous-system effects can occur. Avoid driving if you feel impaired. ### 16. What should I do if I miss a dose? Take it when remembered unless it is almost time for your next dose. **Do not double the dose.** ### 17. What are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding? Warning signs include **black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, coffee-ground-like vomit, severe abdominal pain, weakness, or fainting**. Seek urgent medical attention if these occur. ### 18. Can piroxicam be taken with blood thinners? It can significantly increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants. Consult your healthcare professional before use. ### 19. Is Piroxicam 20 mg available without a prescription? Piroxicam is a **prescription medicine in many countries**, although regulations vary. ### 20. Is piroxicam stronger than other painkillers? Piroxicam is a potent NSAID with a long duration of action, but "stronger" does not necessarily mean safer or more effective for every condition. Because of its safety profile, healthcare professionals may prefer other NSAIDs for certain patients. --- ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information about **Piroxicam 20 mg** is provided for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Piroxicam is an NSAID that can cause serious **gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, cardiovascular events, kidney injury, liver problems, and severe allergic or skin reactions**. It should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration. Do not combine piroxicam with other NSAIDs unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional. Inform your doctor if you have a history of ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma triggered by NSAIDs, or if you take anticoagulants or other medicines that increase bleeding risk. NSAIDs can cause serious fetal complications during pregnancy and should not be used during the third trimester. Always follow the **specific product label and your healthcare professional's instructions** regarding dosage, duration, contraindications, interactions, monitoring, and storage.