Brand Name
Gen-Piroxicam
Common Name
piroxicam
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02171813 | GEN-PIROXICAM 10MG CAPSULE |
| 02171821 | GEN-PIROXICAM 20MG CAPSULE |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Piroxicam belongs to the class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). It is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and a condition called ankylosing spondylitis. It works by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of piroxicam ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg daily depending on needs and circumstances. The medication should be taken with or after food to avoid stomach upset. The usual maximum daily dose is 20 mg. In the case of menstrual cramps, an initial dose of 40 mg is sometimes taken followed by daily doses of 20 mg for 3 to 4 days. Piroxicam suppositories are also an alternative.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
10 mg
Each hard gelatin capsule, with powder blue opaque bodies imprinted with "026" and maroon opaque caps imprinted with "G", contains piroxicam 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, D&C Red No. 28, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.
20 mg
Each hard gelatin capsule, with maroon opaque bodies imprinted with "027" and maroon opaque caps imprinted with "G", contains piroxicam 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, D&C Red No. 28, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Piroxicam should not be taken by anyone who:
- currently has or recently had an inflammatory disease of the stomach and intestines such as stomach, intestinal ulcer, or ulcerative colitis
- is currently taking other NSAIDs
- is or may be allergic to piroxicam or any of the ingredients of the medication
- has had an allergic reaction to ASA or any other anti-inflammatory medications
Piroxicam suppositories should not be used by anyone who:
- has any inflammatory lesions of the rectum or anus
- has recently had rectal or anal bleeding
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