$Unique_ID{BRK02099}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PIROXICAM}
$Subject{Feldene (Pfizer)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Feldene*0209901.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PIROXICAM
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Feldene (Pfizer)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic
INGREDIENT:
     piroxicam
DOSAGE FORM:
     Capsules (10 mg and 20 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature away from heat
and direct sunlight.

USES

     Piroxicam is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and
stiffness) of certain types of arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendinitis.
Piroxicam has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals,
called prostaglandins, that may trigger pain.  However, it is not fully
understood how piroxicam works.

TREATMENT

     You should take this medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes
before meals or two hours after meals, so that it gets into your bloodstream
quickly.  To decrease stomach irritation, your doctor may want you to take the
medicine with food or antacids.
     It is important to take piroxicam on schedule and not to miss any doses.
If you do miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible.  However, if
you are taking this drug once a day and are six hours late OR if you take this
drug twice a day and are two hours late, do not take the missed dose at all;
just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.
     If you are taking piroxicam to relieve arthritis, you must take it
regularly, as directed by your doctor.  It may take up to three months before
you feel the full benefits of this medication.  Piroxicam does not cure
arthritis, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue
to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal bloating, constipation, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness,
drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of
appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, or
vomiting.  As your body adjusts to the drug, these should disappear.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you become dizzy, sit or lie down; get up slowly from a sitting or
reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression;
difficult or painful urination; a problem with hearing; palpitations; ringing
or buzzing in the ears; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling
of the feet; tightness in the chest; unexplained sore throat and fever;
unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual weight
gain; wheezing or difficulty in breathing; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Piroxicam interacts with several types of medications:
     1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) can lead to an
increase in bleeding complications.
     2. Aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory medications can
increase stomach irritation.
     3. Probenecid may increase blood levels of piroxicam, which may increase
the risks of side effects.
     4. The action of beta blockers may be decreased by this drug.
     5. This drug may interact with diuretics (water pills).
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Before you take this drug, tell your doctor if you have ever had
unusual or allergic reactions to piroxicam or any of the other chemically
related drugs (including aspirin or other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal,
fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate,
mefenamic acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, sulindac, or
tolmetin).
     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma, bleeding problems,
colitis, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver
disease, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, or stomach ulcers or other
stomach problems.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * This drug can prolong bleeding time.  Therefore, before having surgery
or any other medical or dental treatment, it is important for you to tell your
doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly
or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication.  These should,
therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although studies in
humans have not been conducted, unwanted cardiac (heart) side effects have
been observed in the offspring of animals that received this type of drug
during pregnancy.  If taken late in pregnancy, it can also prolong labor.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
piroxicam can pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
