Feldene
Generic name: Piroxicam
Brand Name: Feldene
Indications
Feldene is indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Dosage and Administration
Feldene is available for oral administration as 10mg and 20mg tablets.
Normal Dosage: For the relief of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the recommended dose is 20 mg given orally once per day. If desired, the daily dose may be divided. Because of the long half-life of FELDENE, steady-state blood levels are not reached for 7-12 days. Therefore, although the therapeutic effects of FELDENE are evident early in treatment, there is a progressive increase in response over several weeks and the effect of therapy should not be assessed for two weeks.
Overdose: Symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, and sweating.
Drug Description
Feldene contains piroxicam which is a member of the oxicam group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The chemical name for piroxicam is 4-hydroxyl-2-methyl-N-2-pyridinyl-2H-1,2,-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide 1,1-dioxide. Piroxicam occurs as a white crystalline solid, sparingly soluble in water, dilute acid and most organic solvents. It is slightly soluble in alcohol and in aqueous solutions. It exhibits a weakly acidic 4-hydroxy proton (pKa 5.1) and a weakly basic pyridyl nitrogen (pKa 1.8). The molecular weight of piroxicam is 331.35. Its molecular formula is C15H13N3O4S and it has the following structural formula:
Side Effects
The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Disturbances of the gut such as indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence).
- Skin reactions such as rash or itching.
- Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity).
- Ulceration of the stomach or intestines.
- Bleeding from the stomach or intestines.
- Retention of water in the body tissues (fluid retention), resulting in swelling (oedema).
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Sleepiness.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Depression.
- Confusion.
- Balance disorders involving the inner ear (vertigo).
- Sensation of ringing or other noise in the ears (tinnitus).
- Blurred vision.
- Allergic reactions such as severe skin rashes, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (angioedema) or narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm).
- Kidney, liver or blood disorders.
Precautions
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:
- have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs
- have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach
- drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day
- have liver disease
- have kidney disease
- have congestive heart failure
- have fluid retention
- have heart disease
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. This medication may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
- Avoid alcohol or use it with moderation. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, this drug may increase the risk of dangerous stomach bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day.
Drug Interactions
Before taking this drug, you are advised to consult your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners such as Coumadin)
- Aspirin
- Blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors, including Accupril, Altace,
- Mavik, Prinivil, and Zestril
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate)
- Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
- Thiazide-type water pills such as HydroDIURIL.
