Health Centres - Brexidol (piroxicam)
How does it work?
Brexidol tablets contain the active ingredient piroxicam, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. (NB. Piroxicam is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
Piroxicam works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Piroxicam blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.
Piroxicam can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including various forms of arthritis. However, due to the risk of side effects on the gut and skin rashes associated with the medicine (see warnings below) it should not be the first NSAID that is prescribed to relieve these conditions. In addition it is no longer recommended for the short-term relief of pain and inflammation in conditions such as acute gout, muscle sprains and strains or following surgery.
Piroxicam has a prolonged duration of action which means that one dose can provide pain relief throughout the day. You should try and take your dose at the same time each day. The tablets should preferably be taken with food, as this helps reduce irritation to the stomach.
What is it used for?
Relief of pain and inflammation in the following conditions in adults:
-
rheumatoid arthritis
-
osteoarthritis
- a form of arthritis affecting the joints of the spine (ankylosing spondylitis).
Warning!
- Brexidol tablets should be taken with or after food.
- This medicine may mask the signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever and inflammation. This may make you think mistakenly that an infection is getting better when it isn't, or that an infection is less serious than it is. For this reason you should tell your doctor if you get an infection while you are taking this medicine.
- Your doctor will prescribe you the lowest effective dose of this medicine for the shortest possible time necessary to relieve your symptoms. This is to minimise the chances of any side effects, particularly those mentioned below. It is important not to exceed the prescribed dose.
- NSAIDs can occasionally cause serious side effects on the gut, such as ulceration, bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestinal lining. This type of side effect is more likely to occur in elderly people and in people taking high doses of the medicine. The risk can also be increased by taking certain other medicines (see end of factsheet).
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