Is Apoxam a sulfa drug?

Can Apoxam lead to skin reactions?

Yes. Apoxam is known to cause skin reactions which can be very severe such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. These serious events may occur without warning. You should inform your doctor if you feel you have a mild rash and immediately discontinue the drug.

Is Apoxam a NSAID?

Yes. Apoxam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Are Apoxam and aspirin same?

No. Apoxam and aspirin are not same. They belong to the same class of drugs known as COX (cyclooxygenase) inhibitors. They both are anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

What is the difference between Apoxam and nimesulide?

Both Apoxam and nimesulide are pain killers. However, Apoxam is a non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) inhibitor whereas nimesulide is selective to the COX-2 enzyme. This selectivity of nimesulide is supposed to decrease the side effects as compared to piroxicam. It should not be used in children below 12 years of age.

Can Apoxam be used with diuretics?

No. Apoxam should not be used with diuretics. Apoxam reduces the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides diuretics in some patients. This response has been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis.

Can I use Apoxam if I have peptic ulcer disease?

No. Apoxam is contraindicated in cases of active peptic ulcer disease. Apoxam is known to cause gastric ulceration and bleeding.

What is the difference between Apoxam and naproxen?

Both Apoxam and naproxen are pain killers. Both are non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase - an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain). Research studies have shown both are equally effective. However, gastric side effects are lesser with naproxen as compared to Apoxam.

Is Apoxam affective in gout management?

Yes. Apoxam can be given for the treatment of acute gout. Research studies have shown Apoxam to be highly effective in the treatment of acute gout.

Who should not take a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)/ Apoxam?

Patients who had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction with aspirin or any other NSAID medicine or for pain right before or after heart bypass surgery.

Is Apoxam a blood thinner?

No. Apoxam is not a blood thinner. It is a pain killer. It should be avoided in a patient with a bleeding disorder.

What are the serious side effects of Apoxam?

GI discomfort and, rarely, serious GI side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding, serious skin side effects such as exfoliative, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis, liver failure, renal damage.

Can Apoxam be used along with dexamethasone?

No. Apoxam should not be used with dexamethasone. They both increase each others toxicity. There is an increased risk of GI ulceration.

Can Apoxam be used along with paracetamol?

Yes. Paracetamol can be used with Apoxam as no serious side effects are known. Inform your doctor before starting any of the medication.

Is Apoxam a muscle relaxant?

No. Apoxam is not a muscle relaxant. It is a pain killer which acts on COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) enzyme.

Can Apoxam be used with methocarbamol?

Yes. Methocarbamol can be used with Apoxam as no serious side effects are known. Inform your doctor before starting any of the medication.

Can I use Apoxam if I have a deranged renal function?

No. Apoxam should not be taken if you have a abnormal renal function because long-term administration of NSAIDs has resulted in renal papillary necrosis and another renal injury.

Can you get high by using Apoxam?

No. Apoxam is not known to cause high. It is a non-narcotic painkiller.

Can I use Apoxam for a migraine?

Apoxam is not approved for the treatment of migraine. Research studies have shown that Apoxam is effective in significantly decreasing the pain associated with migraine without aura.

Is Apoxam a narcotic?

No. Apoxam is not a narcotic. It is a pain killer which acts on COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) enzyme to decrease the pain and inflammation.

Are there any alternatives of Apoxam?

Yes. There are alternatives to Apoxam. Pain killers are prescribed according to the disease condition. Consult your doctor before starting piroxicam or changing it to other medication.

Can Apoxam be used with calcium channel blocker?

Yes. Apoxam can be taken with calcium channel blocker. NSAIDs have been observed to reduce the effectiveness of all antihypertensive drugs except calcium channel blockers (ref: White 2007)

How long does Apoxam work?

Apoxam is a long acting drug. Once the daily dose is enough for the relief of pain but it depends from person to person as the effectiveness of piroxicam increases when given for few weeks.

Why is beta cyclodextrin added to Apoxam?

Yes. Apoxam can be combined with beta-cyclodextrin. Research has shown that combining Apoxam with beta-cyclodextrin leads to faster onset of action of piroxicam and reduced gastric side effects.

Can Apoxam be used to treat menstrual cramp?

Apoxam is not approved for the treatment of menstrual cramps. Research studies have shown that piroxicam is quite effective in significantly decreasing the menstrual cramps.

Can Apoxam be used in the treatment of allergy?

No. Apoxam is not a drug to treat allergy. It is a pain killer.

What are the contraindications for Apoxam?

Contraindications to piroxicam are an allergy, bleeding tendency, duodenal/gastric/peptic ulcer, stomatitis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), ulcerative colitis, upper GI disease, late pregnancy, cardiac disease, hepatic impairment, renal impairment.

Can I use Apoxam if I have asthma?

Some patients with asthma are hypersensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like aspirin which can lead to acute attacks of asthma. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.

Can Apoxam be used with warfarin?

No. Apoxam should be avoided with warfarin as they both lead to increase in bleeding tendencies. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications. If given together then the therapy should be monitored closely.