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

How long does Piroflam work?

Piroflam 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.

What is the difference between Piroflam and nimesulide?

Both Piroflam and nimesulide are pain killers. However, Piroflam 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 Piroflam be used with calcium channel blocker?

Yes. Piroflam 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)

Can Piroflam be used in the treatment of chikungunya?

Usually, the platelet count does not dip in cases of chikungunya and painkillers like piroxicam can lead to the risk of increased bleeding tendency. So refrain from taking Piroflam or any painkiller in the case of any fever with joint pain. Consult your doctor before starting Piroflam.

Can Piroflam be used along with paracetamol?

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

Is Piroflam a sulfa drug?

Piroflam is a sulphur containing compound. Piroflam can cause serious adverse events in sensitive individuals. It can cause severe skin reactions like Steven Johnson Syndrome. Do inform your doctor if you have any kind of allergies.

Is Piroflam a NSAID?

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

Is Piroflam a blood thinner?

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

What is the difference between Piroflam and tramadol?

Piroflam is a COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) whereas Tramadol is a narcotic-like painkiller. Tramadol is a habit forming medicine.

Can Piroflam be used with methocarbamol?

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

What is the difference between Piroflam and naproxen?

Both Piroflam 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 Piroflam.

Can you get high by using Piroflam?

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

Is Piroflam affective in gout management?

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

What increases the chances of getting a gastric ulcer when I am already taking Piroflam?

The chances of gastric ulceration increases if you take medicines like corticosteroids and anticoagulants. Long term use, alcohol, smoking and old age are few other factors which can increase the chances of ulceration.

What are the serious side effects of Piroflam?

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.

What is the difference between Piroflam and meloxicam?

Both Piroflam and meloxicam 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, acute gastric side effects are lesser with meloxicam as compared to Piroflam.

Can Piroflam be used along with dexamethasone?

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

Can Piroflam be used with warfarin?

No. Piroflam 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.

Can I use Piroflam if I have peptic ulcer disease?

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

Can I use Piroflam for a migraine?

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

Can Piroflam be used with Tizanidine?

Yes, Piroflam can be combined with tizanidine. Piroxicam is a pain killer and tizanidine is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is used in the condition like a backache.

Can I use Piroflam if I am pregnant?

No. Piroflam should not be taken in pregnancy. It causes premature closure of the ductus arteriosus which can lead to fetal heart failure and death of the baby.

What are the contraindications for Piroflam?

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 Piroflam if I am a diabetic?

Piroflam in a diabetic patient can only be taken only by consulting a doctor because these medicines have the propensity to cause renal failure when taken for a long period. Diabetes itself causes renal Piroflam so taking piroxicam can lead to increased risk of renal failure by many folds.

Can you donate blood when on the medication with Piroflam?

Yes. You can donate blood when on Piroflam. Do inform your doctor before donating blood.

Can Piroflam be used in the treatment of allergy?

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

Why is beta cyclodextrin added to Piroflam?

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

Can Piroflam be used with Lisinopril?

No. Piroflam should be avoided with lisinopril. It is important to note that piroxicam decreases the effectiveness of the antihypertensive medication like lisinopril when given together leading to failure of antihypertensive therapy. Inform your doctor if you are taking antihypertensive medications before starting Piroflam.

Can Piroflam lead to difficulty in conception?

Yes. Piroflam can sometimes cause reversible infertility. Piroxicam by its mechanism of action may delay or prevent rupture of ovarian follicles, which has been associated with reversible infertility in some women. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.