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

Is Piron a NSAID?

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

What is the difference between Piron and naproxen?

Both Piron 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 Piron.

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

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.

Can Piron be used along with dexamethasone?

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

Can Piron be used with calcium channel blocker?

Yes. Piron 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 you donate blood when on the medication with Piron?

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

Can I use Piron 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 Piron lead to skin reactions?

Yes. Piron 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.

Can I use Piron if I am pregnant?

No. Piron 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.

Can I use Piron for a migraine?

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

Can Piron be used with lithium?

No. Piron should not be used with lithium. Piron leads to an elevation of plasma lithium levels and a reduction in renal lithium clearance. This is because of inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis by the NSAID. Consult and inform your doctor before starting this medication.

Can Piron be used with warfarin?

No. Piron 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.

Are Piron and aspirin same?

No. Piron 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 Piron and diclofenac?

Both Piron and diclofenac are pain killers. However, piroxicam is a non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase - an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) inhibitor whereas diclofenac has a bit more selectivity to a COX-2 enzyme. This selectivity of diclofenac is supposed to decrease the side effects as compared to Piron.

How long does Piron work?

Piron 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.

Can you get high by using Piron?

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

Are there any alternatives of Piron?

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

What are the contraindications for Piron?

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 Piron be used to treat menstrual cramp?

Piron 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 Piron be used in the treatment of allergy?

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

Can Piron be used along with paracetamol?

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

What is the difference between Piron and tramadol?

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

What is the difference between Piron and nimesulide?

Both Piron and nimesulide are pain killers. However, Piron 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 Piron be used with methocarbamol?

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

Can Piron be used along with Losartan?

No. Piron should not be combined with Losartan. It is important to note that Piron decreases the effectiveness of the antihypertensive medication like losartan when given together leading to failure of antihypertensive therapy. Inform your doctor if you are taking antihypertensive medications before starting Piron.

Can Piron be used with Tizanidine?

Yes, Piron 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.

Is Piron a blood thinner?

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

Why is beta cyclodextrin added to Piron?

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

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

No. Piron 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 Piron 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 Piron or any painkiller in the case of any fever with joint pain. Consult your doctor before starting Piron.