• Basic Information:
• Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) from the oxicam class, used in veterinary medicine to treat certain types of cancer and manage pain from osteoarthritis. It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, with nonselective effects on both COX-1 and COX-2. COX-2 is often upregulated in various tumors, contributing to its anti-neoplastic properties, while COX-1 plays a role in maintaining gastrointestinal and renal homeostasis.
• Veterinary Medicine Uses:

Cancer Treatment: Piroxicam is prescribed for cancers such as colon, prostate, bladder, and squamous cell carcinoma. It may reduce the required dosage of other chemotherapeutic agents and improve survival times in certain cancers.

Pain Management: While other drugs are typically preferred, piroxicam is also used to manage arthritis pain and can be combined with opioids to manage pain in cancer patients effectively, reducing the need for higher opioid doses and minimizing sedation.

• Potential Side Effects
•  Gastrointestinal Issues: Common side effects include GI ulceration, which may
• manifest as vomiting or tarry stools.
•  Cardiac and Renal Concerns: Use with caution in animals with cardiac issues
• or dehydration, as piroxicam can exacerbate these conditions.
• Drug Interactions
• Piroxicam can interact with other protein-bound drugs, potentially altering their
• effectiveness. The risk of bleeding and GI ulceration increases when used with aspirin
• or other anticoagulants. Renal toxicity is a concern if combined with drugs like cisplatin.
• Precautions
• Due to its narrow safety margin, particularly regarding GI and renal side effects,
• piroxicam should be used with caution, especially in animals with reduced cardiac
• function or dehydration. Regular monitoring of GI health and renal and liver function is
• advised for animals on prolonged treatment.
• Dosage and Administration
• Piroxicam is primarily administered orally, occasionally in injectable form. In cases of
• overdose, prompt treatment with GI-emptying procedures, GI protectants, and renal
• protective measures is necessary.