Piroxicam

Veterinary Compounding Medication – Customized for Dogs and Cats

Quick Reference

Common Uses: Anti-neoplastic activity, Pain associated with osteoarthritis

Species: Dogs and Cats

Therapeutic Class: Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Basic Information

Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the oxicam class, used in veterinary medicine for its pain-relieving and anti-neoplastic properties. It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes—both COX-1 and COX-2. While COX-2 inhibition contributes to its anti-tumor effects, COX-1 inhibition is associated with gastrointestinal and renal homeostasis, making careful monitoring essential during long-term use.

Veterinary Medicine Uses

Cancer Treatment: Piroxicam is prescribed for cancers such as colon, prostate, bladder, and oral squamous-cell carcinoma. Studies suggest it may reduce the required dosage of chemotherapeutic agents and improve survival times when used as part of a multimodal treatment plan.

Pain Management: While not the first-line choice for arthritis pain, piroxicam can help manage osteoarthritis symptoms. It may also be combined with opioids to reduce cancer-related pain, lowering the need for higher opioid doses and minimizing sedation.

Potential Side Effects

Gastrointestinal Issues: Common side effects include vomiting, tarry stools, and GI ulceration. Long-term use increases this risk, especially when combined with corticosteroids or anticoagulants.

Cardiac and Renal Concerns: Use cautiously in animals with heart disease, dehydration, or kidney dysfunction, as piroxicam can exacerbate these conditions.

Drug Interactions

Piroxicam may interact with protein-bound medications, altering their activity or increasing adverse effects. Concurrent use with aspirin, anticoagulants, or other NSAIDs raises the risk of bleeding and GI ulceration. When used with nephrotoxic agents such as cisplatin, renal toxicity can occur, necessitating close monitoring.

Precautions

Piroxicam has a narrow safety margin due to potential gastrointestinal and renal side effects. It should be used cautiously in animals with cardiac disease, dehydration, or compromised kidney or liver function. Regular monitoring of GI health, renal, and hepatic function is recommended for pets receiving long-term therapy.

Dosage and Administration

Piroxicam is typically administered orally and occasionally in injectable form. In cases of overdose, immediate veterinary care is required, with treatment focused on gastrointestinal protection, renal support, and fluid therapy. Always administer this medication under veterinary supervision to minimize adverse effects and ensure proper dosing.

Custom Veterinary Compounding for Piroxicam

Rock Ridge Pharmacy compounds Piroxicam into customized dosages and dosage forms to support pets undergoing cancer therapy or chronic pain management. Speak with our compounding specialists to learn how we can tailor this medication to your pet’s individual needs.