Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Feldene (PIROXICAM)

Feldene works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation.

Feldene (Piroxicam) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) developed by Pfizer, targeting prostaglandin G/H synthase 1. It is a small molecule modality, approved by the FDA in 1982 for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Feldene is now off-patent, with 18 generic manufacturers available. As a result, its commercial status is generic, and it is widely used to manage pain and inflammation. Key safety considerations include gastrointestinal side effects and potential interactions with other medications.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Piroxicam has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties.The mechanism of action of piroxicam, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2).Piroxicam is potent inhibitor of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in vitro. Piroxicam concentrations reached during therapy have produced in vivo effects. Prostaglandins sensitize afferent nerves and potentiate the action of bradykinin in inducing pain in animal models. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation. Because piroxicam is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, its mode of action may be due to decrease of prostaglandins in peripheral tissues.

Approved indications

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Boxed warnings

• WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . • Piroxicam capsules are contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation • NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use ( 5.1 ) • Piroxicam capsules are contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery ( 4 , 5.1 ) • NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events ( 5.2 )

Common side effects

• Sciatica
• Drug hypersensitivity
• Psoriatic arthropathy
• Sinusitis
• Blood iron abnormal
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Deep vein thrombosis postoperative
• Treatment failure
• Drug intolerance
• Autoimmune disorder
• Rheumatic fever
• Swollen joint count increased

Drug interactions

• fluconazole
• propranolol
• ritonavir
• sotalol
• timolol
• voriconazole
• warfarin

Key clinical trials

• Counterpain PXM Versus Diclofenac Versus Piroxicam (PHASE3)
• Rct Assessing Pregnancy - Piroxicam for Ec With Levonorgestrel (PHASE3)
• Comparison of the Pain Levels of Single-Dose Premedication With Piroxicam and Prednisolone on Post-Endodontic Pain in Single-Visit Root Canal Treatment of Premolars (PHASE4)
• Piroxicam Versus Diclofenac for Post Caesarean Section Analgesia (NA)
• Ultrasonication-mediated Microbubbles Dressing for Hand Arthritis (NA)
• Levonorgestrel-piroxicam Versus Ulipristal Acetate for Emergency Contraception (PHASE3)
• CHronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis International Registry
• The Effect of Piroxicam Addition During Arthrocentesis on Mouth Opening and Postoperative Pain (NA)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Feldene CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Feldene updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Pfizer portfolio CI