Piroxicam is used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation.If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section.

Dosage for osteoarthritis

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

The typical dosage is 20 mg taken once per day. You may take 10 mg two times per day in evenly spaced doses.

Child dosage (ages 0-17 years)

Dosage for children than 18 years hasn’t been established.

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

The typical dosage is 20 mg taken once per day. You may take 10 mg two times per day in evenly spaced doses.

Child dosage (ages 0-17 years)

Dosage for children younger than 18 years hasn’t been established.

Piroxicam oral capsule doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with piroxicam include:

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• heartburn

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
• skin rash
• itching or hives
• swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
• Heart attack or stroke. Symptoms can include:
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• weakness on one side of your body
• slurred speech
• Kidney damage. Symptoms can include:
• decreased urination
• swelling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet
• Heart failure. Symptoms can include:
• unusual weight gain
• swelling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet
• Stomach problems, such as ulcers and bleeding. Symptoms can include:
• stomach pain or upset stomach
• black, tarry stools
• vomiting blood
• Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
• yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
• flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, fever, nausea, and vomiting
• tiredness
• pain in the upper part of your stomach
• itching
• Skin reactions. Symptoms can include:
• reddening, blistering, or peeling skin