Feldene (Piroxicam) – Complete Overview

When you see Feldene, the brand name for the NSAID piroxicam used to ease inflammation and pain. Also known as piroxicam, it belongs to a class of drugs that block prostaglandin production. In plain terms, Feldene reduces the chemicals that make joints swell and hurt, making it a go‑to option for many with chronic aches.

Feldene is part of the broader group of NSAIDs, medications that inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to lower pain, fever, and inflammation. These drugs, which include ibuprofen and naproxen, share a common mechanism: they stop COX‑1 and COX‑2 from turning arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Because Feldene targets the same pathway, it offers similar relief but with a longer half‑life, meaning fewer daily doses for many patients.

What to Know About Feldene

One of the main reasons doctors prescribe Feldene is its effectiveness against arthritis, the inflammation of joints that can be osteo‑ or rheumatoid in nature. Whether you battle the stiffness of osteoarthritis or the autoimmune flare‑ups of rheumatoid arthritis, Feldene can help you move more comfortably. The drug works best when taken with food, which slows absorption enough to reduce stomach irritation while still delivering steady pain control throughout the day.

However, the benefits come with a trade‑off. Like other NSAIDs, Feldene raises the chance of gastrointestinal bleeding, damage to the stomach or intestines that can lead to ulcers or serious bleeding. The risk spikes if you drink alcohol, use corticosteroids, or have a history of ulcers. To protect the gut, many clinicians pair Feldene with a proton‑pump inhibitor or recommend the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.

Interaction safety is another key piece of the puzzle. Feldene can boost the anticoagulant effect of blood thinners like warfarin, making clotting times longer and bleeding more likely. It also may affect certain antihypertensives, diuretics, and lithium levels. Before starting Feldene, tell your doctor about every prescription, over‑the‑counter drug, and supplement you take. Simple lab checks, such as kidney function and liver enzymes, help gauge whether your body can handle the medication without unwanted side effects.

Dosage forms range from 10 mg tablets to 20 mg extended‑release versions, giving flexibility for different severity levels. For most adults, the standard dose starts at 10 mg once or twice daily, adjusted based on pain control and tolerability. Special populations—elderly patients, those with kidney impairment, or pregnant women—need careful dosing or may be steered toward alternative therapies. Always follow the prescribing label, store the tablets in a dry place, and never split extended‑release pills unless your doctor explicitly says it’s okay.

Armed with this overview, you can weigh the upside of faster, longer‑lasting pain relief against the downside of possible stomach irritation and drug interactions. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into specific scenarios—like managing Feldene alongside hypertension meds, understanding its role in post‑surgical pain, and comparing it to newer COX‑2‑selective options. Use these resources to fine‑tune your treatment plan and keep your joint health on track.