# Piroxicam in Nigeria

Piroxicam has 28 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 26 registration holders; 53 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/piroxicam/
- Drug class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (oxicam) (Pain & Fever)
- Also known as: Feldene, Pirox, Piroxicam beta-cyclodextrin
- Prescription required: yes
- Last updated: August 2026

## Price in Nigeria

Piroxicam prices in Nigeria vary by brand, strength, and where you buy it. Confirm the current price with a licensed pharmacy, and always check the product is NAFDAC-registered before you pay.

## What is Piroxicam?

Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam group. Like diclofenac and ibuprofen, it relieves pain and reduces inflammation by blocking the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make prostaglandins — the chemicals that drive pain, swelling and fever. Piroxicam's distinguishing feature is its long duration of action: a single 20mg dose lasts all day, so it is usually taken just once daily, which is part of why it is so popular for aches and joint pain in Nigeria.

In Nigeria piroxicam is one of the commonest pain medicines sold in pharmacies and patent-medicine shops, typically as 20mg capsules (Feldene is the original brand), and also as tablets, an injection, and a topical gel. It is widely used — often self-prescribed — for 'waist pain', arthritis, back and muscle pain, and menstrual cramps. Our copy of the NAFDAC register lists many active piroxicam registrations from Nigerian, Indian and Chinese makers.

That same long action is also piroxicam's drawback. Because it stays in the body and is a relatively strong, non-selective NSAID, piroxicam carries a higher risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding and serious skin reactions than shorter-acting NSAIDs like ibuprofen. European regulators have restricted it to being a second-line option for long-term joint conditions, started and reviewed by a doctor, rather than a first reach for everyday pain. It deserves more caution than its over-the-counter popularity in Nigeria suggests.

## What is Piroxicam used for?

- Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear joint pain)
- Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
- Acute musculoskeletal pain — back pain, 'waist pain', sprains and strains
- Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea)
- Acute gout attacks
- Post-injury and post-operative pain in specific situations (often the injection or gel)

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: The usual adult dose is 20mg once daily, taken with or just after food. Some conditions are managed with 10mg twice daily. Because of the ulcer and bleeding risk, doctors aim for the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time, and generally keep the daily dose at or below 20mg. For long-term joint conditions the need for continued treatment should be reviewed regularly. The gel is rubbed into the painful area three or four times a day for localised pain.
- Children: Piroxicam is not recommended for children. Childhood pain and fever are managed with paracetamol or, where an NSAID is appropriate, ibuprofen at weight-based doses — under medical advice.
- Elderly: Older adults are much more vulnerable to piroxicam's serious effects — stomach bleeding, kidney impairment and fluid retention — and often the frailest are those buying it for chronic joint pain. Lower doses, a stomach-protecting medicine (such as omeprazole), and regular review are advised, and a safer NSAID or paracetamol is often preferable.

Always take piroxicam with food and never on an empty stomach. Do not combine it with other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin for pain) — that multiplies the risk of stomach bleeding without adding benefit. Avoid alcohol, which further irritates the stomach. If you need pain relief for more than a few days, or you have a history of ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure or kidney problems, see a doctor rather than continuing to self-medicate.

## Side effects

Common: Indigestion, heartburn, nausea and stomach pain; Diarrhoea or constipation; Headache and dizziness; Fluid retention and mild ankle swelling; Raised blood pressure.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Stomach or intestinal ulcers and bleeding — which can occur without warning; black tarry stools or vomiting blood are emergencies; Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) — piroxicam carries a notably higher risk of these than many NSAIDs; Kidney impairment, especially in the dehydrated, elderly, or those on certain blood-pressure medicines; Increased risk of heart attack and stroke with high doses or long-term use; Severe allergic reaction (facial swelling, wheezing), particularly in people with aspirin-sensitive asthma; Worsening of heart failure through fluid retention.

When to see a doctor: Stop piroxicam and seek urgent care for black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or 'coffee-ground' material, severe stomach pain, any spreading rash with blistering or mouth sores, breathlessness or swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction. These can develop quickly. Anyone using piroxicam long-term for arthritis should be under a doctor's review, not simply refilling it at a shop.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Active or previous stomach/intestinal ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding; Known allergy to piroxicam, aspirin or other NSAIDs; aspirin-sensitive asthma; Severe heart failure; Severe kidney or liver impairment; Third trimester of pregnancy; Previous serious skin reaction to any NSAID.

Interactions: Other NSAIDs and aspirin — greatly increased risk of stomach bleeding; do not combine; Blood thinners (warfarin, and antiplatelets like clopidogrel or low-dose aspirin) — serious bleeding risk; Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisolone) — added ulcer and bleeding risk; ACE inhibitors, ARBs and diuretics (blood-pressure/'water' tablets) — reduced effect and increased kidney strain; Lithium and methotrexate — piroxicam raises their levels and toxicity; Serotonin antidepressants (SSRIs) — increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Piroxicam should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy because NSAIDs can harm the baby's heart and kidneys and complicate delivery; it is used earlier in pregnancy only if a doctor judges it necessary. Small amounts pass into breast milk — short use is usually considered compatible, but paracetamol or ibuprofen are generally preferred while breastfeeding. Always ask a doctor.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Feldene (Pfizer, made in Imported); Lifevin-20 (Life-Line Pharmaceuticals Ltd, made in India); Krishat Piroxicam (Krishat Pharma Industries Limited, made in Nigeria); Procam-20 (Thine Forever Pharmaceuticals Limited, made in China); Philoxicam Injection (A-Nwaeze Pharmaceutical Company Limited, made in China).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/piroxicam/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack — for example, Krishat Piroxicam (Krishat Pharma) carries A11-100174 in our copy of the register.
2. Verify any piroxicam brand's number with our NAFDAC checker before paying.
3. Buy from a registered pharmacy; because piroxicam is a cheap, high-volume painkiller, substandard and counterfeit versions circulate in open markets.
4. Inspect the blister and carton for a clear batch number, expiry date and clean printing.
5. A NAFDAC-registered piroxicam verified through the register — several are made in Nigeria — is a sound and affordable choice; be wary of unbranded loose capsules sold without packaging.

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### What is piroxicam 20mg used for?

Piroxicam 20mg is an anti-inflammatory painkiller used mainly for joint and muscle pain — osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back and 'waist' pain, sprains, menstrual cramps and gout attacks. Its long action means one capsule usually covers the whole day. It should be taken with food, at the lowest dose that works, and for the shortest time needed, because it can irritate and bleed the stomach.

### Is piroxicam stronger than diclofenac or ibuprofen?

Piroxicam is a potent, long-acting NSAID, and its once-daily convenience makes it feel 'stronger', but that also means a higher risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding and serious skin reactions than shorter-acting options like ibuprofen. For everyday pain, ibuprofen or paracetamol are safer first choices; piroxicam is better reserved for ongoing joint conditions under a doctor's review. 'Stronger' is not the same as 'safer'.

### Can I take piroxicam every day for waist pain?

Taking piroxicam every day on your own is not advisable. Daily long-term use markedly raises the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney damage and heart problems, and persistent 'waist pain' should be assessed rather than masked — it can have causes that need proper treatment. If you need pain relief for more than a few days, see a doctor, who may prescribe the lowest effective dose with a stomach-protecting medicine, or a safer alternative.

### Why must piroxicam be taken with food?

Piroxicam irritates the stomach lining and reduces the protective prostaglandins that normally shield it, so taking it on an empty stomach increases the chance of pain, ulcers and bleeding. Taking it with or just after a meal cushions this effect. Even so, food does not remove the risk entirely — anyone with a history of ulcers, or taking it regularly, should discuss stomach protection with a doctor or pharmacist.

### Can piroxicam cause serious skin reactions?

Yes — piroxicam has a higher risk than most NSAIDs of rare but life-threatening skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which begins with a spreading rash, blistering and sores in the mouth or eyes. If any rash appears while taking piroxicam, especially with blistering or peeling, stop the medicine immediately and get medical help. This risk is one of the reasons regulators treat piroxicam more cautiously than other painkillers.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)