	Current customer? Log In

Home Vitamins Minerals Supplements Herbs Home & Grocery Diet & Fitness Body & Bath

Homeopathy Sexual Health Aromatherapy Pet Care

Gifts On Sale Kosher Organic Learning Center

Quick Order Form»

Departments

Vitamins Minerals Supplements Herbs Home & Grocery Diet & Fitness Body & Bath

More Ways to Shop

Brands A-Z Natural Remedies Children & Infants Women's Health Men's Health Seniors

Free Catalog

MotherNature.com's Catalog Is Here! Click Here to Get Your Free Copy Today.

Newsletter Sign Up

Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!

Library Home > Safetychecker by Drug Name > Piroxicam

PIROXICAM

Visit The Healthy Living Bookshelf:

21 Online Health Books From Rodale

Piroxicam is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is in a class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Safetychecker Summary for Piroxicam
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	Lithium* Potassium*
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.	Folic acid* Willow*
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Potassium
An 85-year-old man developed higher than normal blood levels of potassium following several months of treatment with piroxicam.¹ Until more is known, people taking piroxicam for long periods should have their blood checked regularly for high potassium levels and may need to avoid high potassium intake with the guidance of a health practitioner.

Folic acid
Piroxicam may prevent inflammation by blocking the activity of enzymes that depend on folic acid.² However, other studies show that people taking NSAIDs such as aspirin have lower than normal levels of folic acid in their red blood cells.³ Further research is needed to determine whether supplemental folic acid prevents a deficiency of the vitamin or indirectly reduces the beneficial effects of piroxicam.

Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that is present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder (manic depression). Blood levels of lithium may increase in people taking NSAIDs and lithium supplements together (compared with lithium alone),⁴ possibly resulting in unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. More research is needed to determine whether piroxicam specifically increases lithium blood levels. Until more is known, people should avoid lithium supplementation except when it is prescribed by a doctor.

Interactions with Herbs

Willow (Salix alba)
Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. Taking aspirin significantly lowers blood levels of piroxicam and increases the potential for adverse side effects.⁵ Though no studies have investigated interactions between willow bark and piroxicam, people taking the drug should avoid the herb until more information is available.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Taking piroxicam with a meal may delay the speed, but not the overall amount, of drug absorption.⁶ Therefore, it may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs when taking the drug on an empty stomach.

References:

1. Miller KP, Lazar EJ, Fotino S. Severe hyperkalemia during piroxicam therapy. Arch Int Med 1984;144:2414–5.

2. Baggott JE, Morgan SL, Ha T, et al. Inhibition of folate-dependent enzymes by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Biochem J 1992;282:197–202.

3. Alter HJ, Zvaifler NJ, Rath CE. Interrelationship of rheumatoid arthritis, folic acid, and aspirin. Blood 1971;38:405–16.

4. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2342–4.

5. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2342–4.

6. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2342–4.

Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.

Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.

Learn more about the authors of Safetychecker.

The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.

Home | Shop | Library | About Us | Security & Privacy Policy

Ordering Help

Shipping & Returns

Have Questions?

Other Services

Accept Credit Cards Online

Order By Phone 1-800-439-5506

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature.com is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices.