CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Jo Murrell,
Medication: Piroxicam
Your cat has been prescribed piroxicam for the treatment of pain, inflammation or as part of a treatment protocol for bladder cancer.
ℹ️Key points: • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. • There are no licensed veterinary products containing piroxicam. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug to your pet which contains piroxicam. Your veterinarian will explain off-license prescribing to you.
ℹ️This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. ⚠️Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Piroxicam (pih-rox-ih-cam).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing piroxicam.
Class of medication
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed piroxicam?
Your veterinarian has prescribed piroxicam for the treatment pain or inflammation, such as that associated with osteoarthritis. Piroxicam may also be used as part of the treatment regimen for bladder cancer. Less commonly it may be used to help with treatment of cancers of the prostate, colon and rectum.
How is the medication given?
Piroxicam is usually given orally (as tablets). It may be hidden in a small amount of food. In some circumstances piroxicam may be supplied as a suppository. Your veterinarian will then explain how to gently push the suppository into your pet’s rectum. If you are not confident in dosing your pet, then ask your veterinarian for advice. It is important to follow dosing guidelines carefully.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Reported side-effects include: gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration (vomiting or diarrhea – with or without blood), tarry feces, depression, collapse, seizures, kidney failure, liver failure, heart failure and anemia. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you feel your pet has any side-effects from this medication and do not give any further piroxicam. Piroxicam should not be used in patients already receiving corticosteroids (eg prednisolone), or other non-steroidal drugs (meloxicam, carprofen, etc) because of the risks of adverse effects. It should be used with caution in patients receiving , fluoroquinolone antibiotics, beta-blockers and diuretics. Piroxicam is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating queens or if gastric or duodenal ulceration is suspected. It is also contra-indicated in hemorrhagic syndromes, heart failure and kidney failure.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Piroxicam tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Length of treatment will vary between patients.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused piroxicam safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period. If you accidentally overdose your pet, contact your veterinarian for advice straight away, as overdose of this drug can have serious consequences and rapid veterinary attention is necessary.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Piroxicam should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice. If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center. Asthmatic humans should be particularly careful not to take piroxicam.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on piroxicam?
Your cat may need regular blood tests to check kidney and liver function and to ensure that the dose of piroxicam is correct.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on piroxicam can be found on the package insert.Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing piroxicam available in the UK and Europe.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing piroxicam available in the US.
