Definition

Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate aches and pains and swelling. Piroxicam overdose occurs when someone takes more than the recommended amount of this medicine. People with kidney or liver disease are more likely to develop serious side effects or worsening of their disease from NSAIDs.

As a group, and because of their common use, NSAIDs are responsible for more serious drug-related side effects than any other class of pain relieving drugs.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Feldene overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Piroxicam

Where Found

Piroxicam is also sold under the brand name Feldene.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a piroxicam overdose may include:

Airways and lungs:

• Rapid breathing
• Slow, labored breathing
• Wheezing

Eyes, ears, nose, and throat:

• Ringing in the ears
• Blurred vision

Nervous system:

• Agitation, confusion, incoherence (not understandable)
• Collapse
• Coma (decreased level of consciousness and lack of responsiveness)
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Drowsiness
• Headache (severe)
• Unsteadiness, movement problems

Skin:

• Rash

Stomach and intestines:

• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain (possible bleeding in the stomach and intestines)

Before Calling Emergency

The following information is helpful for emergency assistance:

• The person's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• If the medicine was prescribed for the patient

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation), and ventilator (breathing machine)
• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Fluids through the vein (intravenous or IV)
• Laxative
• Medicines to treat symptoms

In rare, serious cases, more treatments may be needed, including kidney dialysis (machine). Most people will be discharged from the emergency department after being observed for a period of time.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery is likely. In rare cases, kidney damage may be permanent and require long-term dialysis.

References

Aronson JK. Piroxicam. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:795-798.

Hatten BW. Aspirin and nonsteroidal agents. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 139.