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Piroxicam

Prescription
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — Oxicam
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Non-selective COX inhibitor with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties; also used as anti-tumor agent due to anti-angiogenic effects in transitional cell carcinoma

At a glance

Class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — Oxicam
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) / Squamous cell carcinoma / Palliative anti-inflammatory
Dose
0.3 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
20 mg
Duration: Long-term for oncology; GI protectants recommended (misoprostol or PPI)

Formulations

💊

Capsule — 2

Strength
10mg
Available in India
Strength
20mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Cats (not recommended due to long half-life and toxicity)
  • Pre-existing GI ulceration or renal disease
  • Concurrent corticosteroids or other NSAIDs
    GI hemorrhage risk
    PrednisoloneDexamethasoneCarprofenMeloxicam

Adverse effects

Common
GI ulceration
Inappetence
Vomiting
Serious
GI perforation
Renal papillary necrosis
Hepatotoxicity

Monitoring parameters

BUN/CreatinineHepatic enzymesFecal occult bloodPCV

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Meloxicam
contraindicated
Combined NSAID use dramatically increases GI ulceration, renal injury, and bleeding risk
Management: Never combine two NSAIDs. Allow 5-7 day washout when switching between NSAIDs.

Major — 1

Prednisolone
major
Combined NSAID + corticosteroid use greatly increases risk of GI ulceration and perforation
Management: Avoid concurrent use. If unavoidable, add GI protectant (omeprazole + sucralfate) and monitor for melena.

Brands

International

Feldene
Pfizer

India

Pirox
Cipla
Dolonex
Pfizer India

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Piroxicam?
Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) — oxicam used in pets. Non-selective COX inhibitor with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties; also used as anti-tumor agent due to anti-angiogenic effects in transitional cell carcinoma
›What is Piroxicam used for in pets?
Piroxicam is used in veterinary medicine for: Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) / Squamous cell carcinoma / Palliative anti-inflammatory.
›What is the Piroxicam dose for dogs?
For dogs, Piroxicam is typically dosed as follows — Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) / Squamous cell carcinoma / Palliative anti-inflammatory: 0.3 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Piroxicam?
Common: GI ulceration, Inappetence, Vomiting. Serious (call your vet immediately): GI perforation, Renal papillary necrosis, Hepatotoxicity.
›Does Piroxicam need a prescription?
Yes. Piroxicam is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Piroxicam not be used?
Do not use Piroxicam if: Cats (not recommended due to long half-life and toxicity); Pre-existing GI ulceration or renal disease; Concurrent corticosteroids or other NSAIDs.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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