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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)
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 →

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
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 →

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.
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 →

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Carprofen
Rx
Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis; provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
dogcat
Firocoxib
Rx
Selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects while sparing COX-1 mediated GI and platelet functions
dog
Ketoprofen
Rx
Inhibits both COX and lipoxygenase pathways, blocking prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis; provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects
dogcat
Meloxicam
Rx
Preferentially inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and providing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects
dogcat
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