Feldene

What is it?

An NSAID and piroxicam, which is available in a number of different forms. FELDENE CAPSULES are available in two strengths, all containing piroxicam: blue/maroon capsules, marked FEL 10 and Pfizer, contain 10mg; maroon capsules, marked FEL 20 and Pfizer, contain 20mg. Also, FELDENE DISPERSIBLE: scored, white tablets for dissolving in water, containing either 10mg or 20mg of piroxicam, marked FEL 10 and Pfizer or FEL 20 and Pfizer, respectively, with the 20mg tablets being oblong in shape. Also, FELDENE MELT: fast dissolving, white tablets containing 20mg of piroxicam. Also, FELDENE SUPPOSITORIES containing 20mg of piroxicam. Also, FELDENE INTRAMUSCULARINJECTION: available as a solution in ampoules containing 20mg piroxicam per ml. Also, FELDENE GEL: a topical gel containing 0.5% piroxicam.

Medical Uses

All preparations except gel: arthritic diseases including juvenile arthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and other skeletal and muscle disorders. Gel: rheumatic pains and pains in muscles and joints e. g. from strains and sprains, back ache and neuralgia (nerve pain).

Dosage

Adults, preparations taken by mouth or suppositories, depending upon condition being treated, but in the order of 20 to 40mg each day, depending upon medical advice. (Melt tablets are dissolved on tongue and dispersible tablets dissolved in water or swallowed whole. ) Injection, used for acute attacks, 1 dose of 20 to 40mg by deep intramuscular injection into buttock. Then tablets should be taken for maintenance. Children over 6 years old, for juvenile arthritis only, using dispersible tablets; under 15kg of body weight, 5mg; 16-25kg of body weight, 10mg; 26-45kg body weight, 15mg; over 45kg body weight, 20mg. All are daily doses. Injection is not for use in children. Feldene Gel is for use by adults and children over 14 years. 3cm gel is applied to affected area, 3 or 4 times each day.

Special Care

Elderly patients, pregnancy, breastfeeding, heart failure, liver or kidney disease. Also, phenylketonuria (if melt tablets are being used).

Avoid Use

Patients with allergy to NSAID or aspirin, active stomach ulcer, history of ulcers, anal inflammation (do not use suppositories).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Aspirin, other NSAIDs, lithium, anticoagulants, hypoglycaemics.

Known Side Effects

Oral preparations and injection, gastro-intestinal upset, oedema, central nervous system disturbance, malaise, tinnitus, inflammation at injection site. Gel may cause skin irritation and reddening, rash and itching.