isoxicam

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

Isoxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent designed for arthritis research, exhibiting oral activity and a prolonged duration of action. It functions as a nonselective inhibitor of both COX-1 and COX-2. 

Spectrum: 

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory properties that doesn’t belong to the steroid category. Aside from their anti-inflammatory effects, NSAIDs also exhibit analgesic, antipyretic, and platelet-inhibitory actions. These medications work by suppressing the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. This prevents arachidonic acid from being converted into cyclic endoperoxides, which are the building blocks of prostaglandins. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Vomiting  

Nausea  

Headache  

Ulcers  

Increased risk of bleeding or bruising, perforation (GI issues)  

Exacerbation of respiratory problems  

Dizziness  

Steven’s johnson syndrome  

Heart attack or stroke  

Increased BP 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

The use of NSAIDs, including isoxicam, may elevate the likelihood of severe gastrointestinal complications, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation in the stomach or intestines, with the potential for fatal outcomes. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Drug interactions 
• Cardiovascular thrombotic events 
• Severe allergic reactions 
• Fluid retention and edema 
• Geriatrics 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Isoxicam is a nonselective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase enzymes, particularly COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are in charge of converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are essential for the treatment of fever, discomfort, and inflammation. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of isoxicam involves understanding how the drug interacts with the body’s physiological systems and produces its therapeutic effects. Here are key aspects of the pharmacodynamics of isoxicam: 

Cyclooxygenase Inhibition: Isoxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. Arachidonic acid is converted by COX enzymes into prostaglandins, which are messengers of fever, pain, and inflammation. 

COX-1 and COX-2 Inhibition: Isoxicam is a nonselective COX inhibitor, meaning it affects both COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms. COX-1 is constitutively expressed and involved in normal physiological functions, including gastric mucosal protection and platelet aggregation. Induced during inflammation, COX-2 aids in the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation and pain. 

Prostaglandin Reduction: By inhibiting COX, isoxicam reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are signaling molecules that mediate inflammation, sensitize pain receptors, and contribute to the fever response. The decrease in prostaglandin levels results in anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. 

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Isoxicam’s primary pharmacodynamic effect is the attenuation of the inflammatory response. This is particularly relevant in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, where inflammation plays a key role in disease progression. 

Analgesic Effects: Isoxicam provides pain relief by reducing the production of prostaglandins involved in pain sensitization and transmission. This contributes to its analgesic properties, making it effective in alleviating pain associated with inflammatory conditions. 

Antipyretic Effects: Through the inhibition of prostaglandins, isoxicam helps lower elevated body temperature associated with fever. 

Platelet Function: Isoxicam, as a nonselective COX inhibitor, affects platelet function by reducing the synthesis of thromboxane, a prostaglandin involved in platelet aggregation. This can result in an antiplatelet effect, potentially influencing blood clotting. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

Bioavailability is 97-+11% 

The time to achieve peak effect is 10 hours 

Distribution 

The volume of distribution is 12.7 L/kg 

Metabolism 

Undergoes hepatic metabolism. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The half-life is 10.5-53.9 hours and excretion via urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Isoxicam is typically administered orally through tablets or capsules. Here are some general guidelines for its use: 

Dosage: The recommended dosage of isoxicam may vary depending on the specific formulation, the treated condition, and individual patient factors. Always adhere to the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider. 

Frequency: Isotoxicam is usually taken once daily, although the exact frequency may be influenced by the specific prescription and medical condition. 

Timing: To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, it is often advised to take isoxicam with food or after a meal. 

Swallow Whole: Ingest the tablet or capsule whole with a full glass of water. Avoid crushing, breaking, or chewing the medication unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider. 

Consistency: Maintain a consistent schedule by taking isoxicam at the same time each day to ensure a steady level of the medication in your system. 

Duration of Use: Use isoxicam for the duration prescribed by your healthcare provider. Even if your symptoms become better, you should still talk to your doctor before stopping the prescription. 

It’s necessary to communicate with your healthcare provider about other medications, supplements, or medical conditions before starting isoxicam. Your overall health profile will be considered to determine the appropriate dosage, and your healthcare provider will monitor for side effects. 

As with any medication, strict adherence to your doctor’s instructions is crucial. If you have concerns or experience unusual symptoms, seek medical advice promptly. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: isoxicam 

Pronounced: eye-SOKS-i-kam 

Why do we use isoxicam? 

Isoxicam, classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and belonging to the oxicam class of NSAIDs, is primarily utilized for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and antipyretic (fever-reducing) attributes. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of prostaglandin production, key chemicals in the body associated with inflammation, pain, and fever. 

This medication is frequently prescribed to alleviate symptoms linked to conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Isoxicam proves effective in diminishing pain, swelling, and joint stiffness associated with these inflammatory disorders. 

The decision to use isoxicam should be grounded in a healthcare professional’s evaluation of the individual’s medical condition, weighing the potential benefits and risks of the drug. Adherence to the prescribed dosage and recommendations provided by the healthcare provider is crucial, and awareness of possible side effects or interactions with other medications is essential.