What is Lornoxicam Tablet?

Lornoxicam is an anti-inflammatory drug that is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory and is employed to treat many conditions that occur with inflammation, stiffness, or pain in muscles and joints. They comprise arthritis, injury, and post-surgical pain. Lornoxicam works by suppressing the body’s normal response to inflammation, which helps in pain reduction. The tablet is taken orally and needs to be prepared according to directions from a medical professional. The drug is often prescribed for pain relief of short durations, but can also be used in chronic diseases if the condition demands so.

Description

Lornoxicam belongs to the oxicam group of NSAIDs, which works by blocking the cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are the ones that produce prostaglandins, drugs that lead to inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. Lornoxicam inhibits the activity of these enzymes, thereby decreasing the formation of prostaglandins, thus bringing down the pain and swelling. The drug has a very quick action, usually taking effect after one to two hours. It can be taken with or without food, though it is often advised to take it after meals to avoid stomach discomfort.

Uses / Indications

Lornoxicam is mainly prescribed to treat painful conditions caused by inflammation. It is commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and pain following dental or surgical procedures. It is occasionally used to relieve toothaches or menstrual cramps, depending on the recommendation of the doctor. The medication is perfect for acute pain and for chronic conditions where the issue of constant pain relief exists, but strictly under the prescription of a medical practitioner.

Benefits

Lornoxicam effectively and immediately relieves pain in patients suffering from moderate to severe pain. It is effective both for pain and swelling, allowing individuals to move around more and do their usual activity without repeated interruption.

Patients often begin to feel relief within 1–2 hours after taking the tablet, thus making it suitable for rapid relief of acute pain. Unlike some other NSAIDs, it offers effective relief with smaller amounts, which could reduce the likelihood of side effects.

In most people, it leads to measurable improvement in day-to-day life and locomotor function. 

Side Effects

Like with any medicine, Lornoxicam has side effects. The typical side effects are tolerable and will subside over time. Some people, however, will develop symptoms that require stopping the medicine or a physician’s advice. It is important to keep track of how your body responds after taking the tablet, especially during the first few days or if the dosage is increased.

Common Side Effects

The majority of the patients experience stomach disorders such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dizziness or headache occurs in some patients. Some patients develop a mild skin rash or experience itching. These are usually mild and tend to pass away soon, especially when they take the medication with food or after meals.

Less Common or Serious Side Effects

In severe conditions, dangerous problems may occur, such as stomach ulcers, bleeding, or kidney and liver disease. High blood pressure, swelling of the face or legs, or chest pain are a few of the problems faced by a few. Difficulty in breathing, alteration in urine output, or jaundice of skin or eyes are symptoms that need to be taken very seriously and reported to the physician immediately. These side effects are noticed when the drug is consumed in high doses or over a prolonged period of time.

How Does It Work?

Lornoxicam is a two-enzyme inhibitor, COX-1 and COX-2, that are involved in prostaglandin production in the body. Prostaglandins are substances that induce pain, fever, and swelling in the event of injury or disease. Through inhibition of these enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced by the body, and thus less inflammation and pain. Lornoxicam starts working within one to two hours of taking the tablet, and its action continues for a few hours. Its bimodal activity on both types of enzymes makes it a very effective option for the relief of pain.

Dosage Guidelines

The dosage of Lornoxicam is based on the ailment, age, weight, and condition of the patient. For most adults, the typical dose is 4 mg to 8 mg once daily or twice a day with a maximum dose of 16 mg per day. The tablet should be taken after meals to avoid stomach issues. Elderly patients and patients with medical conditions receive a reduced dose. It is important to listen to the advice of the physician and not stop the drug without consulting them.

When Not to Use

Lornoxicam should not be used by those who are sensitive to it or other NSAIDs. It is not to be used in those who have or have had a stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, or severe liver, kidney, or heart disease. Individuals taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin should not use them on their own. Those with asthma that worsens upon intake of NSAIDs or aspirin should also stay away from taking Lornoxicam. Patients need to make their physician aware of their entire medical history prior to using this medication.

Drug Interactions

Lornoxicam can interact with other drugs and lead to harmful effects. It can decrease the efficiency of blood pressure drugs like ACE inhibitors and diuretics. It can boost the chances of bleeding when used alongside blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin. It can raise the risk of stomach ulcers when taken with other NSAIDs. Medications such as methotrexate, lithium, steroids, and some antidepressants can also interact with Lornoxicam. It is recommended to give your doctor a full list of the medications, supplements, or herbal preparations you are currently taking before treatment.

Safety Advice

Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment with Lornoxicam because it could lead to an increased risk of bleeding in the stomach. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy or dizzy after taking the tablet. Other pain-relieving medicines are taken only with the approval of your doctor. When you take the medicine for a long time, you will require periodic blood tests to check liver and kidney function. Don’t give your medicine to anyone else. If you are pregnant or nursing, use this medicine only if it is okay with your doctor.

General Instructions

Lornoxicam tablets should be taken whole with a full glass of water and not chewed or crushed. It is best to administer it after food to avoid stomach irritation. It is recommended that the tablet be swallowed at the same time every day in order to keep the medicine level in the body constant. If it’s nearly time for the next dose, skip the forgotten one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up the dose. Take the entire course of treatment, even if you become better before the end.

Special Dietary / Lifestyle Tips

While using Lornoxicam, eat a proper diet of vegetables, fruits, and fibre-rich foods to facilitate digestion. Drink much water throughout the day to help your body digest the medicine. Avoid spicy, oily, or acidic food that can cause stomach irritation. Maintenance of active living by regular light exercise would benefit joint health, whereas correct rest after the onset of pain could help in recuperation.

Comparison with Other Treatments

Lornoxicam is similar to other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac in its action to block pain and inflammation. It may be faster acting in some people and may have a lower dose needed for the same effect.

This could be useful in reducing side effects. As with all NSAIDs, it has the potential to create an accumulation of risk of stomach ulcers or kidney damage in the long run, and one should take it on the recommendation of a doctor.

Lornoxicam can be better tolerated by some, but others might need additional medication to protect the stomach when taking it.

Precautions & Warnings

Consult your doctor prior to taking Lornoxicam in case you have had any history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or hypertension.

Do not use this medication if you have already had allergic reactions to similar pain drugs. Never change the dosage given by your doctor, and notify them of any new symptoms like swelling, difficulty in breathing, or weight gain.

Close monitoring of blood pressure and other health indicators should be done during therapy. Pregnancy and lactation should only be undertaken under a doctor’s care. Keep this drug away from children and pets.

Can I Take It With Other Medicines?

Lornoxicam will only be used in combination with other drugs after your physician has made sure it is safe to do so. Taking it with paracetamol can be helpful to manage pain better. In the case of other combinations, taking it with the wrong drug will have a higher chance of side effects. Your physician will decide what is safe for you to do based on your condition and other treatments you are undergoing. 

Can Be Used With:

Lornoxicam can be taken safely with paracetamol, certain antibiotics, stomach-protecting antacids, and some vitamin supplements, under the supervision of your doctor.

Avoid With:

It should not be taken with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or diclofenac, or with blood thinners like aspirin and warfarin. Drugs like lithium, methotrexate, steroids, certain antidepressants, and alcohol should be avoided when taking this medication.

Storage

Store Lornoxicam tablets in a dry, cool place. away from sunlight and moisture with a temperature of less than 25°C. Keep the tablets in their original packaging until ready to use them. Never keep the medication in the bathroom or near sinks where it will come into contact with moisture. Do not take tablets after the expiry date, and return unused tablets to a pharmacy for disposal