NCIt definition : A nonsteroidal oxicam derivative with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic
properties. As a non-selective, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), piroxicam
binds and chelates both isoforms of cyclooxygenases (COX1 and COX2), thereby stalling
phospholipase A2 activity and conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin precursors
at the rate limiting cyclooxygenase enzyme step. This results in inhibition of prostaglandin
biosynthesis. As a second, independent effect, piroxicam inhibits the activation of
neutrophils thereby contributing to its overall anti-inflammatory effects.;