Lornoxicam

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Lornoxicam

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Lornoxicam

Lornoxicam is a powerful synthetic medication categorized as a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), primarily utilized for managing acute pain and inflammation in adults. It is specifically identified as an Oxicam derivative, a subclass within the NSAID family.

Property Description
Active ingredient Lornoxicam
Forms Tablets, powder for solution for injection
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Origin Synthetic (Oxicam derivative)
General purpose Pain relief and inflammation management

What Type of Medicine is Lornoxicam?

The active compound in this single-ingredient formulation is Lornoxicam, requiring a prescription for use. As an Oxicam derivative, Lornoxicam is clinically recognized for its potent action as a non-selective inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. This mechanism suppresses the body's synthesis of prostaglandins, which are the chemical messengers that drive pain, inflammation, and fever. Lornoxicam demonstrates high anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy, making it a reliable tool for quickly reducing acute discomfort and swelling.


Pharmaceutical Forms and General Purpose

Lornoxicam is available in two principal dosage forms: conventional tablets for oral ingestion, and a sterile powder for solution for injection for parenteral (intramuscular or intravenous) delivery. This dual availability is a key feature, enabling healthcare providers to choose the route based on the need for rapid action. The overall therapeutic purpose is to provide effective pain relief and reduce inflammation by rapidly targeting these underlying chemical causes, offering prompt symptomatic control in acute conditions.

Regulatory References

  1. Xefo - referral | European Medicines Agency (EMA)

What side effects are possible with Lornoxicam?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Lornoxicam, as documented by regulatory authorities, is characterized by formally classified adverse reactions and specific safety constraints relevant to its class as a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID).

Adverse effects are categorized by frequency and the body system affected, known as System-Organ Classes (SOC).


Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported effects are generally related to the Gastrointestinal System and are classified as Common (affecting less than 1 in 10 patients), including nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Uncommon effects may include vertigo, increased blood pressure (hypertension), and peripheral swelling (edema).

Classification Examples of Documented Effects
Common Nausea, Dyspepsia, Abdominal Pain, Headache
Uncommon Vertigo, Edema, Increased Blood Pressure, Constipation

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Official labels document the risk of serious adverse reactions, which are critical safety concerns. These include Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, or Perforation, which can be severe. Furthermore, consistent with the NSAID drug class, clinical data indicates a potential increased risk of arterial thrombotic events, such as myocardial infarction or stroke, particularly with high doses and long-term use.

Regulatory documentation also includes explicit safety constraints regarding specific patient groups. Use is typically contraindicated in patients with severe heart failure, severe hepatic or renal impairment, and active gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, specific caution and potential dose adjustments are advised for older adults and patients with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Official regulatory documents describe specific clinical manifestations and mandated actions in the event of Lornoxicam overdose.

Overdose may initially present with gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting. Additional acute signs may include cerebral symptoms such as dizziness and disturbances in vision. In cases of severe exposure, more serious central nervous system effects, including ataxia, cramps, or potentially coma, may occur.


Regulatory Mandates for Emergency Response

The potential for severe systemic toxicity, including serious gastrointestinal bleeding, liver damage, and acute kidney damage, necessitates immediate action. Seek immediate medical attention for any suspected overdose.

No specific antidote is known for Lornoxicam. Management is focused entirely on reducing drug absorption and providing symptomatic and supportive care. Procedures such as gastric lavage and the administration of activated charcoal should be considered shortly after ingestion to remove unabsorbed drug. Lornoxicam is not dialysable due to its high plasma protein binding. Patients, particularly the elderly or those with renal/hepatic impairment, may require continuous hospital monitoring.

Therapeutic Uses of Lornoxicam

What Lornoxicam Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Lornoxicam is generally considered relevant for addressing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states. It is primarily applied for supportive symptomatic relief from acute pain of moderate to severe intensity, and for easing the symptomatic burden of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Lornoxicam is commonly used in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, such as managing discomfort following physical injury or surgical procedures. It is also relevant in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, including specific regional pain syndromes like lumbago and sciatica. This application may help patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes and contributes to improved comfort during periods of intense symptoms.

“It is used across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed to ease the overall symptom burden.”


Quick Fact: Symptom Management in Inflammatory Joint Conditions

Lornoxicam is commonly used to help manage symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, particularly the combination of pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with flare-ups of chronic joint disorders.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Lornoxicam?

The official regulatory profile for Lornoxicam strictly defines population eligibility based on absolute prohibitions and specific conditional restrictions, primarily reflecting its classification as an NSAID.

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

Lornoxicam is strictly contraindicated in several patient groups, as defined by regulatory documents:

  • Patients with severe impairment of the heart, liver, or renal function.
  • Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to Lornoxicam or cross-sensitivity to other NSAIDs (including aspirin).
  • Patients with active or a history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage or other active bleeding disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia).
  • Women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Eligibility Restrictions and Precautionary Use

Population Group Regulatory Status
Children and Adolescents (Under 18) Not recommended due to a lack of established safety and efficacy data.
Mild to Moderate Organ Impairment Permitted, but requires precaution and a restricted maximum daily dose (12 mg) for those with moderate hepatic or mild/moderate renal impairment.
Elderly Patients (65+ years) Permitted, but use is with precaution; monitoring of renal and hepatic function is recommended.
Pregnancy/Lactation Not recommended during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, for women attempting to conceive, or when breastfeeding.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Lornoxicam's use must be carefully managed when co-administered with a range of medicines due to documented pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Concurrent use with anticoagulants (such as Coumarin derivatives), antiplatelet agents, thrombolytics, and SSRIs may significantly increase the risk of bleeding or haemorrhage. This is officially documented to be due to an additive effect on platelet function and potential gastrointestinal mucosal damage. Similarly, combination with corticosteroids or other NSAIDs elevates the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

The drug is known to interact with medicines that affect its renal clearance or are metabolized by similar pathways:

  • Methotrexate and Lithium: Lornoxicam is documented to decrease the renal clearance of both drugs, resulting in elevated serum concentrations and an increased risk of toxicity for both Methotrexate and Lithium.
  • Antihypertensives and Diuretics: The antihypertensive effect of ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists, Beta-blockers, and the effect of Diuretics may be officially documented to be diminished.
  • Ciclosporin and Tacrolimus: Co-administration may increase the plasma concentration of these immunosuppressants, raising the risk of nephrotoxicity.

Timing-based constraints apply to Mifepristone, where NSAIDs must be avoided for 8 to 12 days after its administration. Drugs that inhibit or induce CYP2C9 may also alter Lornoxicam's plasma concentrations.

Mechanism of Action

Lornoxicam operates primarily through non-selective inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, targeting both the constitutive COX-1 and the inducible COX-2 isoforms. By blocking the active sites of these enzymes, the drug interrupts the arachidonic acid pathway, which reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins and other pro-inflammatory mediators.

The reduction in local prostaglandin concentrations at the tissue level desensitizes peripheral nociceptors (pain nerves), altering their excitability threshold. This peripheral action is complemented by suggested effects within the central nervous system, where Lornoxicam may modulate endogenous pain-inhibitory systems by elevating levels of opioid peptides such as Dinorphin and beta-Endorphin. This dual-action mechanism influences the overall physiological threshold of nociceptive response.

Mechanistically, the drug is limited by its non-selective nature; its inhibition extends to the homeostatic COX-1 enzyme required for synthesizing protective prostaglandins within the gastric lining and producing thromboxane necessary for normal platelet aggregation.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Lornoxicam

The use of lornoxicam is guided by standardized protocols detailing the route, prescribed dose, frequency, and specific preparation requirements for its available forms. The medicine is supplied as film-coated tablets for oral use and as an 8 mg powder and solvent for solution for injection for parenteral administration via either the intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) routes.

The maximum daily dosage for any adult indication is strictly limited to 16 mg. Oral dosing for acute symptom relief typically ranges from 8 mg to 16 mg total daily, administered in divided doses across the day. For maintenance use in chronic symptomatic conditions, the daily dose is typically 12 mg, also given in divided administrations. Tablets are generally instructed to be taken with a sufficient quantity of liquid before meals for optimal absorption.

For parenteral administration, the powder must be reconstituted immediately prior to use. The injection is typically intended for short-term initiation of therapy, often as a single 8 mg dose. Procedural constraints mandate that IV administration must take at least 15 seconds, and IM administration must take at least 5 seconds, delivered deep into the muscle.

Specific dose modifications apply to certain patient groups: the total daily dose should be reduced to a maximum of 12 mg for those with mild to moderate renal or hepatic impairment. Use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended. The overarching principle for administration is to employ the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.

This procedural structure defines the two distinct routes and their respective dosing schedules, ensuring the administration method aligns with clinical requirements and patient physiological status.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Lornoxicam: Recent Clinical Evidence

This overview describes the types of official research conducted on Lornoxicam, detailing what was studied, the kind of findings reported, and where the research base still has gaps, based on authoritative regulatory and scientific sources.


Evidence for Use in Acute Pain Management

Research for acute pain has included short-term, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies explored how outcomes related to physical discomfort change after procedures, measuring pain intensity and the subsequent requirement for rescue medication. Studies monitored patients over very defined, short time intervals, often a single dose or a few days. Comparative evidence described measurements of change observed in some studies to be consistent with those documented for other medications in the same class. However, data are heavily concentrated on the initial hours, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes in acute settings.


Evidence for Symptomatic Relief in Chronic Joint Conditions

Lornoxicam was evaluated in medium-term controlled trials for symptom patterns related to osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), conditions characterized by fluctuating episodes. Research examined changes in patient-reported outcomes and functional indices over several weeks to a few months. Findings described patterns observed in the studies concerning measured changes in pain and stiffness, with comparative evidence suggesting similarities to other standard anti-inflammatory drugs. Research is limited to symptomatic evaluation only and has not explored whether Lornoxicam changes the long-term course of OA or RA.


Long-Term Research and Follow-up Periods

The evidence has focused on short-to-medium-term evaluation, spanning hours for acute pain to a few months for chronic conditions. Long-term effects are not fully established, and there is limited clinical trial information that examines the consequences of continuous, daily use over many years.


Evidence in Specific Patient Groups

Research included older adults experiencing symptoms related to osteoarthritis. However, for most other specific patient groups, data for certain groups remain insufficient. Children and adolescents (those under 18) were routinely excluded from major trials. The results apply only to the populations studied, meaning the research base remains uncertain for individuals with complex, multiple concurrent health issues.


Research Gaps and Remaining Uncertainties

Key limitations include the limited follow-up durations in many pivotal trials. There is a consistent research gap regarding long-term effects and whether the medicine impacts the progression of the underlying chronic diseases it is studied for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Lornoxicam (FAQ)


Q: How long does it typically take for Lornoxicam to start reducing pain?

Evidence gathered from studies on the quick-release oral form indicates that pain relief may begin within approximately 30 minutes. The onset of action for the injectable form is often very rapid.


Q: What is the average duration of action for a single dose of Lornoxicam?

Lornoxicam has a relatively short presence in the body. The drug's plasma half-life, which represents the time it takes for the concentration to reduce by half, is typically documented to be between three and five hours.


Q: Is the onset of action faster for the injection form of Lornoxicam?

The injection form is designed for rapid delivery, allowing for swift administration directly into the body (intravenous or intramuscular). This method is typically chosen for the short-term initiation of therapy when a quick onset of action is desired.


Q: Can Lornoxicam be taken on an empty stomach?

Official instructions specify that Lornoxicam tablets should generally be taken before meals with a sufficient quantity of liquid. This timing is advised to ensure optimal absorption of the medicine.


Q: Can Lornoxicam cause fluid retention or swelling in the hands and feet?

Swelling (edema) and fluid retention are documented as possible adverse effects associated with this medication. Official safety information classifies these effects as Uncommon, meaning they affect less than 1 in 100 patients.


Q: Is it normal to feel drowsy when taking Lornoxicam?

Regulatory documents mention the potential for central nervous system effects like dizziness or sleepiness. Official advice states that patients who experience these symptoms should refrain from driving or operating machinery.


Q: Is headache a common side effect reported with Lornoxicam?

Headache is one of the most frequently reported adverse effects. According to the official safety profile, headache is classified as a Common reaction, documented to affect less than 1 in 10 patients.


Q: Is Lornoxicam considered a strong or a mild pain medication?

Lornoxicam is officially categorized as a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Within this class, it is clinically recognized for its potent analgesic (pain relief) and anti-inflammatory action.


Q: Is Lornoxicam usually prescribed for short-term or long-term use?

Official documentation indicates that Lornoxicam is typically prescribed for the short-term treatment of mild to moderate pain. If the medicine is prescribed for long-term treatment (longer than three months), regulatory documents recommend regular laboratory monitoring of organ function.


Q: Are there any specific organs Lornoxicam is known to affect over time?

For patients using Lornoxicam long-term, regulatory documents recommend regular monitoring of specific organ functions. This monitoring includes assessing kidney function, liver enzymes, and the patient’s blood counts (haematology).


Q: Does Lornoxicam also help with fever (antipyretic effect)?

The pharmacological profile of Lornoxicam is described to include an antipyretic action (fever-reducing). This is in addition to its primary uses for pain relief and reducing inflammation.


Q: Can Lornoxicam cause stomach problems like upset stomach or heartburn?

The common side effects listed in official documents often relate to the gastrointestinal system. These effects, such as nausea, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain, align with common patient reports of upset stomach or discomfort.


Q: Can Lornoxicam cause dizziness or affect my ability to drive?

The medicine may cause certain side effects, including dizziness or vertigo. Regulatory documents advise that patients who experience dizziness or sleepiness should avoid tasks requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.


Q: Can Lornoxicam be taken with common over-the-counter cold medicines?

Caution is advised regarding taking Lornoxicam concurrently with other Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. Patients should be aware that these types of medicines are often ingredients found in various over-the-counter cold remedies.


Q: Does Lornoxicam interact with herbal supplements or vitamins?

Regulatory information indicates that Lornoxicam may have potential additive effects with certain substances, particularly those that influence blood clotting. This interaction is noted due to the drug's mechanism of action affecting platelet function.


Q: Is there a known effect of Lornoxicam on fertility in men or women?

Regulatory documents note that, in non-human animal studies, Lornoxicam has been shown to impair female fertility through effects on ovulation and implantation.


Q: Does Lornoxicam affect or interact with alcohol consumption?

Consumption of alcohol is generally advised to be limited or avoided while using Lornoxicam. This caution is due to the fact that alcohol can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach irritation or bleeding.


Q: What does the term 'non-selective COX inhibitor' mean in relation to Lornoxicam?

The term describes how the medicine works by blocking two types of Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. It blocks the COX-2 enzyme, which is involved in inflammation and pain, but also blocks the COX-1 enzyme, which is involved in protective functions like maintaining the stomach lining.


Q: Is Lornoxicam a newer or older medication compared to other oxicams?

Lornoxicam is identified as an oxicam derivative that features a short plasma half-life compared to other members of the oxicam drug class.


Q: Can Lornoxicam affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes?

The drug is documented to interact with sulfonylureas, which are a class of medicines used to treat diabetes. This interaction has the potential to increase the hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of those diabetes medicines.


Q: Is Lornoxicam used to treat conditions other than pain and inflammation?

The licensed therapeutic indications for Lornoxicam are specifically for the treatment of mild to moderate acute pain and inflammation. Regulatory documents do not list other primary uses.


Q: What is the reported incidence of severe side effects in clinical trials for Lornoxicam?

Official safety profiles generally communicate potential serious risks (like GI bleeding or thrombotic events) using frequency categories, such as 'Common' or 'Uncommon.' They typically report these categories rather than providing specific numerical incidence percentages from clinical trials.


Q: Do studies suggest Lornoxicam is effective for chronic low back pain?

Research evidence includes studies evaluating Lornoxicam's effectiveness in managing acute low back pain.


Q: What kind of research has been done on Lornoxicam's use in dental pain?

Studies have been conducted evaluating Lornoxicam’s effectiveness for pain following procedures, such as third molar surgery. Regulatory documents also note its use for pain in settings where oral administration may not be appropriate (e.g., after dental surgery).


Q: Can Lornoxicam cause a rash or increased sensitivity to the sun?

Skin rash and increased sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity) are documented as possible adverse effects associated with Lornoxicam in the official safety listings.


Q: What are the known long-term effects of taking Lornoxicam for conditions like arthritis?

Official documents and research summaries state that the long-term effects of continuous, daily use are not fully established. There is limited clinical trial information available that examines the consequences of use extending over many years.


Q: Why is Lornoxicam sometimes available under different brand names internationally?

As Lornoxicam is marketed in many countries, it is often made available under various brand names. This is standard practice and depends on the specific country's regulatory market where the medicine has been approved.

How should Lornoxicam be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Protection Requirements

Lornoxicam tablets must be stored in the original container at a temperature not exceeding 30 C or, as specified in some labels, at or below 25 C. The tablets must be protected from moisture.

The unopened powder for solution for injection must be stored below 25 C and protected from light. Once the powder is reconstituted, the solution should be used immediately. If immediate use is not possible, the solution is stable for up to 24 hours when refrigerated (2 C to 8 C).

All Lornoxicam products must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Lornoxicam, including any waste material, must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Regulatory instructions explicitly state that the medicine should not be disposed of via household waste or wastewater to prevent environmental contamination.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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