Piroxicam-β-Cyclodextrin in Sports Medicine and Traumatology

Summary

A prompt onset of a therapeutic effect in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries from sport or surgery is important in order to limit the extent of functional damage and pain that follows. Complexation of piroxicam with β-cyclodextrin results in a quicker absorption through the gastrointestinal mucosa. Studies show that this new formulation, when taken orally 20mg daily, has a faster onset of peak analgesia in comparison with diclofenac sodium and intramuscular ketoprofen and a faster complete functional recovery than naproxen sodium in the treatment of sports injuries. Furthermore, a superior adverse effect profile, particularly for gastrointestinal events, makes piroxicam-β-cyclo-dextrin a suitable alternative to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In the treatment of post-trauma pain, piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin decreased the intensity of pain by 50% within 1 hour in comparison with 3 hours for piroxicam. In addition, a more profound analgesic action was noted in those patients receiving the piroxicam complex. This new oral formulation also effectively reduces pain after surgery, whether administered soon after recovery from anaesthesia or 2 days before surgery. Interestingly, patients experienced less pain if treated before surgery, and thus piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin may increase the pain threshold of the peripheral nerve endings.