Isoxicam
Pronunciation: (eye-SOX-ih-kam).
- Generic name
- Isoxicam
- Brand names
- Isoxan, Isoxicam, Isoxid
- Drug class
- Pain Relief & Analgesics
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Isoxicam is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Isoxicam works
Isoxicam inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), primarily COX-2, leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins involved in pain, inflammation, and fever. This mechanism underlies its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. (3)
What Isoxicam is used for
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (3)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (3)
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (3)
Acute musculoskeletal disorders
Acute musculoskeletal disorders (3)
Before taking Isoxicam
Do not take / not appropriate for
- hypersensitivity to isoxicam or other NSAIDs, history of NSAID-induced asthma or anaphylaxis, active peptic ulcer or GI bleeding, severe hepatic or renal impairment, and use in the third trimester of pregnancy. (Contraindication)
Tell your clinician about
(3)How to take Isoxicam
- HISTORICAL INFORMATION — Isoxicam was withdrawn from sale worldwide in 1985 and is not available to be prescribed or taken today; the dosing details below describe how it was historically used while it was on the market and are provided for reference only. General Instructions: When marketed, Isoxicam was taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider, without exceeding the recommended dose or duration. Adult Dosing: The typical adult dose was 20 mg orally once daily (the clinician database record's separate '200 mg' figure appears to be a data-entry error and has been corrected here to 20 mg, consistent with typical once-daily oxicam-class NSAID dosing; this cannot be independently re-verified against a primary regulatory label because isoxicam predates modern online drug archives and was withdrawn before the FDA/EMA-era labeling systems in current use). Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children were never established; it was not used in pediatric patients. Administration: Isoxicam tablets were taken with food or a full glass of water to reduce stomach upset, swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. When To Stop: Patients who were taking it were advised to seek medical advice promptly if they developed severe side effects, allergic reactions, or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, and to let their clinician decide whether to continue or stop the medication. Storage: Store at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (3)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include severe stomach pain, vomiting, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or seizures. Supportive care and symptomatic treatment are recommended. (3)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Abdominal pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Skin rash
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Kidney dysfunction
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Isoxicam was withdrawn from sale in every country in 1985, approximately two years after its introduction, after being linked to cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis (a severe, sometimes fatal skin reaction related to Stevens-Johnson syndrome), including fatalities — serious
Symptoms: Isoxicam was withdrawn from sale in every country in 1985, approximately two years after its introduction, after being linked to cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis (a severe, sometimes fatal skin reaction related to Stevens-Johnson syndrome), including fatalities. It is not currently available anywhere and this history is the most important safety fact about the drug for anyone researching it today.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3)
As with other NSAIDs generally — serious
Symptoms: As with other NSAIDs generally: may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. May cause serious gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment. Not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. May interact with other medications, including anticoagulants and antihypertensives.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include hypersensitivity to isoxicam or other NSAIDs, history of NSAID-induced asthma or anaphylaxis, active peptic ulcer or GI bleeding, severe hepatic or renal impairment, and use in the third trimester of pregnancy. Precautions include use in elderly patients, those with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, mild-to-moderate renal or hepatic impairment, and patients with a history of GI disorders.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Isoxicam may interact with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet agents, other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and certain antihypertensive drugs. These interactions can increase the risk of bleeding, kidney problems, or reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
No isoxicam-specific pregnancy safety studies were found in the literature reviewed (isoxicam was withdrawn in 1985, before modern dedicated pregnancy-outcome studies were routinely conducted for NSAIDs). As with NSAIDs as a class, use is not recommended, especially in the third trimester; the FDA has warned that NSAID use at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy may cause rare but serious kidney problems in the unborn baby, leading to low amniotic fluid. This is entirely moot in practice because isoxicam is not available anywhere. (3)
Breastfeeding
No isoxicam-specific breastfeeding/lactation safety data were found in the literature reviewed. This is moot in current practice because isoxicam has not been marketed anywhere since 1985; a currently-available NSAID would be used instead, with its own dedicated safety data. (3)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (3)
Renal_impairment
Two published pharmacokinetic studies from when isoxicam was marketed found minimal effect of organ impairment on its disposition: a hepatic-disease study (Ferry et al., Br J Clin Pharmacol 1986) found isoxicam's single-dose kinetics did not differ significantly by severity of liver disease, and concluded patients with hepatic insufficiency did not need a systematic dose modification, though long-term treatment should still be used with caution in this group. A renal-function study (Bury et al., Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1985) similarly found the effect of impaired renal function on isoxicam accumulation and disposition was minimal. These findings are of historical/pharmacological interest only, since isoxicam has not been available anywhere since 1985. (3)
Hepatic_impairment
Two published pharmacokinetic studies from when isoxicam was marketed found minimal effect of organ impairment on its disposition: a hepatic-disease study (Ferry et al., Br J Clin Pharmacol 1986) found isoxicam's single-dose kinetics did not differ significantly by severity of liver disease, and concluded patients with hepatic insufficiency did not need a systematic dose modification, though long-term treatment should still be used with caution in this group. A renal-function study (Bury et al., Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1985) similarly found the effect of impaired renal function on isoxicam accumulation and disposition was minimal. These findings are of historical/pharmacological interest only, since isoxicam has not been available anywhere since 1985. (3)
Monitoring
(3)Storage
Not applicable today — isoxicam has not been manufactured or sold since its 1985 worldwide withdrawal. When it was marketed, the clinician-database record notes it was stored at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F), away from moisture and heat, and kept out of reach of children; retained here as historical reference only.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Osteoarthritis (historical — drug withdrawn worldwide in 1985; not currently prescribable)
Dose summary: The standard adult dosing for Isoxicam, while it was marketed, was 20 mg orally once daily (corrected from an internally inconsistent '200 mg' figure elsewhere in the clinician record; not independently re-verifiable against a primary label as no current regulatory source exists for a drug withdrawn in 1985).
Renal context: A published pharmacokinetic study conducted while isoxicam was marketed (Bury et al., Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1985) found impaired renal function had minimal effect on isoxicam accumulation and disposition; no specific numeric dose-adjustment scheme was established. This is of historical interest only, as isoxicam has not been available anywhere since 1985. (3)
Hepatic guidance
A published pharmacokinetic study (Ferry et al., Br J Clin Pharmacol 1986) found isoxicam's kinetics in patients with hepatic disease did not differ significantly from healthy volunteers regardless of disease severity, and concluded that a systematic dose modification was not required, though long-term treatment should be used with caution in patients with hepatic insufficiency. Of historical interest only, as isoxicam has not been available anywhere since 1985.
Frequently asked questions
What conditions does Isoxicam treat?
Isoxicam is not currently available anywhere in the world — it was withdrawn from sale in 1985 due to a link with severe skin reactions. While it was marketed, it was used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
How long does it take for Isoxicam to work?
Pain relief may begin within a few hours, but full anti-inflammatory effects may take several days of regular use.
Can I take Isoxicam with food?
Yes, taking Isoxicam with food or milk can help reduce stomach upset.
Is Isoxicam safe during pregnancy?
Isoxicam is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to potential risks to the fetus.
What should I do if I develop stomach pain while taking Isoxicam?
Seek medical advice promptly, as stomach pain can be a sign of a serious side effect; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop the medication.
Can Isoxicam cause kidney problems?
Yes, Isoxicam can affect kidney function, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease or those taking certain other medications.
Are there alternatives to Isoxicam?
Yes — and an alternative is required, because Isoxicam itself has not been available anywhere since its 1985 worldwide withdrawal. Other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and meloxicam are currently marketed and may be considered; your doctor will recommend the most appropriate option based on your condition and medical history.
What happens if I take too much Isoxicam?
Taking too much Isoxicam can lead to symptoms such as severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and in serious cases, kidney problems or seizures. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Isoxicam?
Drinking alcohol while taking Isoxicam, or any NSAID, is generally not recommended. This combination can significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, including stomach upset, ulcers, and bleeding. It can also exacerbate drowsiness and impair judgment. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
What is the mechanism of action of Isoxicam?
Isoxicam inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), primarily COX-2, leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins involved in pain, inflammation, and fever. This mechanism underlies its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. (3)
What is the generic name of Isoxicam?
The generic name is Isoxicam. It is sold under brand names including Isoxan, Isoxicam, Isoxid.
What class of drug is Isoxicam?
Isoxicam is classed as: Pain Relief & Analgesics.
References
- Isoxicam – MedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Internal database · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Isoxicam – Wikipedia (with independent safety verification)Wikipedia, cross-checked with WHO/ATC classification and NEJM 1995 SJS-TEN case–control study · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Ferry N et al., 'Pharmacokinetics of isoxicam in hepatic disease', Br J Clin Pharmacol 1986;22 Suppl 2:143S-147S (PMID 2887185); Bury RW et al., 'Effect of impairment of renal function on the accumulation and disposition of isoxicam', Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1985Peer-reviewed pharmacokinetic literature (Br J Clin Pharmacol; Eur J Clin Pharmacol) · International (studies conducted in Europe while isoxicam was marketed) · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 3
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Isoxicam names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.