Postoperative pain - Clinical evidence with piroxicam-beta-cyclodextrin

Although the analgesic properties of piroxicam in the postoperative setting have been well documented, the relatively slow onset of action of this non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) has somewhat limited its usefulnes s in this setting. To counter this disadvantage, piroxicam has been complex ed with the cyclic oligosaccharide beta-cyclodextrin, to form piroxicam-bet a-cyclodextrin. This new compound enhances the aqueous solubility of piroxi cam, increases its rate of absorption, and results in more rapid achievemen t of therapeutic levels than occurs with standard piroxicam. Furthermore, c linical studies have shown that the onset, intensity and duration of analge sia provided by oral piroxicam-beta-cyclodextrin in postoperative settings are equivalent, and in some cases superior, to those achieved following inj ection of NSAIDs such as standard piroxicam, tenoxicam and ketorolac tromet hamine. Oral piroxicam-beta-cyclodextrin therapy, which is also well tolera ted, more convenient for patients, and less costly to administer, thus appe ars to have clear advantages in the postoperative setting.