Piroxicam (INN, BAN, USAN, AAN; in some countries it is spelt piroksikam or piroxikam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam class used to relieve the symptoms of painful, inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Piroxicam works by preventing the production of a certain type of body chemical called prostaglandins which are involved in the mediation of pain, stiffness, tenderness and swelling. The medicine is available as capsules, tablets and (not in all countries) as a prescription-free gel 0.5%. It is also available in a betadex formulation, which allows a more rapid absorption of piroxicam from the digestive tract. It was originally brought to market by Pfizer under the tradename Feldene in 1980, became generic in 1992, and is marketed worldwide under many brandnames.