Piroxicam Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Piroxicam eye drops are an anti-inflammatory medicine, specifically a topical NSAID, used to treat post-operative inflammation in the eye.

Drug class	NSAID (Topical)
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.5%
Common Indian brands	Legacy/rare topical
Prescription status	Prescription

What Piroxicam is used for

Piroxicam eye drops are an anti-inflammatory medicine belonging to a group called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). These eye drops are prescribed by your ophthalmologist to help manage and reduce inflammation in your eye. Specifically, Piroxicam is used for:

Post-operative inflammation (inflammation that occurs after eye surgery)

It is important to understand that this medicine is used in specific situations and is not a general treatment for all types of eye inflammation. Your doctor will determine if Piroxicam is the right treatment for your condition.

How it works

Piroxicam works as a topical NSAID. This means it is applied directly to the eye, where it helps to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or irritation, but sometimes it can cause discomfort, redness, and swelling. NSAIDs like Piroxicam work by blocking certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain. By doing this, Piroxicam eye drops help to relieve the symptoms of inflammation in the eye, making your recovery more comfortable, especially after surgery.

How it’s used

Piroxicam eye drops are a prescription medicine and should always be used exactly as directed by your qualified ophthalmologist. The dosing schedule (how many drops, how often, and for how long) will be tailored to your specific condition and needs. It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely to ensure the medicine works effectively and safely.

Here are general steps on how to properly instil eye drops:

Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the eye drop bottle. This helps prevent infection.
Check the bottle: Make sure the bottle is clean and the tip is not damaged. Do not let the tip touch any surface, including your eye or fingers, to keep it sterile.
Tilt your head back: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket.
Instil the drop: Hold the eye drop bottle upside down with your other hand, positioning the tip directly over the pocket you created. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket.
Close your eye: Close your eye gently for a minute or two. Do not blink excessively or squeeze your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out.
Apply pressure: Gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute. This helps to keep the medicine in your eye and prevents it from draining into your tear duct.
Wipe excess: If any medicine spills onto your cheek, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
Repeat if necessary: If you need to instil more than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5-10 minutes between drops to allow the first drop to be absorbed. If you are using other eye medicines, ask your doctor about the correct order and waiting times.
Replace cap: Immediately replace the cap on the eye drop bottle after use.
Wash hands again: Wash your hands again after instilling the drops.

Never use more or less medicine than prescribed, and do not stop using the drops without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. If you miss a dose, instil it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Legacy/rare topical

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Precautions & side effects

Piroxicam eye drops are a prescription medicine and should be used with caution and under the guidance of a qualified ophthalmologist. While generally safe when used as directed, it’s important to be aware of certain considerations:

Prescription only: This medicine is available only with a valid prescription from an ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription.
Uncommon in Indian practice: Piroxicam eye drops are considered uncommon in Indian clinical practice. Your doctor will prescribe it only if it is specifically indicated for your condition.
Follow doctor’s instructions: Always adhere strictly to your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage, frequency, and duration of use.
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to Piroxicam, other NSAIDs, or any other medications.
Other medical conditions: Discuss your complete medical history with your doctor, especially if you have any other eye conditions or systemic health issues.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before using Piroxicam eye drops.
Driving and operating machinery: After instilling eye drops, your vision might be temporarily blurred. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
Contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should remove them before instilling the drops and how long you should wait before reinserting them. Generally, it’s advisable to avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment for eye inflammation or after eye surgery.
Storage: Store the eye drops as instructed by the manufacturer or your pharmacist, typically in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Contamination: Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to any surface, including your eye, to prevent contamination.
Disposal: Discard any remaining medicine after the recommended period (usually 4 weeks after opening, but check the packaging or ask your pharmacist). Do not save opened bottles for future use.

If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, or if your condition worsens, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.

Understanding Eye Inflammation and Its Treatment

Eye inflammation is a common problem that can affect different parts of your eye. It occurs when your body’s immune system responds to an injury, infection, or irritation. This response can lead to symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, discomfort, and sometimes blurred vision. While inflammation is a natural healing process, excessive or prolonged inflammation can be harmful and needs to be managed. In the context of Piroxicam eye drops, it is primarily used to address inflammation that arises after eye surgery. After an operation, the eye naturally undergoes a healing process that involves some degree of inflammation. Medicines like Piroxicam help to control this inflammatory response, reducing discomfort and promoting a smoother recovery. Your ophthalmologist will carefully assess your condition to determine the cause and severity of the inflammation and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. It’s crucial to understand that not all eye redness or discomfort is inflammation, and self-diagnosis or self-medication can be dangerous. Always consult a qualified eye doctor for any eye concerns.

Correct Use of Eye Drops: A Step-by-Step Guide for Patients

Using eye drops correctly is vital for their effectiveness and to prevent complications. Many patients find it a bit challenging initially, but with practice, it becomes easy. The most important rule is always to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after instilling eye drops. This simple step prevents germs from entering your eye and causing further infection. When you are ready to apply the drops, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper bottle upside down, making sure the tip doesn’t touch your eye or any other surface. This keeps the medicine sterile. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket. After the drop is in, close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking vigorously or squeezing your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out. You can also gently press your finger on the inner corner of your eye, near your nose, for a minute. This helps to keep the medicine in your eye and prevents it from draining too quickly. If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, or multiple drops of the same medicine, always wait at least 5-10 minutes between applications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly. If you are unsure about the order or timing, always ask your ophthalmologist or pharmacist. Always replace the cap immediately after use and store the bottle as instructed. Never share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms, as this can spread infections and may not be the correct treatment for them.

General Eye Care, Hygiene, and When to Seek Medical Help

Maintaining good eye hygiene is fundamental for overall eye health, especially when you are recovering from an eye condition or surgery. Always keep your hands clean, and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes unnecessarily. If you need to clean around your eyes, use a clean, soft cloth or cotton ball dampened with clean water. Do not use harsh soaps or chemicals near your eyes. Proper storage of your eye medicines is also very important. Always store eye drops in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Check the expiry date on the bottle and discard any medicine that has expired. Once an eye drop bottle is opened, it generally has a limited shelf life, usually about 4 weeks, even if there is still medicine left. This is because once opened, the medicine is exposed to air and can become contaminated. Always check the instructions on the packaging or ask your pharmacist for specific guidance on disposal. It is crucial to know when to seek professional medical help. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms such as severe pain, sudden vision changes, increased redness, discharge from the eye, sensitivity to light, or if your symptoms do not improve after using the prescribed medicine, contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your ophthalmologist immediately. These could be signs of a more serious problem or a complication that requires urgent attention. Remember, your eye doctor is your best resource for maintaining healthy vision and managing any eye conditions. Regular follow-ups as advised by your doctor are also very important for monitoring your progress and ensuring the best possible outcome for your eye health.

Frequently asked questions

What are Piroxicam eye drops used for?

Piroxicam eye drops are an anti-inflammatory medicine, specifically a topical NSAID, used to treat post-operative inflammation in the eye, which is inflammation that occurs after eye surgery.

How do Piroxicam eye drops work?

Piroxicam works as a topical NSAID. It is applied directly to the eye and helps to reduce inflammation by blocking certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain. This helps relieve discomfort and swelling.

What are the common Indian brands for Piroxicam eye drops?

Piroxicam eye drops are considered legacy or rare topical brands in India, meaning they are not commonly prescribed or widely available compared to other eye medicines.

How should I use Piroxicam eye drops?

You should use Piroxicam eye drops exactly as directed by your qualified ophthalmologist. The specific dosing (how many drops, how often, and for how long) will be prescribed by your doctor. Always wash your hands before and after use, and follow the instructions for proper instillation.

Do I need a prescription for Piroxicam eye drops?

Yes, Piroxicam eye drops are a prescription medicine. You must have a valid prescription from a qualified ophthalmologist to obtain and use this medicine. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

What precautions should I take while using Piroxicam eye drops?

Always use Piroxicam eye drops only as directed by your ophthalmologist. It is uncommon in Indian practice, so your doctor will prescribe it only if necessary. Inform your doctor about any allergies or other medical conditions. If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should remove them before use. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, and discard the bottle after the recommended period, usually 4 weeks after opening.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.