Sounds like 'ten-ox-ih-kam'
Key points about tenoxicam
- Tenoxicam is an anti-inflammatory used to treat pain and inflammation.
- Tenoxicam is also called Tilcotil®.
- Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

Tenoxicam is one of a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Tenoxicam is used to treat different types of pain such as pain from gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, painful periods and pain after surgery.
Read more about pain.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, tenoxicam comes as tablets (20 mg) and as an injection.
- The usual dose of tenoxicam is 1 or 2 tablets once a day.
- If you're using tenoxicam for painful menstrual periods, take your first dose as soon as your period starts or pain begins until the pain eases.
- Always take your tenoxicam exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.
- Take tenoxicam with food or immediately after food, to prevent stomach upset.
- Swallow the tablets whole, don't crush or chew them.
- Take it with a full glass of water.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it when you next need pain relief and then continue as before. Don't take 2 doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Taking tenoxicam with other pain medicines
Don't take other anti-inflammatory medicines such as diclofenac, ibuprofen or naproxen while taking tenoxicam. This can increase your risk of side effects.
It's safe to take tenoxicam with paracetamol because they work differently.
Taking tenoxicam with blood pressure medicines
Tenoxicam interacts with some medicines, especially those used for high blood pressure, so check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start taking tenoxicam.
Image credit: Healthify He Puna Waiora
Taking NSAIDs together with blood pressure medicines can be harmful to your kidneys. This is called the ‘triple whammy’ effect. If you're taking blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) and diuretics tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting tenoxicam. Talk to them about safe pain-relief options for you.
- Examples of ACE inhibitors are captopril, cilazapril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril and quinapril.
- Examples of ARBs are candesartan, irbesartan and losartan.
- Examples of diuretics are furosemide, bumetanide, bendroflumethiazide, chlortalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, spironolactone, eplerenone and metolazone.
Read more about the triple whammy.(external link)
Here are some other things to know when you're taking tenoxicam.
- If you’re not well: It can be harmful to take tenoxicam when you’re dehydrated (haven't drunk enough fluid) or have been sick with diarrhoea (runny poo) or vomiting (being sick). Read more about the risks of NSAIDs(external link).
- Alcohol: Tenoxicam doesn't directly interact with alcohol. This means that most people could have the occasional drink while taking it without any serious problems. However, if celecoxib makes you feel dizzy or gives you a sore stomach, don't drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
- Driving: Tenoxicam can make you feel dizzy. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.
Like all medicines, tenoxicam can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.
Common side effects
Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.
- Heartburn (indigestion), sore stomach, runny poo (diarrhoea). Take tenoxicam with food.
- Headache.
- Feeling dizzy. Don’t drink alcohol. Be careful when driving or using tools until you feel better.
Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur
- Serious stomach problems such as really bad stomach pain, blood in your stool or black stools, cough or vomiting up blood or dark-coloured vomit.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
- Signs of a stroke such as weakness in one part or side of your body and slurred speech.
- Signs of kidney problems such as swollen ankles, blood in your pee or not peeing at all.
Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, such as a tight chest or shortness of breath.
Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.
The following links provide further information on tenoxicam.
Tilcotil(external link) Medsafe Consumer Medicine Information, NZ
Tenoxicam(external link) New Zealand Formulary Patient Information
Brochures
Medicines and side effects(external link) Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2024
5 questions to ask about your medications(external link) Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English(external link), te reo Māori(external link)
References
- Tenoxicam(external link) New Zealand Formulary
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(external link) New Zealand Formulary
- Tilcotil(external link) Medsafe datasheet, NZ
Brochures
Medicines and side effects
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2024
Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English, te reo Māori
Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Stephanie Yee, Pharmacist, Auckland.
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