Tenoxicam used as a parenteral formulation for acute pain in rheumatic conditions.

Tenoxicam is a thienothiazine derivative with marked analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The parenteral application of tenoxicam is especially suitable for initial therapy in acute and painful rheumatic conditions. The pharmacokinetic behaviour of tenoxicam after i.m., i.v. and p.o. administration did not differ, with the exception that higher plasma concentrations were reached during the first two hours after the parenteral dose. After both i.m. and i.v. application, tenoxicam showed a rapid onset of action, and reliable improvement of pain status. Tenoxicam was well tolerated both systemically and locally. About 10% of all patients experienced adverse events characteristic of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).