What is Zeficam 8 mg used for? Understanding its purpose and function

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

As an effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Zeficam 8 mg, containing the active ingredient lornoxicam, is utilized to manage pain and inflammation associated with various musculoskeletal conditions. A 2009 review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that a single oral dose of lornoxicam 8 mg provided significant relief for moderate to severe postoperative dental pain.

Quick Summary

Zeficam 8 mg, a medication containing lornoxicam, is primarily used for the symptomatic treatment of pain and inflammation in adults with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also prescribed for acute mild to moderate pain, including postoperative pain, and conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. The drug acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: Zeficam 8 mg contains lornoxicam, a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Primary Uses: It is prescribed to treat pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Acute Pain Relief: Zeficam 8 mg is also effective for managing acute mild to moderate pain, such as postoperative pain.
Mechanism of Action: The drug works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which in turn reduces the production of pain and inflammation-causing prostaglandins.
Important Contraindications: Patients with severe heart, liver, or kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, or known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs should not take Zeficam.
Consideration for Long-term Use: As with other NSAIDs, long-term use carries increased risks of serious gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects.

Zeficam 8 mg: A potent NSAID

Zeficam contains lornoxicam, an NSAID of the oxicam class. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Zeficam works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces inflammation, pain, and swelling. Lornoxicam achieves this through balanced inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

Key clinical uses of Zeficam 8 mg

Zeficam 8 mg is prescribed for symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation in adults with:

Osteoarthritis (OA): Used to treat pain and inflammation from this degenerative joint disease, improving mobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Manages pain and swelling caused by this autoimmune condition.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Provides relief for pain and inflammation in the spine.
Acute Pain: Effective for short-term, mild to moderate pain, including postoperative pain. Studies support its use for postoperative dental pain.

Dosage and administration

Dosage varies based on the condition and patient response. Always follow a doctor's instructions regarding administration frequency and duration of treatment.

Take tablets with water, before or after meals. Taking with food or milk may reduce stomach upset.

Potential side effects and contraindications

Zeficam, like other medications, can cause side effects.

Common side effects:

Nausea, vomiting
Diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain
Headache, dizziness
Fluid retention

Serious side effects:

Gastrointestinal: Increased risk of bleeding, ulcers, and perforation, especially with prolonged use.
Cardiovascular: Increased risk of events like heart attack and stroke.
Kidney/Liver: Caution is needed for patients with existing issues.
Allergic reactions: Swelling, severe skin reactions.

Zeficam is contraindicated in those with:

Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
Severe heart, liver, or kidney problems
Active GI bleeding or peptic ulcers
Thrombocytopenia
The last trimester of pregnancy

Comparing Zeficam (Lornoxicam) with other common NSAIDs


Feature	Zeficam (Lornoxicam)	Ibuprofen	Naproxen	Meloxicam
Drug Class	Oxicam	Propionic Acid	Propionic Acid	Oxicam
Common Uses	OA, RA, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain	OA, RA, fever, acute pain	OA, RA, acute pain, menstrual cramps	OA, RA, JRA
Half-Life	Short (3-5 hours)	Short (approx. 2 hours)	Longer (approx. 12-17 hours)	Longer (approx. 20 hours)
Dosing Frequency	Typically prescribed for use multiple times a day	Up to 4 times daily	2 to 4 times daily	Once daily
GI Tolerability	Potentially improved GI profile due to short half-life	Standard NSAID GI risk; extended-release can reduce frequency	Standard NSAID GI risk, increased with higher doses	Favorable GI profile at low doses
CV Risk	Increased risk like other NSAIDs	Increased risk like other NSAIDs	Increased risk like other NSAIDs	Increased risk like other NSAIDs

Important precautions for using Zeficam

Inform your doctor about your medical history and current medications before taking Zeficam, especially if you have heart, kidney, or liver issues, or a history of GI ulcers. Avoid or closely monitor use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, anticoagulants, and diuretics due to interaction risks. Zeficam may affect fertility. Elderly patients should use the lowest effective dose due to increased risk of GI side effects.

Conclusion

Zeficam 8 mg, with its active ingredient lornoxicam, is a potent NSAID effective for managing pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute pain. It acts by inhibiting prostaglandins. However, it has potential side effects, particularly gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks, and contraindications. Consult a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use. This information is for educational purposes and not medical advice. For more details on lornoxicam, consult the National Institutes of Health database.

Frequently Asked Questions

The active ingredient in Zeficam is lornoxicam, which is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Zeficam works by inhibiting the body's production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that trigger pain and inflammation in response to injury or illness.

Yes, Zeficam is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of pain and inflammation associated with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as well as headaches and dizziness.

Zeficam should not be taken by individuals with a hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, severe heart, liver, or kidney impairment, or active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers.

No, Zeficam should be avoided during pregnancy and is specifically contraindicated during the last trimester due to potential harm to the unborn baby.

Compared to some other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, lornoxicam (Zeficam) is considered a potent analgesic with a relatively short half-life. While its efficacy is comparable to some, its shorter half-life may offer a more favorable GI tolerability profile.

Zeficam can have drug interactions with other medications, including anticoagulants, diuretics, corticosteroids, and certain antidepressants. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to prevent potential harm.