Xefo ® rapid: a novel effective tool for pain treatment

BACKGROUND: A multimodal approach to perioperative pain, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is recommended. Lornoxicam is an NSAID of the oxicam class. METHODS: Review on Lornoxicam. RESULTS: Lornoxicam is available in oral (standard and quick-release) and parenteral formulations. It is characterised by a relatively quick onset of action and a short elimination half-life. Several studies have shown the efficacy of lornoxicam in the perioperative setting. Lornoxicam was as effective as opioid analgesics in reducing postoperative pain and showed a better tolerability profile. Due to its opioid-sparing effect, lornoxicam might also be used in combination with opioid analgesics. In addition, it was comparable to other NSAIDs in treating musculoskeletal pain, like osteoarthritis and back pain. Safety and tolerability of lornoxicam show advantages when compared to other NSAIDs, with gastrointestinal disturbances being the most common adverse reactions. The report rate of adverse events was very low in the available studies, which could be a positive effect of the short half-life. CONCLUSIONS: Lornoxicam (Xefo® and Xefo® Rapid) is a valuable tool for relieving postoperative pain as an alternative to or adjuvant for opioid analgesics.