A Piroxicam Derivative Partly Effective in Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania and Hemicrania Continua

Piroxicam beta-cyclodextrin has recently been observed to be equal to, or even possibly to be superior to, indomethacin (mainly with regard to side effects) in a single case of hemicrania continua. Piroxicam beta-cyclodextrin, 20 to 40 mg per day, was, accordingly, tried in six patients with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania and six patients with hemicrania continua with a previously proven response to indomethacin. The study was conducted over a period of 3 weeks and in an open fashion. A placebo effect is considered to be negligible in these disorders. In such a comparison, piroxicam beta-cyclodextrin seemed inferior to indomethacin, in particular in chronic paroxysmal hemicrania.