Zero and first order derivative UV spectrophotometric methods were developed for the analysis of lornoxicam (LOR). The solutions of the standards and pharmaceutical samples were prepared in 0.05 N NaOH. Absorbances of LOR were measured at 376 nm for the zero order by measuring height of peak from zero and at 281 and 302 nm for the first order derivative spectrophotometric method by measuring peak to peak height. The linearity ranges were found to be 0.5-35 microg/mL for the zero order and 0.2-75 microg/mL for the first order derivative UV spectrophotometric method. The methods were validated and applied to the determination of LOR in pharmaceutical preparations (tablet and injectable, both containing 8 mg LOR). It was concluded that the methods developed were accurate, sensitive, precise, robust, rugged and useful for the quality control of LOR in pharmaceutical preparations.