Generic
Meloxicam
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Meloxicam is a pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medicine used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Description
Meloxicam is an oxicam derivative that reversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and providing analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory actions.
Indications
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
Therapeutic class
Drugs for Osteoarthritis, Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pharmacological class
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Pharmacology
Meloxicam reversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin precursor synthesis, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.
Mechanism of action
Reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Osteoarthritis: 7.5 mg/day; may increase to 15 mg/day if needed
- Rheumatoid arthritis: 15 mg/day; elderly long-term: 7.5 mg/day
- Ankylosing spondylitis: 15 mg/day; elderly: 7.5 mg/day
- Maximum dose: 15 mg/day
Children (>2 years): Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: 0.125 mg/kg/day; max 7.5 mg/day
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- May be taken with or without food, but at a fixed time is preferable
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal pain, dyspepsia
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headache, vertigo, drowsiness
- Skin rash, urticaria
- Edema of lower limbs
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in patients with history of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding
- Caution in patients with cardiovascular disease risk factors
- Caution in hepatic and renal impairment
- Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meloxicam, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Bleeding disorders
- Renal failure without dialysis
Drug interactions
- Increased risk of severe GI effects with aspirin or warfarin
- May antagonize antihypertensive effects of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists
- May reduce natriuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides
- Enhanced toxicity of methotrexate
- May increase plasma lithium concentration
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Meloxicam is unsafe.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Meloxicam may be unsafe during pregnancy; animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus. Consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Meloxicam is probably safe during breastfeeding; limited human data suggests no significant risk to the baby.
Pediatric use
Dose established for children over 2 years; pharmacokinetics not investigated in patients under 18 years.
Geriatric use
Elderly patients: 7.5 mg/day recommended for long-term treatment.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in severe kidney disease; dialysis patients: 7.5 mg/day; mild-moderate: no dose adjustment needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in severe liver disease; mild-moderate liver disease: no dose adjustment needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause GI symptoms, headache, vertigo; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Meloxicam