Key facts about Meloxicam
What dosages is Meloxicam available in?
Meloxicam is available as a 7.5 mg and 15 mg oral tablet.
What is Meloxicam used for?
Meloxicam is an NSAID that is used to treat:
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) in patients who weigh ≥60 kg
How does Meloxicam work?
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking two types of proteins, called cyclooxygenase, or COX, in your body that cause inflammation, pain, and swelling. More specifically, Meloxicam blocks COX-2 more than COX-1, which is thought to explain why Meloxicam has generally less stomach and kidney side effects compared to other NSAIDs.
How do I take Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is typically dosed at 7.5 mg to 15 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum dose is 15 mg per day.
Is it safe for me to take Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to Meloxicam or any components of the drug product, a history of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking
aspirin or other NSAIDs, pain from a CABG surgery.
Meloxicam Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Meloxicam:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Urinary tract infections
- Flu-like symptoms
- Upset stomach
- Swelling
Meloxicam Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Meloxicam. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
Heart attack: chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
Stroke: sudden confusion, trouble breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech
Heart failure: difficulty breathing, swelling, fast heartbeat
Worsening liver problems or liver failure: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion, dark or brown urine
Serious kidney problems: tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps
Allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
Serious skin reactions: skin reddening, blisters, rash
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Meloxicam
The following medications may interact with Meloxicam:
Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, SSRIs/SNRIs): Monitor patients for bleeding who are concomitantly
- taking Meloxicam with drugs that interfere with hemostasis. Concomitant use of Meloxicam and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended.
ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) or BetaBlockers: Concomitant use with Meloxicam may diminish the antihypertensive effect of these drugs. Monitor blood pressure.
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: Concomitant use with Meloxicam in elderly, volume-depleted, or those with renal impairment may result in
- deterioration of renal function.
Diuretics: NSAIDs can reduce natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazide diuretics. Monitor patients to assure diuretic efficacy including antihypertensive effects.
Who makes Meloxicam?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Meloxicam safe in pregnancy?
Limit use of NSAIDs, including Meloxicam, between about 20 to 30 weeks in pregnancy due to the risk of oligohydramnios/fetal
renal dysfunction. Avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy due to the risks of
oligohydramnios/fetal renal dysfunction and premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
