Should I take meloxicam at night or in the morning?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on July 11, 2022.

Overview

• Meloxicam is a once-daily non-steroid antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that you can take by mouth at any time of the day.
• It’s best take your medicine at about the same time each day, and with food or a meal to help prevent an upset stomach.
• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes it, at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest time period needed.

The manufacturer states you can take it with or without meals, but if it causes you stomach upset, you should take it with a meal.

Meloxicam is approved to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis).

It is available as a generic tablet, capsule and oral liquid suspension, as a brand name tablet called Mobic. Anjeso is an intravenous (given into a vein) solution brand name product used for the treatment of pain. The generic tablet form of meloxicam is very affordable in the US.

How much meloxicam can I take in one day?

In adults, the maximum recommended daily oral dose of meloxicam is 15 mg regardless of formulation. If you have kidney disease, you may not be able to use this medicine or you may need a lower dose.

The recommended oral maximum dose of Meloxicam is 7.5 mg once daily in children who weigh at least 60 kg (132 lbs). Higher doses do not offer any additional benefit in children. Meloxicam tablets should not be used in children who weigh less than 60 kg (132 lbs).

Does meloxicam have a Boxed Warning?

Yes, as with all NSAIDs, meloxicam carries a Boxed Warning detailing serious safety issues related to stomach and intestinal bleeding, as well as heart risks. These events may occur at any time and without warning.

• NSAIDs can cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, which can be deadly.
• NSAIDs cause an elevated risk for serious digestive tract effects like bleeding, ulcers, and tears in stomach or intestines, which can be deadly.
• Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or digestive tract (gastrointestinal) bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events.
• Meloxicam should not be used if you are having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Discuss this with your doctor.

Bottom Line

• You can take meloxicam at any time of the day, but try to take it as the same time each day consistently. Only take this drug as directed by your doctor.
• It may be best to take it with food or a meal to help prevent stomach upset, but the manufacturer states you can take it with or without food. In general, NSAIDs are generally taken with food.
• Be sure to discuss side effects, which can be severe, with your doctor. Older patients may be at a greater risk for serious side effects.

This is not all the information you need to know about meloxicam for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

• Meloxicam FDA monograph. Professional. Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 1, 2021. Accessed July 11, 2022 at https://www.drugs.com/pro/meloxicam.html
• Medication Guide for Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Revised: 06/2021. Rising Pharma. Accessed July 11, 2022 at https://www.risingpharma.com/Medguides/MeloxicamTabletMG.pdf

Related medical questions

• Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen, what’s the difference?
• Can I take Meloxicam and Aleve or Tylenol together?
• Which painkiller should you use?
• Can antidepressants be used for arthritis pain?
• How long do I wait after taking ibuprofen to take meloxicam?
• Is meloxicam very similar to Celebrex?
• Can meloxicam cause drowsiness and headache?
• Is meloxicam a narcotic?
• Is meloxicam helpful in gout treatment?
• Is meloxicam a sulfa drug?
• Aleve vs Ibuprofen: What’s the difference?

Drug information

• Meloxicam Information for Consumers
• Meloxicam prescribing info & package insert
  (for Health Professionals)
• Side Effects of Meloxicam
  (detailed)

Related support groups

• Meloxicam
  (146 questions, 177 members)
• Pain
  (2,159 questions, 11,780 members)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
  (302 questions, 1,296 members)
• Osteoarthritis
  (199 questions, 848 members)
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
  (23 questions, 38 members)

Medical Disclaimer

Side effects, dosage, uses, and more

1. Meloxicam oral tablet is available as both a generic and brand-name drug. Brand name: Mobic.
2. Meloxicam comes in three forms: an oral tablet, an injection, and an oral capsule.
3. Meloxicam oral tablets are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They’re used to treat pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Meloxicam is a prescription drug. It comes in three forms: an oral tablet, an injection, and an oral capsule.

Meloxicam oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Mobic.

Meloxicam oral tablet is also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug.

Why it’s used

Meloxicam decreases inflammation and pain. It’s approved to treat:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children ages 2 years and older

How it works

Meloxicam belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs help reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.

It isn’t known how this medication works to decrease pain. It may help reduce swelling by lowering levels of prostaglandin, a hormone-like substance that usually causes inflammation.

Meloxicam can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking meloxicam. This list does not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of meloxicam, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with meloxicam include:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• indigestion or heartburn
• nausea
• dizziness
• headache
• itching or rash

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Heart attack. Symptoms can include:
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • trouble breathing
  • cold sweat
  • pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, shoulders, neck, jaw, or area above your belly button
• Stroke. Symptoms can include:
  • numbness or weakness of your face, arm, or leg on one side of your body
  • sudden confusion
  • trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • vision problems in one or both eyes
  • trouble walking or loss of balance or coordination
  • dizziness
  • severe headache with no other cause
• Stomach and intestinal problems, such as bleeding, ulcers, or tearing. Symptoms can include:
  • severe stomach pain
  • vomiting blood
  • bloody stools
  • black, sticky stools
• Liver damage. Symptoms can include:
  • dark urine or pale stools
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • not wanting to eat
  • pain in your stomach area
  • yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes
• Increased blood pressure: Symptoms of extreme high blood pressure can include:
  • dull headache
  • dizzy spells
  • nosebleeds
• Water retention or swelling. Symptoms can include:
  • rapid weight gain
  • swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Skin problems, such as blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Kidney damage. Symptoms can include:
  • changes in how much or how often you urinate
  • pain with urination
  • Decreased red blood cells (anemia)

GASTROINTESTINAL SIDE EFFECTS
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea occur very often with this drug. Pain, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur more often in children than adults. Sometimes these side effects can cause more serious stomach problems.

Was this helpful?

If you or your child has these side effects and they bother you or don’t go away, talk to your doctor.

Meloxicam oral tablet can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Below is a list of medications that can interact with meloxicam. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with meloxicam.

Before taking meloxicam, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Antidepressants and anxiety drugs

Taking meloxicam with certain antidepressant and anxiety medications raises your risk of bleeding. Examples of these drugs include:

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram
• selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as venlafaxine

Corticosteroids

Taking meloxicam with corticosteroids can increase your risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding. Examples of these drugs include:

• prednisone
• dexamethasone

Cancer drug

Taking pemetrexed with meloxicam can increase your risk for infection, kidney problems, and stomach issues.

Transplant drug

Taking cyclosporine with meloxicam can increase the levels of cyclosporine in your body, causing kidney problems. If you take these drugs together, your doctor should monitor your kidney function.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug

Taking methotrexate with meloxicam can increase the levels of methotrexate in your body. This can result in kidney problems and an increased risk of infection.

Anticoagulant/blood thinner

Taking warfarin with meloxicam increases your risk of stomach bleeding.

Bipolar disorder medication

Taking lithium with meloxicam can cause amounts of lithium in your blood to increase to dangerous levels. Symptoms of lithium toxicity may include tremors, excessive thirst, or confusion. If you take these drugs together, your doctor may monitor your lithium levels.

Blood pressure drugs

Taking these medications with meloxicam may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:

• angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), such as candesartan and valsartan
• angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as benazepril and captopril
• beta blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol

Diuretics (water pills)

Taking certain diuretics with meloxicam can decrease the effect of these drugs. Examples of these diuretics include:

• hydrochlorothiazide
• furosemide

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Meloxicam is an NSAID. Combining it with other NSAIDs may increase your risk of side effects, such as stomach bleeding or ulcers. Examples of NSAIDs include:

• aspirin
• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• etodolac
• diclofenac
• fenoprofen
• ketoprofen
• tolmetin
• indomethacin

The meloxicam dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using meloxicam to treat
• your age
• the form of meloxicam you take
• other medical conditions you may have, such as kidney damage

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

Forms and strengths

Generic: Meloxicam

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 7.5 mg, 15 mg

Brand: Mobic

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 7.5 mg, 15 mg

Dosage for osteoarthritis

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

• Typical starting dosage: 7.5 mg taken once per day.
• Maximum dosage: 15 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

Dosage for people younger than 18 years hasn’t been established. This drug has not been found to be safe and effective in this age group for this condition.

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

• Typical starting dosage: 7.5 mg taken once per day.
• Maximum dosage: 15 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

Dosage for people younger than 18 years hasn’t been established. This drug has not been found to be safe and effective in this age group for this condition.

Dosage for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)

Child dosage (ages 2–17 years)

• Typical starting dosage (130 lbs/60 kg): 7.5 mg once daily.
• Maximum dosage: 7.5 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–1 years)

Dosage for children younger than 2 years hasn’t been established. This drug has not been found to be safe and effective in this age group.

Special dosage considerations

For people receiving hemodialysis: This drug isn’t removed in dialysis. Taking a typical dosage of meloxicam while receiving hemodialysis may cause a buildup of the drug in your blood. This could cause worsened side effects. The maximum daily dose for people ages 18 years and older and receiving hemodialysis is 7. 5 mg per day.

FDA warnings

• This drug has a black box warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A black box warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
• Heart risk warning: This drug may increase your risk of developing a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke, which can be fatal. Your risk may be higher if you’re taking it long term, at high doses, or if you already have heart problems or risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure. You shouldn’t take meloxicam for pain before, during, or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
• Stomach problems warning: This medication may increase your risk of developing stomach and intestinal problems. These include bleeding, ulcers, and holes in your stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These effects can occur any time while you’re taking this drug. They may happen without any signs or symptoms. Adults ages 65 years and older are at higher risk of these stomach or intestinal problems.

Was this helpful?

Allergy warning

Don’t take meloxicam if you’ve had itchy skin, symptoms of asthma, or an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs. A second reaction could be much more severe.

Liver damage warning

This drug may affect your liver. Symptoms may include yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes and liver inflammation, damage, or failure. Your doctor may check your liver function while you take this drug.

Blood pressure warning

This medication may increase or worsen your blood pressure. This can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may check your blood pressure while you’re taking meloxicam. Some medicines for high blood pressure may not work as well as they should when you’re taking meloxicam.

Allergy warning

Meloxicam can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:

• trouble breathing
• swelling of your throat or tongue
• hives

Don’t take meloxicam if you have asthma, runny nose, and nasal polyps (aspirin triad). Don’t take it if you’ve had itching, trouble breathing, or an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Multiorgan hypersensitivity/DRESS warning

This medication can cause multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is also known as a drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). This syndrome can be life threatening. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms, such as a rash, a fever, or swollen lymph nodes.

Harm to developing fetus warning

You shouldn’t take meloxicam if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Meloxicam can cause harm to a developing fetus if taken at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy. If you are between 20 to 30 weeks of pregnancy, only take this drug if your doctor has told you to. Do not take this drug if you are more than 30 weeks pregnant.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with heart or blood vessel diseases: This medication increases your risk of blood clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. It may also cause fluid retention, which is common with heart failure.

For people with high blood pressure: This medication may make your blood pressure worse, which can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

For people with stomach ulcer or bleeding: Meloxicam can make these conditions worse. If you have a history of these conditions, you have a higher chance of having them again if you take this medicine.

For people with liver damage: Meloxicam can cause liver disease and changes in your liver function. It may make your liver damage worse.

For people with kidney disease: If you take meloxicam for a long time, it may decrease your kidney function, making your kidney disease worse. Stopping this drug could reverse kidney damage caused by the drug.

For people with asthma: Meloxicam can cause bronchial spasm and difficulty breathing, especially if your asthma gets worse if you take aspirin.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: Using meloxicam during your third trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of negative effects to your pregnancy. You should not take meloxicam after 30 weeks of pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor. Meloxicam should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

You should also talk to your doctor if you’re trying to get pregnant. Meloxicam can cause a reversible delay in ovulation. If you’re having a hard time getting pregnant or are getting tested for infertility, don’t take meloxicam.

For women who are breastfeeding: It isn’t known if meloxicam passes into breast milk. If it does, it could cause side effects in your child if you breastfeed and take meloxicam. You and your doctor may decide whether you’ll take meloxicam or breastfeed.

For seniors: If you’re age 65 years or older, you may have a higher risk of side effects from meloxicam.

For children: For the treatment of JIA, this drug has been found to be safe and effective for use in children 2 years and older. It should not be used in children younger than 2 years.

For the treatment of other conditions, this drug has not been found to be safe and effective for children of any age. It should not be used in people younger than 18 years.

Meloxicam oral tablet may be used for short-term or long-term treatment. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed by your doctor.

If you stop taking the drug or don’t take it at all: Your symptoms will remain and may worsen.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• stomach bleeding

Overdosing on meloxicam can cause organ failure or serious heart problems. If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or through their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, However, if it’s just a few hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one on time.

Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in serious side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: You should have less pain and inflammation.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes meloxicam oral tablet for you.

General

• You can take meloxicam with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk.
• You can cut or crush the oral tablet.

Storage

• Store this medication at room temperature, 77°F (25°C). If needed, you can keep it for short periods at temperatures between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
• Keep this medication away from high temperatures.
• Keep your medications away from areas where they could get damp, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable.You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

• Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
• Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They won’t damage your medication.
• You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
• Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

During your treatment with this drug, your doctor may check your:

• blood pressure
• liver function
• kidney function
• red blood cell count to check for anemia

Insurance

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Interaction Meloxicam – what it is combined with, the effect of the use with other drugs

Meloxicam: instruction, price, analogues | tablets Lekhim-Kharkov

(Meloxicam)

Manufacturer:

Lekhim-Kharkov

Composition and form of release

You can pay for medicines with a card pidtrimka

Classification

Arthritis	ICD M13. 9
Gonarthrosis, unspecified	ICD M17.9
Other secondary gout	ICD M10.4
Other secondary bilateral gonarthrosis	ICD M17.4
Other synovitis and tenosynovitis	ICD M65.8
Other spondylosis with radiculopathy	ICD M47.2
Other specified arthritis	ICD M13.8
Coxite	ICD M16.9
Lumboischialgia	ICD M54.4
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine	ICD M42.1
Primary arthrosis of other joints	ICD M19.0
Primary gonarthrosis bilateral	ICD M17.0
Fracture of the upper end of the humerus	ICD S42. 2
Intervertebral disc disease	ICD M51.9
Cervical root lesions	ICD G54.2
Meniscus tear fresh	ICD S83.2
Scalenus middle syndrome (cervico-scapulalgia)	ICD M54.2
Chest injury	ICD S20.2
Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of other localizations	ICD I80.8

Date added: 07/20/2023

© Compendium 2009

Recommended analogues Meloxicam:

Algesicam ^®

tablets 15 mg blister no. 20

SANWEZZA LAB GmbH

Prices in pharmacies ampoule 1.5 ml, № 5

Lekhim-Kharkov

Prices in

Aspicam

tablets 15 mg, № 20

Biofarm

Prices in pharmacies

Melbek ^{® № 30}

Nobel

Pharmacy prices

Melbek ^®

tablets 15 mg blister, № 30

Nobel

Pharmacy prices 1. 5 ml, № 3

Nobel

Pharmacy prices

Melox

tablets 15 mg, no. 10

Medochemie Ltd

Prices in pharmacies 5 Medochemie Ltd

Pharmacy prices

Meloxa Xanthis

tablets 15 mg blister, no. 10, 20, 60

Xantis Pharma

Pharmacy prices

Meloxicam-KV

tablets 7.5 mg, no. 20 900 06

Kiev Vitamin Plant

Prices in pharmacies

Meloxicam-KV

tablets 15 mg, № 20

Kiev Vitamin Plant

Pharmacy prices

Melsi

tablets 7.5 mg blister in a box, № 20 900 06

Astrapharm

Pharmacy prices

Melsi

tablets 15 mg blister in a box, № 20

Astrapharm

Prices in pharmacies

Novofarm-Biosintez

Pharmacy prices

Movalgin

tablets 15 mg blister, № 10

Pharmascience

Prices in pharmacies

Movalis ^{® ster, no. 20}

Boehringer Ingelheim

Prices in pharmacies

Movalis ^®

tablets 15 mg blister, № 10, 20

Boehringer Ingelheim

Prices in pharmacies

Movalis 90 011 ®

injection 15 mg/1.