What is meloxicam used for. How should meloxicam be taken. What are the potential side effects of meloxicam. Who should avoid taking meloxicam. How does meloxicam compare to other NSAIDs. What precautions should be taken when using meloxicam. How can meloxicam be used safely and effectively.

What is Meloxicam and How Does It Work?

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation associated with various conditions. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Specifically, meloxicam is approved for the treatment of:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis)

Meloxicam is available in several forms:

• Generic tablets
• Generic capsules
• Generic oral liquid suspension
• Brand name tablets (Mobic)
• Intravenous solution (brand name Anjeso) for treatment of acute pain

The generic tablet form of meloxicam is very affordable in the United States, making it an accessible option for many patients.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Meloxicam

How should meloxicam be taken for optimal effectiveness? Meloxicam is typically taken once daily, with or without food. However, taking it with food or a meal may help prevent stomach upset.

For consistent effects, it’s best to take meloxicam at approximately the same time each day. The maximum recommended daily oral dose for adults is 15 mg, regardless of the formulation used.

For children weighing at least 60 kg (132 lbs), the recommended maximum oral dose is 7.5 mg once daily. Higher doses do not offer additional benefits in pediatric patients. Meloxicam tablets should not be used in children weighing less than 60 kg.

Patients with kidney disease may require dose adjustments or may not be able to use meloxicam at all. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and administration.

Key Points on Meloxicam Dosage:

• Take once daily, with or without food
• Aim for the same time each day
• Maximum adult dose: 15 mg daily
• Maximum pediatric dose (≥60 kg): 7.5 mg daily
• Use lowest effective dose for shortest duration
• Adjust dosage for patients with kidney disease

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Meloxicam

While meloxicam can be effective for pain relief, it carries potential risks and side effects that patients should be aware of. Like all NSAIDs, meloxicam has a Boxed Warning from the FDA regarding serious safety issues.

Serious Side Effects:

• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
• Stomach and intestinal bleeding
• Ulcers and tears in the digestive tract
• Liver or kidney problems

These events can occur at any time during treatment and without warning. Elderly patients and those with a history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding are at higher risk for serious digestive tract events.

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Can meloxicam cause drowsiness? While not as common, some patients may experience drowsiness or headaches when taking meloxicam. If these symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.

Precautions and Contraindications for Meloxicam Use

Certain individuals should avoid taking meloxicam or use it with caution. Understanding these precautions is crucial for safe and effective use of the medication.

Who Should Not Take Meloxicam?

• Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
• Individuals with a history of asthma attacks, hives, or allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs
• Pregnant women, especially in the last trimester
• Patients with severe liver disease
• Individuals with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding

Is meloxicam a sulfa drug? No, meloxicam is not a sulfa drug. However, patients with sulfa allergies should still consult their doctor before taking meloxicam, as individual reactions can vary.

Special Precautions:

• Elderly patients (increased risk of side effects)
• Patients with kidney disease
• Individuals with a history of heart disease or stroke
• Patients with high blood pressure
• Those with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and medical conditions before starting meloxicam.

Meloxicam vs. Other Pain Medications: A Comparative Analysis

How does meloxicam compare to other common pain medications? Understanding these differences can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about pain management.

Meloxicam vs. Ibuprofen

Both are NSAIDs, but meloxicam is typically taken once daily, while ibuprofen is usually taken multiple times per day. Meloxicam may have a lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects compared to ibuprofen.

Meloxicam vs. Celebrex

Is meloxicam very similar to Celebrex? Both are NSAIDs used for arthritis pain, but Celebrex (celecoxib) is a COX-2 selective inhibitor, which may have a lower risk of certain side effects. However, both still carry risks of cardiovascular events.

Meloxicam vs. Aleve (Naproxen)

Can I take Meloxicam and Aleve together? It’s generally not recommended to combine NSAIDs due to increased risk of side effects. Meloxicam is typically taken once daily, while Aleve is usually taken twice daily.

Meloxicam and Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

Unlike NSAIDs, Tylenol (acetaminophen) does not reduce inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may recommend combining meloxicam with Tylenol for enhanced pain relief, but this should only be done under medical supervision.

Drug Interactions and Combination Therapies with Meloxicam

Understanding potential drug interactions is crucial for safe use of meloxicam. Certain medications can increase the risk of side effects or alter the effectiveness of meloxicam.

Common Drug Interactions:

• Other NSAIDs (increased risk of side effects)
• Blood thinners like warfarin (increased bleeding risk)
• ACE inhibitors and ARBs (may decrease effectiveness)
• Diuretics (may increase risk of kidney problems)
• Lithium (may increase lithium levels in the blood)
• Methotrexate (may increase methotrexate levels)

How long do I wait after taking ibuprofen to take meloxicam? It’s generally recommended to wait at least 12 hours between taking ibuprofen and meloxicam to avoid increased risk of side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.

Combination Therapies:

In some cases, meloxicam may be used in combination with other medications for enhanced pain relief or treatment of specific conditions. Examples include:

• Meloxicam with acetaminophen for additional pain relief
• Meloxicam with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis
• Meloxicam with topical pain relievers for localized pain

Any combination therapy should be under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider to monitor for potential interactions and side effects.

Special Considerations for Meloxicam Use in Specific Conditions

While meloxicam is primarily used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it may have applications in other conditions. Understanding its use in these situations requires careful consideration.

Meloxicam for Gout

Is meloxicam helpful in gout treatment? While not specifically approved for gout, meloxicam may be used to relieve pain and inflammation during acute gout attacks. However, it’s not typically a first-line treatment for gout, and other medications like colchicine or corticosteroids may be preferred.

Meloxicam for Nerve Pain

NSAIDs like meloxicam are generally not the first choice for nerve pain. Medications like gabapentin or pregabalin are often more effective for neuropathic pain. However, if nerve pain is accompanied by inflammation, meloxicam might provide some relief.

Meloxicam in Elderly Patients

Older adults may be at higher risk for side effects from NSAIDs, including meloxicam. Lower doses may be recommended, and close monitoring for gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects is crucial.

Meloxicam in Pediatric Patients

Meloxicam is approved for use in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis who weigh at least 60 kg (132 lbs). The dosage and safety profile in children differ from adults, so careful adherence to pediatric guidelines is essential.

Is meloxicam a narcotic? No, meloxicam is not a narcotic or opioid medication. It belongs to the NSAID class of drugs and does not have the addictive potential or regulatory restrictions associated with narcotic pain relievers.

Monitoring and Long-term Management with Meloxicam

Long-term use of meloxicam requires careful monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness. Regular check-ups and awareness of potential issues are crucial for patients on extended meloxicam therapy.

Regular Monitoring:

• Blood pressure checks
• Kidney function tests
• Liver function tests
• Monitoring for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Cardiovascular risk assessment

Patients should be aware of warning signs that may indicate serious side effects, such as:

• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech
• Unexplained weight gain or swelling
• Black, tarry stools or blood in the stool
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Long-term Management Strategies:

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration
• Consider periodic drug holidays if appropriate
• Explore non-pharmacological pain management techniques
• Maintain open communication with healthcare providers about effectiveness and side effects
• Be aware of potential interactions with new medications or supplements

By staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers, patients can maximize the benefits of meloxicam while minimizing potential risks associated with long-term use.

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?
• 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?
• Does gabapentin help treat nerve pain?

Drug information

• Meloxicam Information for Consumers
• Meloxicam Information for Healthcare Professionals
  (includes dosage details)
• Side Effects of Meloxicam
  (detailed)

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Medical Disclaimer

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Anjeso

Meloxicam
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54% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 34% reported a negative experience.

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Frequently asked questions

• Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen, what’s the difference?
• Can I take Meloxicam and Aleve or Tylenol together?
• Which painkiller should you use?
• Should I take meloxicam at night or in the morning?

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• How long do I wait after taking ibuprofen to take meloxicam?
• Is meloxicam very similar to Celebrex?
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• Is meloxicam a narcotic?

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