What Is Meloxicam? Use, Side Effects, and Treatment

Home » What Is Meloxicam? Use, Side Effects, and Treatment

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to reduce inflammation. The primary use of this medication is to alleviate the pain associated with Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It comes in tablet or liquid form to be taken orally. Doctors may recommend taking it with food or at a certain time of day. These recommendations are intended to reduce the risk of side effects including stomach upset.

Before taking this drug tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medications, herbs, or supplements you are already taking. Other important things to tell your doctor are if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and if you have fructose intolerance. While your doctor will likely take a full medical history, you may want to be sure they know about all allergies and intolerances.

What does Meloxicam do?

It reduces the swelling, tenderness, and stiffness that come from arthritis. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints and can decrease mobility. While some people may want to use it for back pain, the FDA has only approved its use in reducing swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. More specifically, it lowers the levels of prostaglandin in the blood. This is a hormone-like material that is known to cause inflammation in the body.

Meloxicam may interact with other drugs and it’s especially important to avoid using it if you’re already taking other NSAIDs. These interactions can lead to bleeding, kidney issues, liver failure, and more. Talk with your doctor to see if you can combine Meloxicam with the medications you’re already on.

Is Meloxicam Addictive?

Meloxicam does not stimulate the brain the way that opioids and narcotic medications do. Because of this, Meloxicam is not considered addictive. It’s considered a safer alternative to other painkillers and can be a great option for people with arthritis if used correctly. While it does not cause a physical addiction, it is possible for people to become psychologically addicted to it because of the relief it gives.

Is Meloxicam a Narcotic?

Meloxicam is not a narcotic. It’s a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Its primary use is to treat inflammation, especially that caused by arthritis. Other uses of NSAIDs include reducing fever, treating pain, and sometimes as a blood thinner. This can be a good or bad quality depending on the need. Some NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin are available over the counter. Others like Meloxicam are available by prescription only.

Doctors like to take a full medical history before prescribing Meloxicam. They also take a full assessment of all the medications you are on prior to surgery. Most of the time you will be required to be off of NSAIDs for up to two weeks prior to surgery. This is because the blood-thinning properties could cause profuse bleeding during surgery if you are still taking these medications.

Because it’s not a narcotic, most people assume that it is not addictive. While Meloxicam is not addictive in the same way that morphine is, it can become habit-forming.

Side Effects of Meloxicam / Dependence

All prescription medications come with some risk of side effects. While some are considered normal and nothing to be concerned about, if side effects worsen or persist, you may want to contact your doctor. Some of these can be mitigated by simply taking the medicine with food or drink, while others may need to be taken at a different time of day. Your doctor may prescribe or recommend over-the-counter medications to counteract the milder symptoms.

Common side effects of Meloxicam include:

• stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, or gas
• drowsiness, dizziness, or headache
• nervousness
• cold-like symptoms: runny or stuffy nose, or sore throat
• skin rash

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech
• vision problems or trouble balancing
• stool changes that are black, bloody, or tarry
• coughing up blood
• vomiting what looks like coffee grounds
• increased swelling in the hands or feet, or rapid weight gain
• lack of energy or excessive tiredness

If you have any of the following symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider right away as they may indicate a more severe response to Meloxicam. They are rare but can cause major problems.

Meloxicam can become habit-forming. When people are dependent on it, there are some signs and symptoms to watch out for. Also, it’s vital to never take more than the recommended dosing. This can lead to serious side effects and increased dependence on Meloxicam.

You’ll know you are becoming dependent if you start running out of the medication before expected, if you are going to different doctors to try and get more of it if you are being sneaky, and if you are stealing pills from friends or family members. You’ll also know you’re becoming addicted if you take even when you are no longer in pain.

Overuse can lead to bleeding, kidney problems, and some of the less common side effects. It’s important to take Meloxicam only as directed and to inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Alternatives to Meloxicam

There are many different prescriptions and non-prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the market. There are also many different drugs to treat the inflammation associated with Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and Aleve (naproxen sodium) are a few of the most common NSAIDs that are available over the counter.

Additionally, some doctors may prescribe narcotic drugs for acute pain. These medications are meant to be used short term.

Getting Help

Because Meloxicam is not considered an addictive drug, detoxing from it may not be necessary. Many doctors will allow their patients to go off Meloxicam cold turkey. This means that you can stop taking it right away without the risk of harmful side effects. If you are becoming dependent on Meloxicam it may be necessary to find a local detox center near you to help manage the withdrawal symptoms you experience.

Talk to your doctor about other ways to manage your arthritis pain. There may be exercises, lifestyle changes, or dietary changes that can alleviate some of the pain. Inflammation impacts more than your joints, but those are the parts of the body that feel it the most.

Effects of meloxicam on platelet function in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Clinical Trial

. 2002 Aug;42(8):881-6.

doi: 10.1177/009127002401102795.

Henry M Rinder 
¹
, Jayne B Tracey, Magdalena Souhrada, Chao Wang, R Paul Gagnier, Chester C Wood

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8035, USA.

• PMID:

  12162470

• DOI:

  10.1177/009127002401102795

Clinical Trial

Henry M Rinder et al.

J Clin Pharmacol.

2002 Aug.

. 2002 Aug;42(8):881-6.

doi: 10.1177/009127002401102795.

Authors

Henry M Rinder 
¹
, Jayne B Tracey, Magdalena Souhrada, Chao Wang, R Paul Gagnier, Chester C Wood

Affiliation

• ¹ Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8035, USA.

• PMID:

  12162470

• DOI:

  10.1177/009127002401102795

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), thereby inhibiting platelet function via blockade of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) formation, and COX-2, the enzyme that mediates inflammatory responses. Meloxicam is a relatively COX-2-selective anti-arthritis drug that shows significant TxA2 inhibition, albeit less than traditional NSAIDs. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 79 healthy adults to compare the effects of once-daily therapeutic (7.5 mg, 15 mg) and supratherapeutic (30 mg) doses of meloxicam with extended-release indomethacin (Indo-ER 75 mg once daily) on bleeding time, TxA2 formation, and platelet aggregation. The authors measured platelet aggregation to COX-1-dependent (ADP arachidonate) and COX-1-independent (high-dose collagen) agonists, bleeding time, serum TxB2, and clotting times (aPTT and PT) after 8 days’ administration and at 3 and 6 hours after steady-state dosing. Meloxicam significantly decreased TxB2 production compared with placebo in a dose-dependent fashion, reaching a peak of 77% inhibition 6 hours after 30 mg meloxicam; Indo-ER blocked TxB2 formation by 96% at the same time point. However, neither acute nor 8 days’ administration of meloxicam at any dose caused a significant increase in bleeding time or inhibition of platelet aggregation to any agonist when compared with placebo. By contrast, Indo-ER significantly increased the bleeding time and inhibited platelet aggregation to COX-1-dependent agonists 6 hours after dosing. Clotting times were unaffected by any drug. It was concluded that unlike nonselective NSAIDs, meloxicam’s blockade of TxA2 formation (even at supratherapeutic doses) does not reach levels that result in decreased in vivo platelet function, as measured by bleeding time and aggregometry. In this study of healthy subjects, meloxicam did not interfere with platelet-mediated hemostasis.

Similar articles

• A comparison of the effects of nabumetone vs meloxicam on serum thromboxane B2 and platelet function in healthy volunteers.

  van Kraaij DJ, Hovestad-Witterland AH, de Metz M, Vollaard EJ.

  van Kraaij DJ, et al.
  Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2002 Jun;53(6):644-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.2002.01605.x.
  Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2002.

  PMID: 12047490
  Free PMC article.

  Clinical Trial.

• Effects of celecoxib, a novel cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, on platelet function in healthy adults: a randomized, controlled trial.

  Leese PT, Hubbard RC, Karim A, Isakson PC, Yu SS, Geis GS.

  Leese PT, et al.
  J Clin Pharmacol. 2000 Feb;40(2):124-32. doi: 10.1177/00912700022008766.
  J Clin Pharmacol. 2000.

  PMID: 10664917

  Clinical Trial.

• Meloxicam, 15 mg/day, spares platelet function in healthy volunteers.

  de Meijer A, Vollaard H, de Metz M, Verbruggen B, Thomas C, Novakova I.

  de Meijer A, et al.
  Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1999 Oct;66(4):425-30. doi: 10.1053/cp.1999.v66.a101063.
  Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1999.

  PMID: 10546927

  Clinical Trial.

• [Meloxicam (Mobic): a review of its pharmacological and clinical profile].

  Ogino K, Saito K, Osugi T, Satoh H.

  Ogino K, et al.
  Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi. 2002 Dec;120(6):391-7. doi: 10.1254/fpj.120.391.
  Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi. 2002.

  PMID: 12528470

  Review.
  Japanese.

• Review of clinical trials and benefit/risk ratio of meloxicam.

  Barner A.

  Barner A.
  Scand J Rheumatol Suppl. 1996;102:29-37. doi: 10.3109/03009749609097228.
  Scand J Rheumatol Suppl. 1996.

  PMID: 8628979

  Review.

See all similar articles

Cited by

• Common Medications Which Should Be Stopped Prior to Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection.

  Gupta A, Jeyaraman M, Maffulli N.

  Gupta A, et al.
  Biomedicines. 2022 Aug 31;10(9):2134. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10092134.
  Biomedicines. 2022.

  PMID: 36140235
  Free PMC article.

• A Systematic Review on the Effect of Common Medications on Platelet Count and Function: Which Medications Should Be Stopped Before Getting a Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection?

  Kao DS, Zhang SW, Vap AR.

  Kao DS, et al.
  Orthop J Sports Med. 2022 Apr 12;10(4):23259671221088820. doi: 10.1177/23259671221088820. eCollection 2022 Apr.
  Orthop J Sports Med. 2022.

  PMID: 35434168
  Free PMC article.

  Review.

• Platelet Function: Meloxicam Intravenous in Whole Blood Samples From Healthy Volunteers.

  Jahr JS, Searle S, McCallum S, Mack R, Minger K, Freyer A, Du W, Hobson S.

  Jahr JS, et al.
  Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2020 Oct;9(7):841-848. doi: 10.1002/cpdd.772. Epub 2020 Jan 21.
  Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2020.

  PMID: 31961516
  Free PMC article.

• NSAID treatment with meloxicam enhances peripheral stem cell mobilization in myeloma.

  Jeker B, Novak U, Mansouri Taleghani B, Baerlocher GM, Seipel K, Mueller BU, Bigler M, Betticher D, Luethi JM, Farese S, Ruefer A, Pabst T.

  Jeker B, et al.
  Bone Marrow Transplant. 2018 Feb;53(2):175-179. doi: 10.1038/bmt.2017.234. Epub 2017 Oct 23.
  Bone Marrow Transplant. 2018.

  PMID: 29058701

• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Meloxicam in East Asian Populations: The Role of Ethnicity on Drug Response.

  Aoyama T, Ishida Y, Kaneko M, Miyamoto A, Saito Y, Tohkin M, Kawai S, Matsumoto Y.

  Aoyama T, et al.
  CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol. 2017 Dec;6(12):823-832. doi: 10.1002/psp4.12259. Epub 2017 Nov 23.
  CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol. 2017.

  PMID: 29024493
  Free PMC article.

See all “Cited by” articles

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Meloxicam – anti-inflammatory and analgesic

One of the common anti-inflammatory drugs is meloxicam. Meloxicam belongs to the group of oxicams.

Oxycams are a group of drugs that are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Meloxicam is available in 7.5 mg tablets. Meloxicam is available in yellow and flat-cylindrical tablets.

Meloxicam has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects on the body. Basically, these effects are due to the effect on the enzyme cyclooxygenase. The anti-inflammatory effect of this drug has been tested on all standard biological models of inflammation.

With the development of inflammation, a large amount of prostaglandins (PG) is released into the blood, which cause the main manifestations and symptoms. Meloxicam inhibits the action of PG. Two forms of the cyclooxygenase enzyme circulate in the human body: COX 1 and COX 2. COX 1 works constantly, COX 2 is activated only during inflammation. Meloxicam in the body inhibits more COX-2 than COX-1. Therefore, when using it, there are much fewer side effects than when taking other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This fact has been proven during testing on various systems, both in laboratory conditions and in clinical trials. In addition, it was shown that greater blocking of the work of COX-2 than COX-1 depended on the dosage of the drug.

When taken orally, meloxicam enters the blood from the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration of the substance occurs after 6 hours. The absorption of the drug is not affected by food or antacids.

Meloxicam, once in the body, binds to plasma proteins, with 99% of the substance bound to albumin. In addition, it enters the synovial fluid of the joints, while the concentration of the substance is 50% of the concentration of the substance in the blood.

Meloxicam is processed in the liver, and 4 inactive components are synthesized. In the process of deactivation, isoenzymes like CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 also play a major role. Thanks to their work, the formation of two main metabolites occurs. The peroxidase enzyme is involved in the formation of two other inactive substances.

Meloxicam is eliminated from the body via the intestines and kidneys. The half-life of the drug takes about a day. With various liver diseases or liver failure, meloxicam is excreted from the body at the same rate. In the case of renal insufficiency, the rate of excretion increases significantly. If the patient is diagnosed with terminal renal failure, a high concentration of the active substance is noted in the blood, which requires adjustment of the dosage of the drug. In elderly patients, there were no significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of the drug.

Meloxicam is prescribed as a symptomatic treatment for various joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondylitis. In addition, the drug is taken to reduce pain and inflammation. At the same time, this drug does not affect the course of the disease.

When taking the drug, it is necessary to take into account a large number of contraindications, such as hypersensitivity to the drug, bronchial asthma, urticaria, nasal polyposis, as well as intolerance to aspirin and NSAIDs of other groups.

In addition, various diseases of the stomach and duodenum (erosions or ulcers), as well as inflammatory processes in the intestines, are also a contraindication for prescribing meloxicam. As with the use of other NSAIDs, meloxicam is contraindicated in patients with various stages of renal and hepatic insufficiency. In addition, severe heart disease, bleeding from various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as diseases of the blood coagulation system, are a contraindication for meloxicam. Meloxicam should also not be taken during pregnancy at any time and breastfeeding.

When prescribing meloxicam, the doctor takes into account the patient’s concomitant pathology and, depending on the presence of any diseases, adjusts the dosage of the drug. To exclude the development of various complications from the gastrointestinal tract, the drug is prescribed in the minimum dosage, and the course of treatment is also reduced as much as possible.

There are a large number of adverse or unwanted reactions when taking meloxicam. At the same time, anemia, headache, emotional lability, tinnitus, various abdominal pains and other dyspeptic disorders can most often develop. Other possible complications are quite rare.

When taking other drugs, it must be remembered that if the patient is additionally taking other prostaglandin inhibitors, this may significantly increase the risk of ulcers and erosions of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the simultaneous use of anticoagulants, thrombolytics and other drugs that affect hematopoiesis with meloxicam may increase the risk of bleeding.

It is also not recommended to take meloxicam together with methotrexate, lithium preparations, contraceptives and diuretics. The dosage of the drug is determined depending on the type of disease, the stage of exacerbation and concomitant pathology. The drug is prescribed inside. Usually start with 7.5 mg per day, or if the disease is in the acute stage, start with 15 mg per day and then reduce to 7.5 mg.

Overdose symptoms are non-specific: vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, kidney and liver failure and others. Treatment usually consists of gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and forced diuresis.

With long-term use of the drug, constant medical supervision is required, laboratory data and clinical symptoms should be evaluated.

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that causes fewer side effects compared to other drugs, but still remains quite effective.

meloxicamo pain reliever analgesic drug anti-inflammatory drug effective analgesic drug effective anti-inflammatory drug

Injections, gel, ointment, tablets, suppositories

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. A SPECIALIST’S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED.Joint painHeadacheToothachePainkiller tabletsPainkiller injectionsBruises

The author of the article

Dolgikh Natalia Vadimovna,

Diploma of pharmaceutical education: 105924 3510859 reg. number 31944

All authors

Contents of the article

• Amelotex: composition
• Amelotex: from what
• Amelotex: contraindications
• Amelotex and alcohol: compatibility
• A melotex gel: analogues
• Amelotex or Diclofenac: which is better
• Movalis or Amelotex: which is better
• Amelotex or Meloxicam: which is better
• Summary
• Ask an expert on the topic of the article

Pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints greatly affect people’s quality of life. The range is extensive: from sprains, fractures and dislocations to life-long disorders – arthrosis and arthritis. This leads to early termination of employment, a decrease in the level of well-being and the loss of the opportunity to participate in society.

Pain relief is a request that doctors and pharmacists hear every day. Therefore, we asked the pharmacist Natalia Dolgikh to talk about such a drug as Amelotex. From the article you will learn: what the drug is for, its composition, contraindications, compatibility with alcohol, and also expand knowledge about analogues.

All products Amelotex

20 reviews

Amelotex: composition

Amelotex is available in several dosage forms:

• Tablets
• Gel for external use
• Intramuscular solution ampoules
• Oral suspension
• Rectal suppositories

The active ingredient in all formulations is Meloxicam.

The composition of excipients depends on the type of preparation. So, for example, Amelotex gel contains: methylpyrrolidone, ethanol 95%, carbomer, trometamol, orange blossom oil, lavender oil and purified water.

Amelotex: from what

Amelotex belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Common indications for use include: pain relief and inflammation in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and arthropathy.

But it should be noted that each form of release has its own characteristics. For example, Amelotex gel is also used to relieve pain from injuries, bruises and dislocations. Amelotex in the form of injections is more effective to use with the rapid progression of the disease.

Amelotex: contraindications

All types of the drug, with the exception of the gel, are dispensed by prescription, as they have serious contraindications. Amelotex Gel may cause an allergic reaction, redness or rashes on the skin. If these effects occur, the use of the gel is stopped.

Amelotex tablets are contraindicated in case of:

• hypersensitivity to the drug components
• intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs*
• erosive and ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum in the acute phase or recently transferred
• inflammatory bowel disease
• severe liver or kidney failure
• gastrointestinal or cerebrovascular bleeding
• established diagnosis of blood coagulation
• severe uncontrolled heart failure
• rare hereditary galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding period

Amelotex intramuscular injection is contraindicated in children under 15 years of age.

*NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: ibuprofen, nimesulide, diclofenac and others.

Amelotex and alcohol: compatibility

Alcohol does not affect the absorption and effectiveness of the active substance. However, during the course of treatment with Amelotex, you should refrain from drinking alcohol. This is because alcohol increases the risk of adverse drug effects such as blood thinning and stomach bleeding.

Also, a joint intake with alcohol threatens with a sharp decrease in blood pressure, exacerbation of asthma attacks and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Amelotex gel acts locally, respectively, undesirable effects will be less pronounced, but will not disappear.

Amelotex gel: analogues

Amelotex, as mentioned above, belongs to the group of NSAIDs. It includes many topical preparations with a similar effect. These include: Meloxicam-Canon, the combination drug Teraflex, Voltaren, Aertal, Bystrumgel, Pentalgin and others.

Please note that Amelotex is a gel. The gel penetrates well through the skin, while being quickly absorbed and does not leave greasy marks. Such a form as Amelotex ointment or cream is not registered. Let’s take a closer look at some of the analogues.

Amelotex or Diclofenac: which is better

Amelotex and Diclofenac effectively cope with pain relief and inflammation, but contain different active substances, as a result, they differ in contraindications and side effects.

Diclofenac is a strong NSAID, but acts indiscriminately. This means that it has more side effects. For example, a pronounced negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract contributes to the formation of ulcers. This action is called ulcerogenic.

Amelotex is a more modern drug and is selective or otherwise selective. Accordingly, it boasts fewer contraindications and side effects.

Movalis or Amelotex: which is better

The active substance of both drugs is Meloxicam, which makes them identical in categories: indications for use, contraindications and side effects. The difference lies in the manufacturers and forms of release.

Movalis is an original German drug. It is produced in two dosage forms: tablets and solution for intramuscular injection.

Amelotex is a generic or generic drug produced in Russia. Has five dosage forms:

• tablets,
• gel for external use,
• solution for intramuscular injection,
• rectal suppositories
• oral suspension.

Which is better, Movalis or Amelotex, the patient chooses based on medical indications and the availability of the drug.

Amelotex or Meloxicam: which is better? Meloxicam is produced in Russia, Belarus, India, Israel, Romania.

Meloxicam from some manufacturers contains lactose as an excipient, so you should not take the drug if you are intolerant to it.

Also, Meloxicam does not have a suspension as a dosage form, but is used as an injection from the age of 18.

In general, the preparations are very similar. When choosing a gel, you can be guided by personal preferences and availability criteria. However, due to differences, you should consult your doctor when choosing other dosage forms.