Meloxicam is a pain killer commonly used to treat arthritis, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. It is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is available only on an authorized doctor’s prescription.
Commonly seen warning signs seen on meloxicam are:
1. NSAIDs may cause serious cardiovascular risks such as myocardial infarction, a stroke that can be fatal. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have any cardiovascular diseases.
2. You might be at risk if you have gastrointestinal problems. NSAID may cause bleeding ulceration and perforation of the stomach intestines. Older adults experience most of this.
In this article, we will discuss about meloxicam, its uses, benefits, and the right dosage.
What is Meloxicam, and What is it Used for?
Meloxicam is an oxicam derivative, and it belongs to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is a pastel yellow solid tablet for oral administration. It is available in 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, and 15mg doses. Brand names of meloxicam are Mobic and vivlodex, and the generic name is meloxicam.
Meloxicam is an FDA-approved drug; it is used to treat pain in patients who are suffering from arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (a chronic inflammatory condition), and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis(observed in 2 yrs and above) (1).
Meloxicam is prescribed only to treat the pain; it reduces the pain and makes you feel better. It does not cure arthritis and RA.
NSAIDs block the enzyme cyclooxygenase; it is used by your body to make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are groups of lipids found at tissue-damaged sites; they are responsible for inflammation and causing pain during injury. Prostaglandins production is reduced when you are administered with meloxicam. This helps to relieve the discomfort caused by fever and helps to reduce inflammation and associated pain.
Meloxicam is also used to treat gout flare; gout flare is an intense pain caused during inflammatory arthritis, which generally involves a single joint, but sometimes it may involve two or more joints (2). This can lead to a severe risk of chronic arthritis if not treated.
Meloxicam can be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis (AS). It is a form of arthritis that affects your spine and other joints. It can cause inflammation of the spinal joints; this can cause severe chronic pain and discomfort (3).
Meloxicam and Doses
Meloxicam, as we discussed, is administered for arthritis. It is prescribed mainly for adult usage; for pediatric usage, it is advised during Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, where doctors suggest meloxicam at minimal dosage.
1. Doses for osteoarthritis
In the case of oral tablets, doctors suggest you start with a maintenance dose of 7.5 mg orally once a day. For some patients who require additional benefits, doctors may prescribe 15mg once daily.
If your doctor suggests oral capsules then the starting and maintenance dose would be 5mg orally once a day. The maximum dosage for some patients who require more benefits would be 10mg orally once a day.
2. Doses for rheumatoid arthritis
The recommended dose for rheumatoid arthritis is 7.5mg once daily. Only in severe cases, doctors may recommend 15mg once daily.
3. Doses for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Doctors recommended the doses based on the weight of the kid.
Do not miss your dose; if you miss the dose, take it as soon as you remember. The time interval between the dose is very important. Never take a double dose of meloxicam tablet. It should be stored at room temperature and should be out of children’s reach.
Side Effects of Meloxicam
Meloxicam is administered to reduce the pain; it does not cure any diseases. Some of the common side effects seen in patients while taking meloxicam are dyspepsia, diarrhea, nausea, skin rashes, headache; you may also experience heartburn, flatulence, and gastritis. If you face any of these problems, stop taking medicine and immediately talk to your medical advisor (4).
The FDA has issued a black box warning on meloxicam drugs. If you are taking meloxicam or any NSAIDs for an extended period, your gastrointestinal tract may be at the risk of ulcers. The digestive lining can get damaged; there might be some perforation in the intestines, causing bleeding (5).
If you observe diarrhea or any Gastrointestinal symptoms after a few doses of meloxicam, immediately report it to your health care provider. These symptoms might be fatal sometimes, hence do not ignore them. Discuss with your doctor if you have any gastrointestinal or cardiovascular issues before taking this drug.
NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and blocks of thromboxane A2 (TxA2), leading to reduced platelet formation. They also lower antibody production and inflammatory responses. However, some studies have shown that meloxicam blockage to thromboxane A2 formation does not result in decreased platelet function and inflammatory response (6).
Although NSAIDs have been administered for SARS-Cov-2, new research suggests that NSAIDs reduce both antibody and inflammatory response to covid 19 infections in mice (7).
Who Should Avoid Meloxicam Drugs?
Meloxicam has a black box warning given by the FDA, which means that it can result in some serious side effects, and a certain group of patients can’t use it.
Do not take meloxicam if;
- You have cardiovascular diseases-
If you have any cardiovascular diseases, avoid taking meloxicam; else, talk to your doctor. Studies have shown that meloxicam may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Also, if you are taking meloxicam for a long time, you would be at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. It should be avoided if you have undergone heart surgery (8).
You should not take any painkillers during pregnancy. NSAIDs should not be administered to pregnant ladies; if given, it may cause complications to the fetus heart developments and can result in heart problems (9). Consult your doctor before you take any medicine during pregnancy.
Studies show that women who are planning for a pregnancy should avoid taking meloxicam because it may affect the embryo’s ability to implant in the uterus, making it hard to become pregnant (10).
If you are a breastfeeding mother, talk to your healthcare provider before taking meloxicam.
Meloxicam and Other Drug Interactions
Sometimes NSAIDs can interact with other drugs making them less effective. Some unpredictable interactions can result in various side effects as well.
Always take medical advice before taking NSAIDs, especially if you are taking them in combination with blood clot-preventing drugs such as warfarin, cyclosporine(used to treat autoimmune disorder), diuretics, and antidepressants.
Studies have shown that Meloxicam makes antihypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or beta-blockers less effective (11)
In a study, it was observed that meloxicam might slightly increase concentrations of frusemide in plasma and urinary excretion. Although the pharmacodynamics of frusemide was not affected. Hence there was no clinically significant interaction observed (12).
In the long term, Meloxicam may affect your kidney functioning. When taken with cyclosporine, Meloxicam increases the risk of kidney problems, leading to renal impairment and renal failure.
Also, few drugs when taken with meloxicam, increase the risk of bleeding. Blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, and antidepressants should not be taken along with meloxicam (13).
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol while you are taking meloxicam as it increases your risk of bleeding problems.
Final Words
Meloxicam is an FDA-approved NSAID advised for pain relief in patients with various health conditions. It is recommended to take meloxicam only if your doctor prescribes it. Read the instructions well and take the right dosage.