Meloxicam
Molecule Description
Meloxicam is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) used to decrease th
e pain and inflammation of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Uses of Meloxicam
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis (a disease of the backbone)
Contraindications of Meloxicam
When should one not use Meloxicam
- Allergic to Meloxicam
- Allergic to Aspirin or other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Have ever developed signs of asthma (wheezing), nasal polyps along with a runny nose and swelling of the skin or nettle-rash when taking Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines
- Have or ever had an ulcer of the stomach or intestines
- Have any bleeding disorder or have ever suffered from bleeding in the stomach or intestines or bleeding in the brain
- Have severe liver disease
- Have acute kidney failure and are not receiving dialysis
- Suffer from severe heart failure
- Suffer from pain after coronary artery bypass
Side effects of Meloxicam
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain, bleeding in stomach/ ulcer
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Cold symptoms
- Itching, hives, and rash
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Breathlessness
- Weight gain
- Kidney complaints-swelling of lower limbs, decreased urination
- Blood in stools
- Liver complaints – nausea, stomach pain, jaundice, dark colored urine, etc.
- Anemia, pale skin, dizziness and fast heartbeats
Precautions and Warnings of Meloxicam
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Meloxicam during pregnancy?
A:
Meloxicam should be avoided during pregnancy. Taking Meloxicam during pregnancy may harm the unborn baby, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Meloxicam while breastfeeding?
A:
Meloxicam can pass into breast milk and should be avoided during pregnancy as it may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Meloxicam?
A:
Do not drive until you know how Meloxicam affect you. If Meloxicam makes you feel light-headed, dizzy, or drowsy or gives you a blurry vision, do not drive.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Meloxicam?
A:
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- If you have high blood pressure
- If you have heart, liver or kidney disease
- If you have diabetes
- If you are elderly (65 years old or more)
- If you have an inherited illness called phenylketonuria because this medicine contains Aspartame
- If you have been told that you have intolerance to some sugars because this medicine contains Sorbitol, a kind of sugar
- If you have a reduced volume of blood in your body which may occur if you have severe blood loss or burns, surgery or low fluid intake
- If you have ever been diagnosed with high potassium levels in the blood
Mode of Action of Meloxicam
How Does It Work?
Meloxicam is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Prostaglandins are substances that contribute to inflammation of joints. Meloxicam Inhibitsprostaglandin Synthetase (Cylooxygenase 1 and 2) leads to a decrease in the synthesis of prostaglandins; then inflammation is reduced....
Interactions of Meloxicam
Interactions with other medicines
- Antidepressants such as Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, or Sertraline. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily
- Cyclosporine
- Lithium
- Diuretic (water pill) such as Furosemide
- Methotrexate
- Blood thinner such as Warfarin
Interactions with food items
No specific interactions with food have been reported yet. Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.
Dosage of Meloxicam
Overdose
If you happen to take an overdose of the medicine, kindly seek emergency medical care immediately. The effects of an overdose may be lethal and need immediate medical attention. Symptoms of overdose can be lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, blood in cough/ vomit or stools, etc. High blood pressure, acute renal failure, breathing depression and coma have occurred but very rarely. If you happen to take an overdose of the medicine, reach a nearby hospital and consult the doctor....
Missed a Dose
If you miss a dose, take medicine when you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, don’t take the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Ravi Kakarla
MBBS, MBA
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Meloxicam a steroid?
A: Meloxicam is not a steroid. It belongs to the group called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) which is used to decrease the pain and inflammation.
Q: Do we get addicted to Meloxicam on regular use?
A: You will not get addicted to this medicine as this a non-steroidal medicine. This medicine should not be used for a long time. Consult the doctor before using this medicine.
Q: Why should this medicine not be used for a long time, like in months or years?
A: Using meloxicam for a long duration can create ulcers in the stomach which can lead to bleeding; thereby, anaemia can occur. It can damage the liver leading to medicine induced hepatitis. It can cause retention of sodium and water, thus increasing the blood pressure.
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