Meloxicam

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Molecule Description

Meloxicam is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) used to decrease the pain and inflammation of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Uses

Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis (a disease of the backbone)

Contraindications

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

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

Pregnancy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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.

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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