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Meloxicam - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Meloxicam: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam, sold under the brand names Mobic and Vivlodex, is a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Meloxicam is commonly prescribed for pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Meloxicam is available for oral administration as regular tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), and capsules. Also available for transdermal and intravenous administration since FDA approval in 2020, it is recommended to use Meloxicam discriminately and in low doses for as short a duration as possible.

What are the Uses of Meloxicam?

Like other NSAIDs, Meloxicam reduces swelling, pain, fever, and joint stiffness. Primarily, Meloxicam is prescribed to treat arthritis induced inflammation of the joints and bones. It is also used to treat juvenile idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis for children at least 2 years old and older. Intravenous indication treats moderate to severe pain in adults. Meloxicam is a COX-2 inhibitor and reduces the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation. In isolated cases, Meloxicam has been used to reduce the risk of adverse gastrointestinal effects.

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What are the Side Effects of Meloxicam?

Some side effects include stomach upset, dizziness, nausea, flu-like symptoms or diarrhoea. Meloxicam may raise blood pressure. Severe side effects include an allergic reaction (abnormal skin rashes), swelling or abnormal weight gain, liver problems, kidney problems, signs of stomach bleeding such as bloody stools or coughing up blood, low red blood cells, heart attack or stroke. Contact your physician to assess the precautions you need to take with Meloxicam.

For a detailed understanding of how taking Meloxicam can affect you and your body, consult our team of medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.

S.no Product Name Dosage Form
1. Muvera Meloxicam 7.5mg/15mg Tablet
2. Mcam Meloxicam 7.5mg/15mg Tablet
3. Melorise Meloxicam 7.5mg/15mg Tablet
4. Melodol Meloxicam 7.5mg/15mg Tablet
5. Melonex Meloxicam 7.5mg Tablet

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Meloxicam

1. Does Meloxicam make you sleepy?

Despite being an NSAID, Meloxicam does not normally cause sleepiness, unlike Ibuprofen. Its typical side effects include dizziness, nausea or headaches, but not sleepiness. Meloxicam is more likely to cause insomnia. Consumption of a higher dosage normal than usual may lead to drowsiness and may require immediate medical attention.

2. What is a lethal dose of Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is associated with extreme cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications due to indiscriminate use. Higher doses than usual (up to 5 times) is associated with strokes and heart attacks, which may turn fatal. The oral LD50 dose is reported at 98 mg/kg and is highly toxic to the body. Do not alter your Meloxicam regimen without consulting a physician.

3. Is Meloxicam a controlled substance?

Meloxicam is not considered a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Instead, Meloxicam is suggested to play a significant role in pain management versus opioid alternatives. Meloxicam has been paired with Bupivacaine (an anaesthetic) to manage pain after painful surgeries and reduce their need for opioids, therefore reducing the risk for addiction.

4. Is Meloxicam safe for cats?

Meloxicam is primarily used in veterinary medicine to treat dogs and cattle. A study suggests that using NSAIDs like Meloxicam in cats can lead to gastrointestinal upset and seizures at higher doses. Cats have a low tolerance for NSAIDs in general. However, in 2020, Meloxicam injection was approved for use in cats only before an operation and as a single injection with explicit instructions to not administer a second dose.

5. Is Meloxicam a muscle relaxer?

Meloxicam is an NSAID that treats inflammation of the joints. It is not a muscle relaxer. However, Meloxicam has been reported to be effective as an analgesic to treat non-specific back pain in low doses.

6. What is stronger than Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is one of the stronger NSAIDs available for use, much stronger than other alternatives like Ibuprofen or Celebrex. Meloxicam is more potent than other over the counter drugs. However, in general, Diclofenac at a 150 mg/day dosage is reported to be the most effective NSAID in treating osteoarthritis.

7. Is Meloxicam a strong painkiller?

Meloxicam is one of the most potent and effective painkillers available for treating pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. It is much more effective than other alternatives like Ibuprofen, Celebrex or Naproxen. Meloxicam also has significantly better tolerability than Diclofenac. Not only that, but Meloxicam coupled with Bupivacaine is also effective in pain management after extremely painful surgeries that typically require opioids.

8. How many hours does Meloxicam last?

Meloxicam has a half-life longer than other NSAIDs of around 20 hours. It requires a single dosage per day without the need for extended-release formulations. Meloxicam starts showing its effects around 30 minutes and peaks in efficacy at around 4 hours. It can relieve pain up to 24 hours, depending on the type of pain it is prescribed for.

9. Can I have one glass of wine on Meloxicam?

Pairing alcohol with any NSAID is a bad idea. Alcohol combined with Meloxicam, specifically, puts you at a higher risk for stomach bleeding as well as stroke. Do not drink wine with Meloxicam. Look out for any symptoms that may indicate gastrointestinal complications like bloody stool, vomiting of blood, etc.

10. Does Meloxicam cause weight gain?

While uncommon, Meloxicam can affect your weight and lead to gain or loss. However, weight gain due to fluid retention is a much more common side effect associated with Meloxicam consumption, reported in up to 0.6% to 4.5% of patients. Consult a doctor if you notice unusual weight gain while consuming Meloxicam.

 

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      References

       

      1. Meloxicam Tablets (Meloxicam ): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning: https://www.rxlist.com/meloxicam-drug.htm.
      2. Meloxicam (Mobic) Abuse, Misuse, Side Effects & Dangers: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/meloxicam-abuse.
      3. Meloxicam: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online: https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00814.
      4. Meloxicam: MedlinePlus Drug Information: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601242.html.
      5. Meloxicam: Side effects, dosage, uses, and more: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/meloxicam-oral-tablet#about.
      6. Meloxicam Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings – Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/meloxicam.html.
      7. Meloxicam Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-911/meloxicam-oral/details.

      Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.