Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is typically prescribed to those suffering from various forms of arthritis. It can be used to help relieve the inflammation, swelling, joint pain and stiffness that commonly comes with this condition. Meloxicam cannot cure arthritis but it can help patients manage their symptoms more effectively. Meloxicam should not be prescribed to those under the age of 2, and the use of this medication in children should be carefully monitored by your doctor.
Indications and Usage
Meloxicam is sold under the brand name Mobic, which is available in a tablet and suspension forms. This drug is prescribed to those suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. In some occasions Meloxicam is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis. This medication is to be taken orally, but does not need to be taken with meals. If you are taking the oral suspension version of this drug, make sure you follow all the directions on the label as this drug can be prescribed differently to different patients.
Meloxicam Dosage
Patients using Meloxicam to treat osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are typically given 7.5 mg of the drug once a day. Those with serious symptoms are often given up to 15 mg of Meloxicam per day. Higher doses should not be taken unless you are specifically told to by your doctor. Children treating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are typically given the oral suspension version of Meloxicam in 7.5/5mL doses. If your child is approved to take the MOBIC version of this drug you may take up to .125 mg per day.
Those who suffer from hepatic effects, renal effects or hypertension may not be able to take Meloxicam. These ingredients may negatively impact your already existing symptoms.
Pregnant women should not take Meloxicam after they reach 30 weeks of pregnancy. This drug has been associated with the development of premature close of the ductus arteriosus. Table 1 gives important information on dosage.
Table 1: Meloxicam Dosage
|
Indications |
Usual Dosage |
Special Dosage |
|---|---|---|
|
Osteoarthritis |
7.5 mg once daily |
Patients with severe symptoms may take up to 15 mg daily |
|
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
7.5 mg daily |
Patients with severe symptoms may take up to 15 mg daily |
|
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis |
Oral suspension- 7.5/5 mL |
Children approved to take the MOBIC form may take up to .125 mg per day |
Meloxicam Side Effects
Side effects of Meloxicam are not particularly common. The most regularly occurring side effect associated with this drug is heartburn or indigestion which occurs in up to 9.5 percent of all users. Other more common side effects include upper respiratory infections in up to 8.3 percent of users, diarrhea in 7.8 percent, nausea in 7.2 percent, urinary tract infections in 6.9 percent, joint pain in 5.3 percent, abdominal pain in 4.7 percent, swelling in 4.5 percent, anemia in 4.1 percent, headache in 3.6 percent, insomnia in up to 3.6 percent and gas in 3 percent of users. These side effects are not serious and only need to be reported to your doctor if they do not cease or become worse over time.
Other side effects of Meloxicam, occurring in slightly more than 1 percent of users, include dizziness, sore throat, unexplained rash, and itching, vomiting, and back pain. These side effects should be reported to your doctor as they can be a sign that you are reacting negatively to your medication or that you have a slight allergy to Meloxicam.
If you begin to suffer from chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, allergic reactions, stomach or intestinal problems, liver damage, kidney problems, fluid retention, congestive heart failure or feeling as though the pill is stuck in your throat then you are having a serious reaction to Meloxicam. Contact your doctor right away to get medical assistance. If at any time you feel as though your life is at risk, contact emergency medical services immediately.
In some cases Meloxicam may cause a life threatening condition. If you begin to suffer from black, bloody nose, blood in the urine, tarry stools, red and purple spots on the skin and vomiting blood then contact emergency medical services immediately. Let these professionals know exactly how much you have taken Meloxicam and the most recent dose you have taken.
Table 2: Meloxicam Side Effects
|
Types of Side Effects |
Symptoms |
|---|---|
|
Common Side Effects |
Heartburn, indigestion, upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, nausea, urinary tract infections, joint pain, abdominal pain, swelling, anemia, headache, insomnia, and gas. |
|
Uncommon Side Effects |
Dizziness, sore throat, unexplained rash, itching, vomiting and back pain. |
|
Serious Side Effects |
Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, allergic reactions, stomach or intestinal problems, liver damage, kidney problems, fluid retention, congestive heart failure or feeling as though the pill is stuck in your throat. |
|
Life Threatening Side Effects |
Black, bloody nose, blood in the urine, tarry stools, red and purple spots on the skin and vomiting blood |
Interactions
Drugs known to negatively interact in patients using Meloxicam include cyclosporine, lithium, diuretics, glyburide, methotrexate, blood thinners, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, steroids, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, and other NSAIDs. Let your doctor know about any other drugs you take regularly to help determine whether or not you will need to adjust your prescriptions while taking Meloxicam. You should also let your doctor know about any over the counter medications you regularly use to make sure you are not taking anything that contains contradictory ingredients that may affect Meloxicam.
Of the drugs listed above, it is especially important that you avoid taking aspirin and NSAIDs along with Meloxicam. Ingesting too much of these similar ingredients can result in an increased risk of internal bleeding. Carefully read the labels of any cold or allergy medication you use as many of these products contain these additional pain killers. You should not drink alcohol while using Meloxicam as this can also increase your risk of internal or stomach bleeding.