Meloxicam
About Meloxicam
Meloxicam contains 'pain killers,' primarily used to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the backbone). Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling of one or more joints, resulting in pain and stiffness of joints that worsen over time.
Meloxicam contains Meloxicam, which is an NSAID (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It works by blocking the action of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme in the body, which is involved in the production of certain chemical substances, such as prostaglandins, that cause pain and swelling. Therefore, it helps relieve pain and swelling associated with various types of arthritis.
You are advised to take this medicine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects of Meloxicam do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Meloxicam or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Meloxicam. Do not consume alcohol with Meloxicam as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Meloxicam may cause an increased risk of severe heart problems like myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. It should not be used by a patient who has undergone recent heart bypass surgery or will undergo it. Meloxicam increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal conditions like bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.
Uses of Meloxicam
• Pain Relief: Meloxicam is commonly used to alleviate moderate pain associated with various conditions, including arthritis, muscle injuries, or post-surgical recovery.
• Anti-Inflammatory Action: Meloxicam helps reduce inflammation and swelling associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout.
• Menstrual Pain Management: Meloxicam can effectively relieve pain caused by menstrual cramps, providing comfort during menstruation.
• Postoperative Pain Management: Meloxicam is often prescribed to manage pain following surgical procedures, helping patients recover more comfortably.
Medicinal Benefits
Meloxicam contains 'pain killers,' primarily used to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the backbone). It contains Meloxicam, which is an NSAID (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It works by blocking the action of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme in the body, which is involved in the production of certain chemical substances, such as prostaglandins, that cause pain and swelling. Therefore, it helps relieve pain and swelling associated with various types of arthritis.
Directions for Use
- Meloxicam can be taken with or without food, or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow Meloxicam as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Meloxicam
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Headache
- Light-headedness
- Skin rashes or itching
- Swelling of ankles and legs
Drug Warnings
Do not take Meloxicam if you are allergic to Meloxicam or any of its ingredients. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided during the treatment with Meloxicam as it may lead to increased risk of liver damage. Patients with stomach ulcers, gastric bleeding, severe heart failure, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease should not take Meloxicam. Besides this, it should be avoided during the last trimester of pregnancy unless the doctor has prescribed you. If you have a severe allergy to painkillers and have conditions like asthma, rhinitis, angioedema (swelling under the skin), or skin rashes, immediately stop taking Meloxicam.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Meloxicam is known to interact with ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, losartan), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, vancomycin), anticoagulants (apixaban, dabigatran, heparin, warfarin), antidepressants (citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine), antifungals, (voriconazole), beta-blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol), diuretics (chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide), HIV medications (tenofovir), other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) (diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, naproxen).
Drug-Food Interaction: Alcohol should not be consumed while being treated with Meloxicam.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Meloxicam is known to interact in people with asthma, liver/kidney problems, peptic ulcer, gastric bleeding, severe heart failure, anaemia, and high blood pressure.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeTaking alcohol, along with Meloxicam, can increase the chances of gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage.
Pregnancy
unsafeMeloxicam is a category D pregnancy drug. It should not be given during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester, as it is known to cause fetal deformities.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorMeloxicam is not recommended for breastfeeding women. Only used when prescribed by a doctor.
Driving
consult your doctorMeloxicam is not known to cause drowsiness, but if you feel sleepy, please do not operate or drive any machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have had a history of any liver-related diseases, please consult a doctor before taking medicine.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have had a history of any kidney-related diseases, please consult a doctor before taking medicine.
Children
cautionMeloxicam is not recommended for children below the age of 2 years. Meloxicam is not recommended for childrenplease below the age of 2 years. For children aged 2 years and above
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include more glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin D, and calcium-enriched supplements. Additionally, turmeric and fish oils can help reduce inflammation in the tissue.
- Do not go for heavy exercise as it may increase your joint pain in arthritis. Instead, you can do stretching, low-impact aerobic exercises like walking on a treadmill, bike riding, and swimming. You can also strengthen your muscles by lifting light weights.
- In the chronic conditions of arthritis or joint pain, try to include fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines. These fish are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that minimise the level of a chemical called cytokines, which ramp up inflammation.
- Your sitting posture is essential, especially when you have pain and inflammation conditions. Try to sit as little as possible, and only for a short time (10-15 min). Use a back support like a rolled-up towel at the back of your curve to minimise pain. Keep your knees and hips at a right angle. Besides this, you can use a footrest if required.
Special Advise
- Meloxicam has the tendency of causing stomach upset. Thus, it is recommended to consume Meloxicam with meals to minimize gastric side effects. If you have a diagnosis of peptic ulcer, Meloxicam is best avoided unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Meloxicam can cause liver injury when taken in large doses. Concomitant use of alcohol is best avoided as it aggravates liver toxicity.
- In case you develop diarrhoea or vomiting when taking Meloxicam, consult your doctor about the continuation of Meloxicam as it can increase dehydration and can lead to kidney damage.
- Although Meloxicam provides symptomatic relief in conditions like arthritis and may reduce the inflammation caused by these conditions, to achieve the best results, it is strongly recommended to remain physically active as much as your condition allows. Adopting a healthy lifestyle coupled with a healthy diet containing high proteins is the mainstay of managing arthritic conditions.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Arthritis: It is a condition that causes swelling of one or more joints, resulting in pain and stiffness of joints that worsen over time. There are different types of arthritis, of which osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types. The symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, redness, tenderness, swelling in and around joints, and reduced joint mobility. The risk of arthritis increases with age, obesity, a history of previous joint injury, or a family history. Proper medication, physiotherapy, or, in some cases, surgery may help alleviate arthritis symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting various joints (hands and feet). In this long-term condition, our body's immune system attacks its own tissue (including joints).
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): It is a rare type of arthritis that affects the spine and larger joints, causing extreme pain and stiffness.
FAQs
Meloxicam is used to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the backbone).
Meloxicam contains Meloxicam, which works by blocking the action of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme in the body that is involved in the production of certain chemical substances, such as prostaglandins, that cause pain and swelling. Therefore, it helps relieve pain and swelling associated with various types of arthritis.
No, Meloxicam should not be taken as a long-term medication as it may lead to stomach ulcers/bleeding and kidney problems. For the best results of Meloxicam, please take it in the doses and duration mentioned by your doctor.
No, Meloxicam is not indicated for stomach pain. Also, if you have stomach pain post-ingestion, it may be a sign of a stomach ulcer or gastric bleeding. Do not take Meloxicam in this condition. It is better to inform your doctor in case of stomach pain post-ingestion of this medication.
No, you are not recommended to take Meloxicam with warfarin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, if you notice blood in urine or stools, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, weakness or headache, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately to use safely.
Meloxicam may increase the risk of heart problems such as heart attack and stroke, especially when used in high doses or for a prolonged duration. It is advised to inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions or have a history of heart problems or stroke before taking Meloxicam. However, it is recommended to take Meloxicam in the dose and for the duration as prescribed by your doctor. It should not be used by a patient who has had recent heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft - CABG).
