Meloxicam (
Mobic®) is a prescription medicine used to treat pain, inflammation, swelling, and/or stiffness. It is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or
NSAIDs for short.
Meloxicam is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.
Meloxicam is not a cure for the
types of arthritis mentioned above, nor does it slow the progression of the disease.
Meloxicam and other NSAIDs work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, meloxicam is useful at reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of
arthritis and painful conditions.
Meloxicam: When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take meloxicam include:
- Meloxicam comes in a tablet or liquid form that is taken by mouth.
- Your meloxicam dosage should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent an upset stomach.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the meloxicam tablets.
- For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it may take several weeks for meloxicam to begin working to its full potential.
- It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of serious side effects occurring.
- Meloxicam should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medicine in your blood.
- For meloxicam to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Meloxicam will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribes.
The dose of meloxicam that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age and weight
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Potential Meloxicam Side Effects
(The meloxicam side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of meloxicam. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with meloxicam. However, not everyone who takes meloxicam will experience side effects. When people do develop meloxicam side effects, however, in many cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
Common side effects with meloxicam include:
Less common but serious side effects include:
- Cardiovascular problems, including a heart attack or stroke
- Stomach or intestinal problems, including bleeding, ulcers, or a hole (known as a perforation)
- Liver damage
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Fluid retention
- Congestive heart failure
- Allergic reactions
- Unexplained rash.
These possible side effects are shared with all
NSAIDs and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
(Click Side Effects of Meloxicam to learn about specific meloxicam side effects, including possible serious side effects to look out for.)
Meloxicam Drug Interactions
Meloxicam can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
Meloxicam: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using
NSAIDs, including meloxicam, may have a higher risk of having a
heart attack or
stroke than those people who do not take NSAIDs. This warning does not apply to those who take aspirin. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time. These events can occur without any warning and can lead to death. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following:
You should also talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking meloxicam if you have:
- Asthma
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Bleeding problems (or if you are taking medicines that decrease the ability of your blood to clot)
- Diabetes
- Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
- Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAID pain medicines.
Let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Mobic and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Smoke
- Are having or have recently had heart surgery.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much meloxicam may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
- Excessive sleepiness
- Coma
- Convulsions
- The heart stopping.
If you happen to overdose on meloxicam, seek medical attention immediately.
Meloxicam: Storage Methods
Meloxicam should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. Meloxicam tablets or oral suspension (liquid) should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep meloxicam and all medications out of the reach of children.
Meloxicam: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your meloxicam as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
Meloxicam is available in several strengths, including:
- Meloxicam 7.5 mg tablets
- Meloxicam 15 mg tablets
- Meloxicam 7.5 mg/5 mL oral suspension -- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) contains 7.5 mg of meloxicam.
There is currently a generic form of meloxicam available.
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