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.
How Does the Medication Work?
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 other painful conditions.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take meloxicam include the following:
- The medication 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.
- 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 in your blood.
- For the medication 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 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 taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with meloxicam. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If people do develop side effects, in many cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Common side effects include:
(Click Side Effects of Meloxicam to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Meloxicam?
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 your blood's ability to clot)
- Diabetes
- Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
- Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAID pain medicines.
Also, 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.
In addition, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much meloxicam may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Excessive sleepiness
- Coma
- Convulsions
- The heart stopping.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Meloxicam Be Stored?
Meloxicam should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. The tablets or oral suspension (liquid) should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
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 almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
Meloxicam is available in several strengths and forms, 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 medication.
A generic form of meloxicam is currently available
(see Generic Meloxicam for more information).
