Meloxicam

Meloxicam is commonly used for reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with various forms of arthritis and other painful conditions. The medication works by inhibiting hormones associated with pain and inflammation. It is available in either tablet or liquid form and comes in several strengths. Potential side effects of meloxicam include headache, indigestion, or upper respiratory infections, among other things.

 

What Is Meloxicam?

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.
 

Who Makes It?

Meloxicam is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.
 

Meloxicam Uses

Meloxicam has been licensed for the relief of signs and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. However, the medication is not a cure for these types of arthritis, nor does it slow down the progression of the disease.
 
(Click What Is Meloxicam Used For? for more information on these uses, as well as possible off-label uses.)
 

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.
 

Effects of Meloxicam

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.
     

Dosing Information

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.
 
(Click Dosing With Meloxicam for more information.)
 

Meloxicam Side Effects

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.)
 

Drug Interactions

Meloxicam can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Drug Interactions With Meloxicam for more information).
 

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.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Meloxicam for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

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.
 

Available Strengths

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.
     

Generic Meloxicam

A generic form of meloxicam is currently available (see Generic Meloxicam for more information).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;