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 cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme action in the body that is involved in the production of certain chemical substances such as prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling. Thereby, it helps in relieving pain and swelling associated with different types of arthritis.
You are advised to take this medicine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon 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 gradually resolve 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 have 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
Medicinal Benefits
Meloxicam contains 'pain killers,' primarily used to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, 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 cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme action in the body that is involved in the production of certain chemical substances such as prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling. Thereby, it helps in relieving pain and swelling associated with different types of arthritis.
Directions for Use
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 problem, 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
cautionMeloxicam is not recommended for breastfeeding women. Only used when prescribed by a doctor.
Driving
cautionMeloxicam is not known to cause drowsiness, but if you feel sleepy, please do not operate or drive any machinery.
Liver
cautionIf you have had a history of any liver-related diseases, please consult the doctor before taking medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have had a history of any kidney-related diseases, please consult the doctor before taking medicine.
Children
cautionMeloxicam is not recommended for children below the age of 2 years. For children aged above 2 years, take it in dose and duration as prescribed by your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include more glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin D, calcium-enriched supplements. Besides this, turmeric and fish oils can help in reducing 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 muscle strength by lifting light weights.
- In the chronic conditions of arthritis or joint pain, try to include fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines. These fishes are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that minimize the level of a chemical called cytokines, which ramp up inflammation.
- Your sitting posture is important, especially when you have pain and inflammation conditions. Try to sit little as possible, and only for a short time (10-15 min). Use back support like a rolled-up towel at the back of your curve to minimize 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 arthritis symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, redness, tenderness, swelling in and around joints, and reduced movement of joints. The risk of arthritis increases with age, obesity, previous joint injury, or family history. Proper medication, physiotherapy, or sometimes surgery may help reduce arthritis symptoms and enhance 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 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. Thereby, it helps in relieving pain and swelling associated with different 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 best results of Meloxicam, please take it in 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 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 be not used by a patient who has had recent heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft - CABG).
