Meloxicam: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses of Meloxicam

What is the drug Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a medication to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints. Meloxicam is often used to treat pain due to rheumatoid arthritis and gout. This drug belongs to the group nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).

If you are treating a chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, ask your doctor about treatment with meloxicam for pain relief. Also pay attention to the warning section.

How do you take meloxicam?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take meloxicam as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Drink with a glass of mineral water unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking the medicine.

If you are taking meloxicam in liquid form, shake the bottle gently before drinking it. Be careful in measuring the dose using a special measuring instrument / spoon. Don't use a regular tablespoon or you won't get the right amount.

If you feel nauseous while taking medicine, it can be accompanied by food, milk, or antacids. The dose given will depend on your health condition and your body's response to treatment.

Do not take more than 15 mg per day, as higher doses increase the risk of gastric bleeding.

Meloxicam can take up to two weeks to get the best results. Take medication regularly in order to get maximum results. Remember to always drink it at the same time every day. Tell doctor if condition worsens.

How do I store the drug meloxicam?

Meloxicam is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store medicine in the bathroom or freeze it in freezer . Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Meloxicam dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for meloxicam for adults?

Meloxicam dosage for osteoarthritis

Initial dose: 7.5 mg once a day.

Maintenance dose: 7.5 mg once a day.

Maximum dose: 15 mg per day.

What is the dosage of meloxicam for children?

Meloxicam dosage for juvenille rheumatoid arthritis

Greater than or equal to 2 years: 0.125 mg / kg once daily. Maximum dose: 7.5 mg per day.

In what dosage and preparation is meloxicam available?

Tablets: 7.5 mg; 15 mg.

Meloxicam Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of meloxicam?

Seek medical help immediately if you experience an allergic reaction such as:

• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Stop taking medication and seek immediate medical help if you experience serious side effects from meloxicam. According to MIMS, here are some of the side effects of this drug:

• Chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance
• Dark, or bloody stools
• Swelling or rapid weight gain
• Urinating less frequently than usual or not at all
• Nausea, pain in the upper abdomen, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Skin rash, bruising, severe tingling
• Severe skin reactions - fever, sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, burning eyes, sore skin following a reddish or purplish rash that spreads (especially on the face and upper body) and causes the skin to blister and peel

The less serious side effects of meloxicam are:

• Stomach discomfort, diarrhea, bloating
• Dizziness, nervousness, headache
• Congestion or runny nose
• Rash on skin

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some unspecified side effects.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using meloxicam?

Before taking meloxicam, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to meloxicam, aspirin or any other NSAID medication, or any other medication.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription or nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are using and will use. Your doctor may change your dose or monitor your progress closely for side effects.

Tell your doctor if you have or have asthma, especially if you experience frequent nasal congestion and runny nose or nasal polyps; swelling of the hands, feet, ankles; kidney or liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially in the late trimester of pregnancy, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you find yourself pregnant while taking meloxicam, call your doctor

If you are going to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking meloxicam

Is meloxicam safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using meloxicam for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks before using this medicine.

Meloxicam is included in the pregnancy risk category D (there is evidence of risk in pregnant women) according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it is not recommended to be drunk during pregnancy.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Meloxicam can be passed through breast milk and can harm the baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with this drug?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval.

Ask your doctor before you use antidepressants such as:

• citalopram (Celexa)
• escitalopram (Lexapro)
• fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil)
• sertraline (Zoloft)

You should also avoid the following drugs while taking meloxicam:

• Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• Diuretic drugs (furosemide)
• Glyburide (DiaBeta, Micronase)
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
• Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kionex)
• Steroids (prednisone and others)
• ACE substances such as (benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril)
• Aspirin or other NSAIDs, such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and others

Can food or alcohol interact with meloxicam?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or with certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems in your body can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Anemia
• Asthma
• Bleeding problems
• Congestive heart failure
• Dehydration
• Edema
• History of heart attack
• Heart or blood vessel disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Bleeding in the intestines
• History of stroke⎯Use with caution. Can make conditions worse
• Aspirin-sensitive asthma should not be given to patients with this condition

Heart surgery (coronary artery bypass graft) ⎯Meloxicam should not be given to manage pain before or after surgery.

Meloxicam overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Signs of an overdose include:

• Lack of energy
• Tired
• Nausea
• Throws up
• Stomach ache
• The stool is dark and bloody
• Vomits blood or looks like coffee grounds
• Difficulty breathing
• Convulsions
• Coma

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.