What is meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAR) with preferential COX-2 inhibition. This means that it inhibits COX-2 more than COX-1 without being as highly selective as the Coxibe (Celecoxib, Etoricoxib).
Meloxicam is characterized by a long half-life and has to be taken only once a day. It has been used since the 1990s and is widely available as a generic.
The main areas of application are arthrosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Meloxicam
Meloxicam preferably inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2):
Active mechanism:
- Preferred inhibition of COX-2 against COX-- 1
- Less influence on the stomach mucosa than non-selective NSAR
- Nonetheless no complete COX-2 selectivity
Pharmacokinetics:
- Bioavailability: approx. 89 %
- half-life: about 20 hours
- Once daily intake sufficient
- Steady State after 3–5 days
Wirkprofil:
- pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Easy to filter
Who is it suitable for?
Meloxicam is suitable for:
- Arthrosis (symptomatic short-term treatment)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Morbus Bechterew
Advantages:
- Once daily intake
- slightly better GI profile than Diclofenac or Ibuprofen
- Long clinical experience
Not suitable:
- In active gastrointestinal ulcers
- In severe heart, liver or kidney failure
- In pregnancy (in particular 3rd Trimenon)
Available Dosages
Tablets:
- 7.5 mg, 15 mg
Arthrosis:
- 7.5 mg once a day
- In case of insufficient action: 15 mg once a day
**Rheumatoid arthritis / Morbus Bechterew: * *
- 15 mg once a day
- In case of improvement: reduction to 7.5 mg possible
Maximum daily dose: 15 mg
Older patients: 7.5 mg per day recommended.
How to Take
Intake:
- A meal once a day
- Take water with a glass
- Possible at the same time of the day
Important notes:
- Use the lowest effective dose
- Regular medical check for long-term use
- Do not combine with other NSAR
- Control kidney function and blood count
Contraindications
**Meloxicam may not be taken at:* *
- hypersensitivity to meloxicam or other NSAR
- Active GI ulcers or bleeding
- Heavy heart failure
- Heavy liver or kidney failure
- Last third of pregnancy
- Children under 16 years
Preview at:
- Older patients
- GI diseases in prehistory
- Cardiovascular risk factors
- Asthma bronchiale
- Taking anticoagulants
Possible Side Effects
Family (1–10 %):
- Gastrointestinal complaints (dyspepsie, nausea)
- Headaches
- Edema
** Occasionally (0.1-1 %):* *
- Gastric ulcer, GI bleeding
- High blood pressure
- Skin rash
- Increased liver levels
- Squeeze
Selten:
- Heavy allergic reactions
- Kidney malfunction
- Blood-image changes
GI profile: Meloxicam tends to cause less stomach problems than diclofenac or ibuprofen, but more than the highly selective COX-2-inhibitors.
Interactions
Increased bleeding risk with:
- Anticoagulants
- ASS, other NSAR
- SSRI antidepressants
- corticosteroids
Sustainability of:
- ACE inhibitors, sartans
- Diuretics
Increased toxicity of:
- Methotrexate
- Lithium
- Ciclosporin
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is meloxicam right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.