Meloxicam is a generic drug commonly marketed under the brand name Mobic®. It is prescribed to treat several different kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This drug may be used for children no younger than two years of age. Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works to alleviate inflammation, pain, and stiff joints.
This medication is taken orally, or by mouth, as a tablet or as a liquid solution. Adults will typically be prescribed a dose of 7.5 milligrams (mg) once daily, with a maximum dosage of 15 mg. The maximum dosage for a child is 7.5 mg. Patients should take meloxicam with a full glass of water, with or without a meal. They may not lie down for at least half an hour following the dosage.
Some side effects may occur with the use of meloxicam, which should be reported to the prescribing physician if they become bothersome or persistent. Patients may experience a runny nose, cough, and a sore throat. Diarrhea, flatulence, and constipation have also been reported. Some people have experienced stomach upset and drowsiness.
More serious side effects may also occur, which require immediate medical care. Rarely, meloxicam may cause liver disease. Possible indications of this can include dark urine, jaundice, and extreme fatigue. Some patients may experience an allergic reaction, which often presents with severe dizziness, facial swelling, and trouble breathing.
Other serious side effects can include rapid heartbeat, severe headache, and unexplained or sudden weight gain. Vision changes, swelling of the hands or feet, and fainting has also occurred. Some patients have noticed changes in the amount of urine, an unexplained stiff neck, and a fever. Rarely, seizures have occurred.
Patients who use meloxicam and similar medications for a long period of time may be at risk for stomach ulcers and bleeding in the digestive tract. This risk is increased in patients who consume alcohol or take certain medications in addition to meloxicam, such as blood thinners or oral steroids. Those taking this NSAID may also be at a higher risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack.
Before using meloxicam, patients must disclose their other medical conditions, medications, and supplements. Those who are breastfeeding should not use this drug and it is strongly recommended that women who are pregnant not use it, particularly in the last three months of pregnancy. Patients who have kidney or liver disease, blood disorders, or poorly controlled diabetes may not be able to use this drug. In addition, it may interact with other medicines, including diuretics, some antidepressants, and corticosteroids.