Melock (Meloxicam)

Meloxicam is an NSAID that acts on inflammatory pathways in various arthritic and pain disorders.

• Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and swelling, improving mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: alleviates synovial inflammation and helps preserve joint function.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: decreases spinal stiffness and chronic back pain.
• General pain management: provides analgesic relief for acute musculoskeletal discomfort.

• Meloxicam inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX‑1 and COX‑2) with a preference for COX‑2, leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels, it dampens the inflammatory response in affected tissues while preserving some protective gastric prostaglandins due to its COX‑2 selectivity.

Adverse reactions may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Gastro‑intestinal discomfort, such as dyspepsia or nausea.
• Headache.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness.
• Peripheral edema.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastro‑intestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Renal impairment or failure.
• Severe skin reactions, such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Before prescribing Meloxicam, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Renal function assessment: adjust use in patients with impaired kidney function.
• Gastro‑intestinal risk: evaluate history of ulcers or bleeding.
• Cardiovascular monitoring: be cautious in patients with heart disease.
• Use lowest effective dose: limit exposure to reduce adverse events.
• Hypersensitivity check: avoid in individuals with known NSAID allergy.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Meloxicam can interact with several drug classes, requiring careful management.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): additive bleeding potential.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal function.
• Lithium: elevated lithium levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- Diuretics: possible reduction in renal clearance.

• Corticosteroids: enhanced risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Methotrexate: potential for increased toxicity.
• Antihypertensives: may blunt blood pressure control.