Melotop (Meloxicam)

Meloxicam is used to treat inflammatory joint disorders and acute pain conditions.

• Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain, stiffness and inflammation, improving mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: alleviates chronic joint inflammation and pain, helping preserve function.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: diminishes spinal inflammation and associated discomfort.
• Acute pain: provides short‑term relief of moderate to severe pain from various causes.

• Meloxicam exerts its anti‑inflammatory and analgesic actions by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, with a higher affinity for COX‑2 than COX‑1. This selective inhibition reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain, fever and inflammation, while preserving protective prostaglandins produced by COX‑1 to a greater extent than non‑selective NSAIDs. By lowering prostaglandin levels at sites of inflammation, meloxicam helps control swelling and pain without markedly affecting gastric mucosal protection.

Meloxicam may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain or mild indigestion.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity, often transient.
• Dizziness or vertigo: sensation of light‑headedness or balance disturbance.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding: may present as black stools or vomiting blood.
• Severe hepatic injury: jaundice, dark urine, markedly elevated liver enzymes.
• Anaphylaxis or severe hypersensitivity reactions: swelling of face, throat, difficulty breathing.

When prescribing meloxicam, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures to minimize risks.

• Assess renal function: avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.
• Monitor hepatic enzymes: use cautiously in those with liver disease.
• Evaluate cardiovascular risk: NSAIDs may increase risk of thrombotic events.
• Use lowest effective dose: limit duration to the shortest period necessary.
• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in original packaging, protected from moisture.

Meloxicam can interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• High‑dose aspirin: heightened risk of ulceration and bleeding.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal function, especially in dehydrated patients.
• Diuretics: potential for decreased kidney perfusion.
• Lithium: NSAIDs can raise lithium serum levels, risking toxicity.