Melox (Meloxicam)

Melox (meloxicam) is indicated for inflammatory and painful conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system and after surgery.

• Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and improves function in patients with degenerative joint disease.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: alleviates inflammatory joint pain and swelling in chronic autoimmune arthritis.
• Acute musculoskeletal pain: provides rapid pain relief for sprains, strains and other soft‑tissue injuries.
• Post‑operative pain: manages moderate to severe pain following surgical procedures.

• Meloxicam preferentially inhibits cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2), decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. This reduction in prostaglandin synthesis leads to diminished inflammation, pain, and fever while sparing COX‑1 mediated protective gastric functions to a greater extent than non‑selective NSAIDs.

Melox may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Injection site reactions: pain, erythema, or swelling.
• Elevated liver enzymes: transient increase in hepatic transaminases.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Renal impairment: acute kidney injury or worsening chronic kidney disease.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions: anaphylaxis, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Hepatotoxicity: clinically significant liver injury.

When prescribing Melox, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures to minimize risk.

• Renal function: assess baseline kidney function and monitor during therapy.
• Cardiovascular risk: avoid in patients with recent myocardial infarction or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Gastrointestinal history: use cautiously in individuals with a history of ulcers or bleeding.
• Concomitant NSAIDs or anticoagulants: increase risk of bleeding; evaluate necessity.
• Pregnancy and lactation: avoid use unless benefits outweigh potential risks.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, protect from moisture and light in the original packaging.

Melox can interact with several drug classes, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: heightened gastrointestinal and renal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): elevated bleeding risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal function, especially in volume‑depleted patients.
• Diuretics: potential for decreased renal perfusion and electrolyte imbalance.
• Lithium: NSAIDs can raise lithium levels, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance may increase toxicity.