Meloxicam Manx Healthcare (Meloxicam)

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and pain in musculoskeletal disorders.

• Osteoarthritis: decreases joint pain and swelling, helping to improve mobility and daily function in affected joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: lessens inflammatory joint symptoms, reducing pain and stiffness, and may improve overall disease comfort.
• Musculoskeletal pain: provides analgesic relief for acute or chronic pain associated with strains, sprains, or other soft‑tissue injuries.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: mitigates spinal inflammation and pain, supporting improved posture and activity tolerance.

• Meloxicam preferentially inhibits cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzyme activity, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, it diminishes inflammatory mediators at sites of tissue injury, leading to decreased pain, swelling and fever while sparing COX‑1–mediated protective gastric functions to a greater extent than non‑selective NSAIDs. The selective COX‑2 inhibition contributes to a lower incidence of gastrointestinal ulceration compared with traditional NSAIDs, though cardiovascular risk may still be present.

Meloxicam may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to serious, that should be monitored during therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness: transient sensation of light‑headedness.
• Peripheral edema: mild swelling of the lower limbs.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Cardiovascular events: increased risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with long‑term use.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Renal impairment: acute kidney injury or worsening of chronic kidney disease.

Before initiating meloxicam therapy, consider the following precautions to minimize risks and ensure safe use.

• Assess renal function: evaluate kidney health prior to treatment and monitor periodically.
• Evaluate cardiovascular risk: avoid use in patients with recent myocardial infarction or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Review gastrointestinal history: use cautiously in individuals with a history of ulcers or bleeding.
• Check for hypersensitivity: discontinue if signs of allergic reaction such as rash or bronchospasm appear.
• Pregnancy and lactation: avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh risks.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Meloxicam can interact with several medicines, altering its efficacy or increasing toxicity.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal function, especially in volume‑depleted patients.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may enhance renal adverse effects.
• Lithium: NSAIDs can raise lithium serum levels, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance may increase toxicity.