Mobic (Meloxicam)

Meloxicam is used to manage inflammatory and painful conditions associated with musculoskeletal disorders.

• Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and inflammation, improving mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: alleviates chronic joint inflammation and swelling.
• Acute musculoskeletal pain: provides rapid relief of pain following injury or strain.
• Post‑operative pain: controls pain and inflammation after surgical procedures.

• Meloxicam inhibits both cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. By lowering prostaglandin synthesis, it reduces inflammation, pain, and fever at the site of tissue injury while preserving some protective gastric prostaglandins due to its relative COX‑2 selectivity.

Adverse reactions may range from mild to severe and should be monitored during therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal pain.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Injection‑site reactions: erythema, swelling, or mild pain.
• Mild skin rash.
• Transient elevation of liver enzymes.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Renal impairment or acute kidney injury.
• Hepatotoxicity with marked liver enzyme rise.
• Cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction.
• Anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reactions.

Before initiating meloxicam therapy, clinicians should evaluate patient‑specific risk factors and monitor for adverse events.

• Assess renal function: check creatinine and eGFR prior to and during treatment.
• Evaluate hepatic status: monitor liver enzymes in patients with liver disease.
• Review cardiovascular risk: use cautiously in patients with history of heart disease.
• Avoid use in patients with active peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from light and moisture.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: additive gastrointestinal and renal toxicity.
• Lithium: meloxicam may raise lithium serum levels, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance may lead to methotrexate toxicity.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may worsen renal function when combined.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: potential for reduced renal perfusion.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: heightened bleeding risk.
• Corticosteroids: increased gastrointestinal ulcer risk.
• Cyclosporine: possible additive nephrotoxicity.
• Digoxin: may increase serum digoxin concentrations.