Movalis (Meloxicam)

Meloxicam, an NSAID, is used to manage inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint pain, swelling and stiffness, improving functional ability.
• Osteoarthritis: alleviates chronic joint discomfort and enhances mobility.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: decreases spinal inflammation and pain, helping maintain posture.
• Acute pain: provides short‑term relief of moderate pain such as postoperative or injury‑related discomfort.

• Meloxicam inhibits both cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain and fever. By preferentially blocking COX‑2 at therapeutic concentrations, it reduces inflammatory responses while preserving some COX‑1 activity that protects gastric mucosa, though the balance varies with dose. The reduced prostaglandin levels diminish vascular permeability and leukocyte infiltration, contributing to its analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

Meloxicam may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Skin rash: mild erythematous eruptions.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Cardiovascular thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Severe skin reactions including Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Renal impairment or acute kidney injury.

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

• Assess gastrointestinal risk: evaluate history of