Moxalid (Meloxicam)

Meloxicam is used to manage inflammatory and painful conditions within the musculoskeletal disease spectrum.

• Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and improves functional mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: alleviates chronic inflammation and joint damage progression.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: diminishes spinal stiffness and pain.
• Acute musculoskeletal pain: provides rapid relief of pain associated with sprains, strains or injuries.

• Meloxicam exerts its anti‑inflammatory effect 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.

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

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal discomfort.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness: transient sensation of light‑headedness.
• Edema: peripheral swelling, especially of the ankles.
• Skin rash: mild erythema or pruritus.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Hepatotoxicity: elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Renal impairment: acute kidney injury or worsening chronic kidney disease.
• Cardiovascular events: increased risk of myocardial infarction or stroke.

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

• Assess renal function: avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.
• Monitor hepatic enzymes: use cautiously in liver disease.
• Evaluate cardiovascular risk: consider alternatives in patients with established heart disease.
• Use lowest effective dose: limit duration to the shortest period necessary.
• Avoid in hypersensitivity: discontinue if signs of allergic reaction appear.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C in the 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 bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): elevated bleeding potential.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in renal function.
• Diuretics: may enhance nephrotoxic effects.
• Lithium: meloxicam can raise lithium serum levels.
• Methotrexate: potential for increased toxicity at high doses.