Uses of Meloxicam

Meloxicam is used in the short-term treatment of flare-ups associated with osteoarthrosis (disorder of joints) and to reduce pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the joints) and ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the spine). 

Therapeutic Category

Meloxicam: Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

How Meloxicam works

Meloxicam acts by reducing pain and inflammation in the body. It blocks the production of certain chemicals (cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 and prostaglandins) in the body that causes pain and inflammation. As a result, it relieves pain associated with inflammatory bone conditions.

Common side effects of Meloxicam

• indigestion
• nausea, vomiting
• wind, stomach pain, constipation
• diarrhoea
• headache

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• allergic reactions (itchy rash or swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat which may cause trouble in swallowing or breathing)
• blood in your stools, black tar-like stools or if you vomit, it may contain red or dark blood particles that look like coffee grounds
• low white blood cell count (fever, severe chills, sore throat, or mouth ulcers)
• life threatening skin reactions (large areas of red, blistering, or peeling skin and bleeding of the lips, eyes, genitals, or mouth)
• ulcer in the stomach or intestine (bloated stomach, burning pain or tenderness in your stomach or intestine area, loss of appetite, nausea with or without vomiting)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (a reddish target-like spots or circular patches often with central blisters on the trunk, ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals, eye infection, flu-like symptoms)

Health Tips for Meloxicam

• Take Meloxicam as advised by your physician. It is preferably taken with meals to avoid gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or indigestion. Strictly follow the dosing schedule as informed by your doctor to achieve better results
• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Meloxicam as it may lead to unwanted gastrointestinal side effects
• Consult your doctor before taking Meloxicam if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Meloxicam may hide the signs of infections such as fever and pain. Therefore, inform your doctor if you already have any infections or at risk of developing any severe infections
• During treatment with Meloxicam, your doctor would regularly monitor your health condition to avoid the risk of side effects. This is highly recommended for elderly patients and in patients having diabetes, high cholesterol, or problems in liver, kidney, or heart functions
• Before taking Meloxicam inform your doctor if you have any severe stomach problems such as stomach ulcers or other inflammatory stomach conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or perforations or bleeding in the gut