Meloxicam: Uses, Side effects, Dosage

Meloxicam

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Meloxicam works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.Other members of this class include

  • Ibuprofen (Motrin)
  • Indomethacin (Indocin)
  • Nabumetone(Relafen)

Mechanism Of action:

Anti-inflammatory effects of meloxicam are believed to be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase (cylooxygenase), leading to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. As prostaglandins sensitize pain receptors, inhibition of their synthesis may be associated with the analgesic and antipyretic effects of meloxicam.

Uses :

Meloxicam decreases inflammation and pain. It’s approved to treat:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Juvenile arthritis in people aged 2 years or older

Pregnancy

There have been no human studies of the effects of meloxicam during pregnancy, so it is hard to know just how safe it is, but animal studies have shown that at the doses prescribed the medication shouldn’t cause any fetal harm for the first two trimesters. The medication should stop being used in the third trimester however, as it can cause a delayed, lengthy labour. In addition it can cross the placenta and cause abnormal development of the fetal circulation, which can result in a condition called pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

Meloxicam Side effects:

Common side effects  include:

  • Nausea,
  • Diarrhea
  • Drowsiness,
  • Nervousness
  • Stomach upset,
  • Bloating,
  • Headache
  • Gas,
  • Dizziness,
  • Runny or stuffy nose,
  • Skin rash,
  • Sore throat.

Less common but serious side effects of Meloxicam occur including:

  • Black, bloody, or tarry stools;
  • Chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
  • Swelling or rapid weight gain,
  • Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Dosage:

Osteoarthritis

7.5-15 mg Orally Once Day; Not to exceed 15 mg/day

Rheumatoid Arthritis

7.5-15 mg Orally Once Day; Not to exceed 15 mg/day

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Child dosage (ages 2-17 years)

  • The initial dose is usually 0.125 milligram per kilogram of body weight taken once per day.
  • The maximum dose is 7.5 milligrams per day.

 

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