meloxicam at a glance
Medicine class
An oxicam non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Licensed uses
Symptom relief in osteoarthritis flare-ups, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Availability
Prescription only.
Taking the tablets
Swallow with water or another drink during a meal.
Age restriction
The selected tablet is licensed from 16 years of age and is contraindicated below this age.
What is meloxicam used for?
The selected UK tablet is licensed for symptomatic treatment in people aged 16 years and over.
Acute flare-ups of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis.
How does meloxicam work?
Meloxicam inhibits cyclo-oxygenase activity and reduces production of prostaglandins, signalling substances involved in inflammation, pain and fever. Prostaglandins also help protect the stomach and support kidney blood flow, which helps explain several NSAID adverse effects.
meloxicam preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 7.5 mg, 15 mg
How to take meloxicam
Follow the prescription label. Swallow the tablet with water or another drink during a meal. The selected product is an uncoated tablet whose score line is not intended for breaking.
Do not add ibuprofen, naproxen or another NSAID unless specifically advised by a clinician.
Ask a pharmacist before using non-prescription pain or cold remedies, as some contain NSAIDs.
Do not drive or operate machinery if meloxicam causes dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision.
meloxicam side effects
Common or expected effects
- Indigestion, nausea or vomiting.
- Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation or wind.
- Headache.
Get urgent medical advice
- Black stools, vomiting blood or severe abdominal pain: possible ulceration or bleeding.
- A spreading, blistering or peeling rash, or sores affecting the mouth or eyes: possible severe skin reaction.
- Facial or throat swelling, wheezing or difficulty breathing: possible severe allergy.
- Chest pain or sudden neurological symptoms: possible heart attack or stroke.
- Markedly reduced urine, breathlessness or swelling: possible kidney injury or fluid retention.
- Yellow skin or eyes with abdominal pain or loss of appetite: possible liver inflammation.
meloxicam in pregnancy
Meloxicam is generally not advised in pregnancy unless a doctor considers it necessary. NSAIDs should be avoided from 20 weeks unless clinically required because of fetal kidney, amniotic-fluid and ductus arteriosus risks; systemic NSAIDs are contraindicated after 28 weeks. Tell a doctor or midwife promptly about use after 20 weeks, particularly repeated use, because additional monitoring may be considered.
meloxicam while breastfeeding
The selected product information does not recommend meloxicam while breastfeeding. Specialist Pharmacy Service advises that it may sometimes be used cautiously after individual assessment, but evidence is lacking and its long half-life creates potential for infant accumulation; ibuprofen or diclofenac are usually preferred. If used, monitor the infant for vomiting or diarrhoea.
meloxicam interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy and complementary products before starting meloxicam. Important interactions include:
Other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen and anti-inflammatory aspirin
Combining NSAIDs increases the risk of ulcers, digestive-tract bleeding and other toxicity.
Anticoagulants, heparins, antiplatelet medicines and thrombolytics
Bleeding risk can increase substantially; specialist review and monitoring may be required.
Corticosteroids or SSRI antidepressants
Concurrent use increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration.
Common questions about meloxicam
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is meloxicam an opioid?
No. Meloxicam is an NSAID that reduces prostaglandin-mediated pain and inflammation; it is not an opioid.
Can meloxicam be taken with ibuprofen or naproxen?
Not unless a clinician specifically directs it. Combining NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding, ulcers, kidney injury and other adverse effects.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.