Guide To Meloxicam

Meloxicam is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is important to read the medication guide before taking this medicine. Doctors may perform tests to monitor the patient's organ function. This is because long-term use of this medication can lead to issues with certain organ systems.

This medication is often used as a treatment for arthritis. However, it is not the first arthritis medication to be recommended. Patients may be prescribed topical creams for arthritis as well as over-the-counter medications for pain relief. In addition, natural remedies for arthritis may be employed. This may include exercise and weight loss treatments. Joint repair for arthritis, as well as other arthritis surgeries, are often attempted as well. However, patients still need to know the details of meloxicam for arthritis.

How It Works

Meloxicam blocks two different cyclooxygenase enzymes. These enzymes contribute to the production of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation. Meloxicam is stronger than over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen. Most prescriptions call for 7.5 milligrams to be taken once daily. The maximum dose is fifteen milligrams daily. When the medication is prescribed to children, the dose is much lower. The maximum dose that can be prescribed to children is 7.5 milligrams each day.

Individuals may need to take meloxicam for up to two weeks before they see the full effects. However, it is common for patients to notice a difference in the first twenty-four to seventy-two hours. The doses begin working in thirty minutes, but the peak efficacy occurs at around four hours afterward. The half-life of this medication is between fifteen to twenty hours.

Uncover the uses and benefits of this medication next.

Uses And Benefits

Meloxicam is similar to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It helps reduce inflammation in the body and keeps the body from producing as many prostaglandins. This medication helps relieve swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and pain from arthritis. It is most commonly used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the material that cushions the joints begins to break down, causing the bones to rub painfully against each other. Rheumatoid arthritis is the form where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. This leads to swelling and pain.

The medication is also used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It has been approved for use with children who are at least two years old. This medication is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, which affects the spine. However, this medication is not used to treat every type of arthritis. Thus, patients must talk to their doctor first.

Continue reading to reveal the potential side effects of this medication next.

Potential Side Effects

Common side effects of meloxicam include digestive upset, diarrhea, and nausea. Patients also experience dizziness. However, though these symptoms are common, individuals should talk to their pharmacist or doctor if they occur. Some patients also experience an increase in blood pressure with this medication. Thus, it may not be the best choice for individuals who already have high blood pressure.

Serious side effects include kidney problems, heart failure, and unusual weight gain. Unusual tiredness and easy bruising and bleeding are also potential side effects. Patients should tell their doctor about all of these right away. Other severe side effects include mood changes, persistent headaches, and a stiff neck. In rare cases, this medication leads to liver disease. This can be life-threatening. Patients who display symptoms of liver damage should seek emergency medical attention. A severe allergic reaction while taking this medication is rare. However, this is also a side effect.

Reveal the precautions to remember with this medication next.

Precautions To Remember

Meloxicam has inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. Thus, patients need to tell their doctor about their allergies first. This knowledge is especially important if these allergies include reactions to other anti-inflammatories or Aspirin. Patients need to inform their doctor of their full medical history. This includes if they have asthma, especially when some medications cause it to worsen. Other issues doctors need to know about include intestinal issues, liver disease, heart disease, blood disorders, or growths in the nose.

There is also a risk of kidney problems with this medication. The risk is even higher when patients have kidney disease, liver failure, or are older. Patients also need to avoid driving while adjusting to this medication. They also need to drink more water. This is because this medication can increase dehydration. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is also crucial when taking this medication due to the risk of stomach bleeding.

Get the details on potential medication interactions next.

Potential Medication Interactions

More than three hundred medications interact with meloxicam. Thus, patients need to tell their doctor about their current medications. This should include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. These potential medication interactions may increase the risk of experiencing side effects.

Ace inhibitors such as lisinopril interact with this medication. Other medications that interact with this one include lithium, diuretics, and cidofovir. Angiotensin II receptor blockers may also result in an interaction. Combining meloxicam with other medications that thin blood increases the patient's risk of bleeding. Also, it should not be taken with other anti-inflammatories. The liquid form can have severe interactions with sodium polystyrene sulfonate.