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.
