Meloxicam Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Meloxicam Capsule contains meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it is also available as tablets and liquid. It works by blocking substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. It is usually taken once a day, and doses are adjusted based on age and response.

What is Meloxicam Capsule

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it is available as capsules, tablets, and liquid.

Meloxicam Capsule uses

• Osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by breakdown of the lining of the joints)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints)
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 years of age and older

Benefits of Meloxicam Capsule

• Relieves pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness from arthritis
• Reduces inflammation and fever-causing substances in the body

How Meloxicam Capsule works

Meloxicam works by blocking substances in the body called prostaglandins that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

Meloxicam Capsule dosage

Meloxicam is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take it at the same time every day. It can be taken with or immediately after food to help reduce the chance of an upset stomach. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Do not take more or less than prescribed, or take it more often than directed. Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects and should be monitored closely by their doctor.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral capsule (5 mg, 10 mg)
• Oral tablet (7.5 mg, 15 mg)
• Oral suspension (liquid, 7.5 mg/5 mL)
• Intravenous injection/dispersion (specific brands)

Side effects of Meloxicam Capsule

Common

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gas
• Dizziness
• Cold or flu symptoms
• Headache
• Itching or rash

Serious

• Signs of a heart attack: chest pain spreading to jaw or shoulder, shortness of breath, cold sweat
• Signs of a stroke: sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, trouble walking or balance problems, sudden severe headache
• Signs of stomach bleeding: black, bloody, or tarry stools; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of skin or eyes
• Kidney problems: little or no urination, swelling in feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
• Signs of anemia: pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet
• Severe allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe skin reactions: fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash with blistering and peeling
• Unexplained weight gain or swelling in the abdomen, ankles, feet, or legs
• High blood pressure symptoms: severe headache, dizziness, chest pain

Warnings and precautions

• Meloxicam can increase the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, especially with long-term use, high doses, or existing heart disease. Do not use it right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).
• Meloxicam may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal and can happen without warning, especially in older adults.
• Do not take meloxicam if you are allergic to it or have had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or another NSAID.
• Meloxicam may cause severe skin reactions and a serious multi-organ allergic reaction called DRESS, which can be life-threatening.
• Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen while on meloxicam unless your doctor says otherwise, as combining them raises the risk of bleeding.
• If you are pregnant, you should not take meloxicam unless your doctor tells you to, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy, as it may harm the baby. You should not take it after about 30 weeks of pregnancy.
• It is not known if meloxicam passes into breast milk, so ask your doctor if it is safe for you to breastfeed while taking this medicine.
• Meloxicam can worsen kidney problems, especially with long-term use. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis.
• Meloxicam can affect the liver and may make existing liver damage worse. Your doctor may check your liver function while you take this drug.
• Drinking alcohol while taking meloxicam can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, so it's best to limit alcohol use and tell your doctor about your drinking habits.
• This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision in some people, so be careful driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
• Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
• Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant.
• Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or vision or balance problems, as these may be signs of a heart attack or stroke.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice black, bloody, or tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, which can be signs of stomach bleeding.
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face or throat, or a severe skin reaction with fever, sore throat, burning eyes, or a blistering rash.
• Stop taking meloxicam and call your doctor right away if you notice any skin rash, no matter how mild, shortness of breath, or sudden swelling or weight gain.
• If you think you have taken too much meloxicam, seek emergency medical help right away or contact your local poison control center.

Alternatives

• Naproxen
• Etodolac
• Ibuprofen
• Celecoxib