Meloxicam is a drug belonging to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is an extremely numerous and diverse group. NSAID preparations can be obtained from the pharmacy both on prescription in higher doses and without a prescription. Meloxicam can be obtained from a pharmacy without a prescription in preparations called: Opokan or Mel. Both of these drugs are among the painkillers most often recommended by pharmacists.

Action of meloxicam

Like all NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), meloxicam has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties.

This drug inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, i.e. inflammatory mediators. Thanks to its action, this substance is widely used in rheumatology and traumatology.

Meloxicam, unlike most classic NSAIDs, has a more intense effect on cyclooxygenase 2, so that such strong side effects in the digestive system are not observed in its case.

It is an alternative for patients who have suffered from peptic ulcer disease or bleeding from the digestive system.

This does not mean, however, that in high doses this drug will not cause side effects. Doctors recommend taking the lowest effective dose of meloxicam for the shortest duration of treatment.

Indications for the use of meloxicam

Meloxicam is administered orally and intramuscularly. Usually, injections are given into the buttock muscle by a doctor or other qualified he althcare professional. Injections must be done skillfully as incorrect administration can cause severe pain in the patient at the injection site.

The doctor decides for intramuscular therapy in serious conditions, such as exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Usually, the injection is given when oral administration is not possible in the patient. Treatment with this form of the drug usually lasts a maximum of 3 days, and the administration is limited to one injection a day.

Much less invasive is the administration of meloxicam in the form of a tablet. Then the therapy may take longer and the patient will administer the drug to himself. The recommendations for the use of meloxicam are:

  • rheumatoid arthritis,
  • degenerative diseases.

Meloxicam dosage

Dosing of meloxicam as a solution for injection is usually dependent on the patient's condition. The treating physician decides the dose based on the patient's kidney and liver conditions and age. Usually the drug is administered once a day at the lowest effective dose possible, and the treatment lasts from 1 to 3 days.

Meloxicam injection is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, unless otherwise advised by a doctor.

In the case of tablets, the patient should also follow the doctor's instructions. Elderly people with impaired kidneys or liver should take lower doses of the drug (optimally 7.5 mg per day).

In non-at-risk patients, dosing can be initiated from 7.5 mg / day, increasing the dose to a maximum of 15 mg / day.

In the case of tablets, the age limit that doctors and pharmacists do not exceed during their recommendations is 15 years.

Contraindications to the use of meloxicam

Meloxicam is contraindicated in the following cases:

  • pregnant women in the third trimester,
  • breastfeeding women,
  • patients hypersensitive to meloxicam, any of the excipients, other NSAIDs, acetylsalicylic acid,
  • patients suffering from bronchial asthma, drug urticaria, angioedema after taking NSAIDs,
  • Patients with a history of past or current GI bleeding,
  • patients with perforation after previous NSAID treatment
  • patients with severe active or recurrent peptic ulcer disease,
  • patients with severe hepatic insufficiency,
  • patients with renal failure not on dialysis,
  • patients with disorders that may lead to hemorrhages,
  • patients with severe heart failure

Drug interactions and precautions

Although meloxicam is gentler on the gastrointestinal tract than other NSAIDs, it should not be combined with other drugs of this class. There is then an increased risk of gastrointestinal mucosa damage and bleeding.

Like other NSAIDs, meloxicam can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, and edema.

Patients with:

  • hypertension,
  • heart failure,
  • ischemic heart disease,
  • with vascular diseases, including peripheral arteries or cerebral vessels

they should be treated with meloxicam under the supervision of a specialist doctor. They shouldn'tindependently make decisions about treatment with this substance. You should always consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether this drug is safe for you.

Elderly patients should be especially aware that side effects may occur more frequently . It is associated with the occurrence of accompanying diseases, multi-drug therapy and the weakening of the body. Gastrointestinal bleeding may occur especially frequently in such patients.

If the patient notices any disturbing symptom or feels discomfort, he should stop taking the drug immediately and contact the GP or specialist who prescribed the prescription. Symptoms such as gastrointestinal bleeding should not be underestimated. This symptom can even be fatal in this group of patients.

Meloxicam may recur in patients with a history of such conditions as oesophagitis, gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer.

Although meloxicam is recommended as one of the milder NSAIDs, its negative effects on the digestive system cannot be completely ruled out. Certain medications administered with meloxicam increase the risk of bleeding and perforation of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

These are mainly:

  • corticosteroids,
  • anticoagulants,
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,
  • aspirin.

People who take regular anticoagulant medications should be especially careful when taking meloxicam. This combination carries a risk of bleeding, strokes or a prolonged clotting time in the event of an injury. For women in this situation, menstrual bleeding may be unnaturally prolonged.

Meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, can cause dangerous skin reactions:

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome,
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • or exfoliative dermatitis.

According to clinical trials, such reactions to the drug usually occur in the first week of treatment, so patients should carefully monitor the condition of their skin. If any disturbing symptom is noticed, patients should stop taking the drug immediately and consult their physician.

In patients at risk of side effects from the digestive system, alcohol consumption increases the chance of their occurrence.

Symptoms of infection may be less apparent with meloxicam therapy, so infectious disease may be more difficult to treat.recognition.

According to clinical studies, meloxicam reduces fertility in women, so it is not indicated for women planning a pregnancy. Using meloxicam together with diuretics can overload the kidneys and may result in kidney failure.

Patients taking medications for hypertension should consult their cardiologist before deciding to start therapy.

Meloxicam is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Side effects of meloxicam

The most common side effects are:

  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • stomach pains,
  • puffiness,
  • changes in the blood picture,
  • mood changes,
  • insomnia,
  • palpitations,
  • increase blood pressure,
  • gastrointestinal bleeding,
  • gastrointestinal perforation,
  • gastric ulcer,
  • esophagitis,
  • stomatitis,
  • gastritis and colitis,
  • pruritus,
  • rash,
  • hives,
  • allergic reaction.

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