Meloxicam dosage, forms, and strengths

Meloxicam is a generic prescription drug that relieves pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Meloxicam can also be used in teens and children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like aspirin and ibuprofen, but much stronger and longer-acting. It can only be dispensed with a prescription and is taken once daily. 

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Meloxicam dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes swelling, pain, and damage to the joints, typically the joints in the fingers and hands. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), meloxicam blocks the immune system’s inflammatory response. People with rheumatoid arthritis can only be prescribed meloxicam tablets or oral suspension. The standard dosage is 7.5–15 mg taken once daily for the shortest duration possible.

Meloxicam dosage for osteoarthritis

For osteoarthritis pain, patients can take either meloxicam tablets or capsules, but the doses are not equivalent. The standard dosage is either a 7.5–15 mg tablet taken once daily or a 5–10 mg capsule taken once daily. A pharmacist will not change dosage between capsules and tablets without a new prescription because the dosage forms are not equivalent or interchangeable.

Meloxicam dosage for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)

JRA is a form of rheumatoid arthritis that afflicts children or teens. Doctors typically start with over-the-counter NSAIDs, but a powerful NSAID like meloxicam may sometimes be necessary. Tablets can be given to children weighing more than 130 pounds, but younger children should be dosed with a liquid oral suspension version.

Personalized dosing considerations

Dosages do not need to be adjusted for people with mild to moderate kidney disease, but meloxicam cannot be used in people with severe kidney disease. People on any form of dialysis should avoid using meloxicam as they are at increased risk of additional kidney damage, adverse cardiovascular effects, and stomach or intestinal bleeding. 

No dosage adjustments are recommended for people with liver problems or other medical conditions, although caution is advised and patients should be monitored for worsening liver function or other adverse effects. 

Meloxicam safety info

Meloxicam is relatively safe when taken at the lowest effective dose for a limited time. When used for longer periods, meloxicam can cause serious problems such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, blood clots, and heart problems.

Meloxicam is never safe to take by anyone who has had a drug reaction to meloxicam or allergic reactions to other NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Meloxicam is never prescribed to people before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery because of the greater risk of heart attack or stroke.

Meloxicam should be immediately stopped—and you should get emergency medical help—if there are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, heart problems (chest pain, shortness of breath), skin reactions (blisters, rash), or a severe allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, rapid drop in blood pressure). Immediately tell a healthcare provider if you experience even a mild allergic reaction to the drug.

Make sure the prescriber knows about all drugs and supplements that are regularly used. Meloxicam has many serious drug interactions. The list of drugs to avoid when taking meloxicam is quite long. At the top of the list are other NSAIDs, including OTC NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, or a prescription NSAID like diclofenac. Other drugs that may cause problems include:

• Blood thinners

• Blood pressure drugs 

• Certain types of diuretics

• Cyclosporine, methotrexate, lithium

For pregnant women, meloxicam is most safe to take when the fetus is less than 20 weeks old. If necessary, a healthcare provider may prescribe it to pregnant women after 20 weeks with precautions. Do not take meloxicam after 30 weeks. 

Healthcare professionals don’t know if meloxicam is safe to take when breastfeeding since it is not known whether it passes into breastmilk. Ask the prescriber for medical advice. 

How to take meloxicam

Meloxicam is taken by mouth as either a tablet, oral suspension, or capsule. If necessary, healthcare professionals can administer meloxicam as an injection.

• Follow all the prescriber’s directions.

• Do not take more than prescribed.

• Although meloxicam can be taken without regard to food, taking meloxicam with food may prevent digestive system problems.

• Do not switch between tablets and capsules without a new prescription.

• Swallow the tablets and capsules whole with a drink of water.

• Always shake the oral suspension before measuring a dose.

  • Use a calibrated oral syringe to measure doses.

• Store meloxicam tablets and capsules at room temperature, protected from moisture. 

• Store meloxicam oral suspension at room temperature.

Meloxicam dosage FAQs

How long does it take meloxicam to work?

Meloxicam hits its maximum effect two hours after taking a meloxicam capsule and about four to five hours after taking a tablet. It may take up to a few weeks to notice the full benefit of this medicine.

Can meloxicam dosage be adjusted based on age or weight?

Meloxicam dosages for children are based on weight. The maximum dosage for children is 7.5 mg/day. 

What happens if I miss a dose of meloxicam?

If a dose of meloxicam is forgotten, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take more than one dose a day.

How long can you take meloxicam?

Your healthcare provider will tell you how long you should take meloxicam, usually for a week or a few weeks. Some people may be given meloxicam for longer periods, but it can cause severe problems. If meloxicam is used for longer than a few weeks, the prescriber will regularly monitor and test for side effects. 

How do I stop taking meloxicam?

Stopping meloxicam does not cause withdrawal symptoms. When it’s time to quit, the drug can be discontinued immediately without tapering the daily dose. 

What is the dosage of meloxicam for dogs/cats?

Meloxicam treats pain and swelling due to osteoarthritis in dogs and cats, though it can be safely used in cats for only two or three days. Veterinarians typically prescribe easily-dispensed formats such as meloxicam oral suspension, oral spray, or chewable tablets. Doses are based on the animal’s weight, typically 0.1 mg/kg daily. When giving a pet meloxicam, do it after the pet has eaten so it doesn’t suffer gastrointestinal adverse effects.

Sources:

• Meloxicam, Plumb’s Veterinary Medication Guides

• Meloxicam capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Meloxicam drug summary, Prescribers’ Digital Reference (PDR)

• Meloxicam suspension prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Meloxicam tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Metacam meloxicam suspension prescription animal drug information, National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• Pain management medications, StatPearls

• Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed