What is Meloxicam? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take this medication as instructed.

Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

Do not take more than one dose each day.

Try to take each day’s dose at the same time.

Do not substitute capsules for either the tablets or oral solution or the other way around. Get a prescription first.

This medication will come with an NSAID Medication Guide. Please read it before starting the drug. If the medication guide is missing, ask the pharmacist for a copy.

How to take meloxicam tablets and capsules

• Meloxicam capsules are taken at different doses than meloxicam tablets or oral suspensions. Make sure you understand the correct dose.

• Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with water.

• Store at room temperature. Protect the tablets or capsules from moisture by making sure the bottle is always tightly closed.

How to administer meloxicam oral suspension

• Shake the bottle gently before measuring a dose.

• Use the calibrated measuring device that came with the medication to measure out a dose. Do not use kitchen utensils or tableware.

• Store meloxicam oral suspension at room temperature in a tightly sealed container.

Meloxicam doses are taken once per day. Never take more than one dose per day.

If a dose is missed, it can be taken when remembered if it’s taken on the same day it was scheduled.

Skip the missed dose if it’s the next day. Just take the next day’s dose.

Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Meloxicam should not be taken by anyone who has had an allergic reaction such as asthma or hives to aspirin or any other NSAID.

Meloxicam is not to be used before or after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Because of possible side effects, healthcare providers are urged to prescribe the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

The doctor may require regular blood tests to ensure meloxicam treatment is not causing problems. Keep all appointments.

Meloxicam increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and edema. 

Meloxicam can without warning cause serious gastrointestinal problems including ulcers, bleeding, and perforation of the stomach, esophagus, or intestines.

NSAIDs like diclofenac may cause severe allergic or skin reactions. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop taking meloxicam immediately and contact your doctor.

Tell the doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart disease

• Recent heart attack

• Heart failure

• History of ulcers

• History of gastrointestinal bleeding

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Asthma

• High blood pressure

• Blood vessel problems

• Bleeding problems 

• Dehydration

• Pregnancy or plans to get pregnant

Meloxicam can cause

• Kidney damage

• Liver damage

• High blood pressure

• High potassium

• Anemia

Meloxicam can delay ovulation in women and decrease sperm production in men. 

Because of possible risks to an unborn child, NSAIDs should not be taken after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Your headaches may become worse if you use an NSAID for 10 or more days per month. Write down how often your headaches occur and how often you use this medicine.

Because of possible drug interactions, tell healthcare providers you are using this medicine.

Avoid taking other NSAIDs such as aspirin or naproxen or salicylates. The prescription NSAID ketorolac should never be combined with meloxicam.

Avoid alcohol when taking meloxicam. 

Other medications that may cause problems with ibuprofen include:

• Blood thinners

• Blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors

• Diuretics

• Corticosteroids

• Certain types of antibiotics called aminoglycoside antibiotics

• Lithium, digoxin, pemetrexed, methotrexate, and cyclosporine

Meloxicam oral suspension contains sorbitol. Combining sorbitol with sodium polystyrene sulfonate, a treatment for high potassium, can cause potentially fatal intestinal problems.