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What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a medication that was created to help those who suffer from the symptoms of an array of inflammatory diseases and conditions such as primary dysmenorrhea, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, fever and headache and gout. Meloxicam is also used by doctors as an analgesic. In the veterinary field, it is used under the name Metacam.

  1. Definition

    • Meloxicam was approved for use in the United State by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April of 2000. Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the Oxicam family. NSAID drugs are distinguished from steroidal drugs, which tend to share similarities with NSAIDs in the function of limiting inflammation and pain. The most commonly known NSAIDs are over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Naprosyn Piroxicam and Meloxicam are some of the the more potent prescription NSAIDs.

    How Does Meloxicam Work?

    • Meloxicam treats pain and or inflammation by preventing a substance called cyclooxygenase from inducing the synthesis of prostaglandins. By blocking the enzymes that produce prostaglandins, the inflammation process is interrupted. Prostaglandin synthesis is the main cause of the symptoms such as pain, swelling and tenderness which are commonly associated with arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

    Who Needs Meloxicam?

    • Meloxicam is most commonly prescribed to sufferers of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Veterinarians may also use Meloxicam, under the name Metacam, on animals with ulcers and for post-operative treatment.

    Side Effects

    • Controversy surrounds Meloxicam and other NSAID usage due to the common adverse effects that coincide with the usage of these drugs. Meloxicam has been associated with abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, rashes and, in some cases, has induced gastrointestinal toxicity and bleeding.

    Proprer Drug Usage

    • Dosage should not exceed 15 milligrams of Meloxicam a day. The patient should also take the medicine at the same time every day. Also, this drug should not be used with other NSAIDs or drugs that posses properties associated with NSAIDs simultaneously. Drugs like Cidofovir should be avoided as well as over-the-counter drugs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Patients with heart complications, ulcers, liver or kidney disease, allergic reactions to any medications, asthma and smoking habits should consult their doctor before using Meloxicam.

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