Uses, indications and precautions when using Meloxicam

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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly used drugs today. The most popular of which is the active ingredient Meloxicam. So what does meloxicam do?

1. What disease does meloxicam treat?

What disease does meloxicam treat? Meloxicam is a drug used mainly in the treatment of arthritis. The drug works to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and reduce stiffness. Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Although this is an over-the-counter medication, if the patient has chronic arthritis that requires long-term treatment, consult your doctor about non-pharmacological treatments and/or the use of other medications to treat pain.

2. How to use meloxicam

Read the instructions for use carefully before starting to use meloxicam. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Meloxicam is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Take the medicine with a full glass of water (about 240 ml). Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking meloxicam. If using liquid meloxicam, shake the bottle gently before use. Dose measurement using a special measuring instrument/spoon. Do not use a household spoon as it may distort the dose.

If taking meloxicam disintegrating tablets, do not remove the tablets from the packaging until ready to use. Use dry hands to peel off the foil and carefully remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil as it may damage the tablet. Place the medicine on the tongue immediately and let it dissolve. You can then swallow it with or without water.
If people with stomach pain need to take meloxicam, take it before meals or take it with an anti-secretory drug. The dosage of the drug is based on the patient's condition and response to treatment. The lowest effective dose should be used and only used for a limited time. Absolutely do not take more medicine than prescribed by the doctor because high doses will increase the risk of ulcers, stomach bleeding.
Meloxicam has many different dosage forms (such as tablets, capsules, liquid, disintegrating tablets). Do not change the form of medication on your own without consulting your doctor. The full effect of meloxicam can be seen after 2 weeks. Use meloxicam regularly for maximum effect. Remember to take your medicine at the same time of day.

3. Side effects when using the drug meloxicam

Common side effects include: stomach upset, nausea, dizziness or diarrhea. Therefore, if any symptoms persist or worsen, the patient should immediately notify the doctor or pharmacist.
The treating physician must have evaluated the benefits more than the possible side effects before administering meloxicam to a patient. There are many patients who take meloxicam without any serious side effects.
The drug meloxicam can cause an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to measure your blood pressure regularly and notify your doctor if your blood pressure is abnormally high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
Easy bruising/bleeding; Persistent or severe headache; Ease of mood swings; Manifestations of kidney disease (such as changes in the amount of urine); Unexplained stiff neck; signs of heart failure (swollen ankles, swollen feet, unusual tiredness, unusual weight gain or sudden weight gain).

Meloxicam rarely causes serious liver disease complications (resulting in death), symptoms of liver damage are usually:
Dark urine ; Nausea, vomiting; Prolonged loss of appetite; Stomach or abdominal pain; Yellow skin, yellow eyes. Serious allergic reactions when taking meloxicam are very rare, serious allergic reactions such as:
Rash; Itchy; Swelling (especially of the face, tongue, throat); Dizzy; Shortness of breath.

4. Prevention of side effects when using meloxicam

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to meloxicam or aspirin and other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) or any other history of allergies. Products may include excipients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using the drug, talk to your doctor about your medical history, especially:
Asthma (or the patient has a history of shortness of breath when using aspirin or other NSAIDs); Liver failure; Gastrointestinal problems (including bleeding, ulcers, heartburn); Heart disease; Hypertension ; Stroke ; Blood abnormalities (eg, anemia, bleeding disorders); Nasal polyps. Kidney problems can occur with the use of NSAIDs, including meloxicam. Renal abnormalities are more likely to occur if patients are dehydrated, patients with heart failure, people with a history of kidney disease, the elderly or when taking Meloxicam with other drugs that are harmful to the kidneys. Drink plenty of fluids as directed to limit dehydration and notify your doctor immediately of any changes in urine output.
Meloxicam may cause dizziness. Alcohol or marijuana can make the patient more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do work that requires alertness until you are completely normal.
Meloxicam can cause stomach bleeding. Daily drinking and smoking, especially when combined with this medicine, can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Therefore, alcohol and smoking should be limited.
The disintegrating tablet form of meloxicam may contain the sweetener aspartame. If the patient has phenylketouria (PKU), the use of aspartame (or phenylalanine) should be limited.

Meloxicam may make patients sensitive to the sun. Limit sun exposure when not necessary. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when out in the sun, and tell your doctor about sunburn or skin redness if present.
The elderly are subject to a higher risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart problems and stroke when using meloxicam.
Women planning to become pregnant should consult their doctor about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage, difficulty getting pregnant). Pregnant women should only use meloxicam when clearly needed. This is a drug that is not recommended for use in the first 3 months and the last 3 months of pregnancy because it can harm the fetus and affect the process of normal labor and delivery.
There have been no studies that meloxicam can pass into breast milk. However, these same drugs pass into breast milk but are unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before taking with nursing women.

5. meloxicam drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the effects of drugs or increase the risk of serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking (including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products). Do not arbitrarily use, stop or change the dose of any medicine without consulting your doctor.
Drugs that interact with meloxicam include:
Aliskiren; ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril); Angiotensin receptor blockers (losartan, valsartan...); Cidofovir; Lithium; Methotrexate (high dose treatment); Diuretic. Meloxicam increases the risk of bleeding when used with other medicines that can cause bleeding. Example:
Antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel Anticoagulants such as dabigatran, enoxaparin, warfarin. If taking liquid meloxicam, tell your doctor if you are using sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Check all medicines you are taking because many pain relievers and fever reducers (such as aspirin, NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen or ketorolac) can overlap. side effects appear.
However, for patients with a history of heart attack or stroke who require low-dose aspirin (usually at doses of 81-325 mg daily), the patient should continue to take aspirin unless otherwise advised by a physician.

6. Notes when using meloxicam

Patients using meloxicam should note the following:
Patients should have tests (blood count, blood pressure, kidney function tests, liver) periodically to monitor the condition of the disease. or detect side effects. Instead of the long-term use of meloxicam to treat arthritis, there are non-drug treatments (such as weight loss if needed, strengthening and conditioning exercises) that can help improve the condition. flexibility, range of motion and joint function. If the patient misses a dose, take it as soon as you remember, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up. Store meloxicam at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep medication out of reach of children and household pets. Do not flush medication down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Dispose of medication properly when it expires or when it is no longer needed for use. Meloxicam is a drug used mainly in the treatment of arthritis. To use the drug effectively and avoid side effects, patients need to follow the instructions for using the drug or as prescribed by the doctor.
With many years of experience in the examination and treatment of diseases, now Vinmec International General Hospital has become one of the major health care centers, capable of examining, screening and treating diseases. treat many serious diseases. Therefore, when there are signs of abnormal health, patients can go to the examination, diagnose the disease and receive advice on how to use the drug effectively, avoiding unwanted side effects.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com