Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly used medications today. Among them, the most popular active ingredient is Meloxicam. So, what are the effects of Meloxicam?
1. What does Meloxicam treat?
What does Meloxicam treat? Meloxicam is primarily used in the treatment of arthritis. The medication helps reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Meloxicam is classified as an NSAID.
Although it is an over-the-counter medication, patients with chronic arthritis who require long-term treatment should consult their doctor about non-drug treatment methods and/or the use of other medications to manage pain.
2. How to use meloxicam
Read the medication guide carefully before starting to use Meloxicam. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Meloxicam is taken orally as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Take the medication with a full glass of water (about 240 ml). Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking Meloxicam. If you are using the liquid form of Meloxicam, shake the bottle gently before use. Measure the dose with a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon as it may lead to an incorrect dose.
If using the rapid release tablet form of Meloxicam, do not remove the tablet from its packaging until you are ready to use it. Use dry hands to peel back the foil and carefully take out the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil as it may damage the tablet. Place the tablet on your tongue immediately and let it dissolve. You may then swallow it with or without water.
If you have a stomach ulcer and need to take Meloxicam, take the medication before meals or with an antacid. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Do not take more medication than prescribed by your doctor, as high doses increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Meloxicam comes in various forms (such as tablets, capsules, liquid, disintegrating tablets). Do not switch forms without consulting your doctor. The full effect of Meloxicam may be noticed after two weeks. Use Meloxicam regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day.
3. Side Effects of Using
Meloxicam Common side effects include: stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. Therefore, if any symptoms persist or worsen, the patient should inform their doctor or pharmacist immediately.
The physician has certainly assessed that the benefits outweigh the side effects before prescribing Meloxicam to the patient. Many patients take Meloxicam without experiencing any serious side effects.
Meloxicam can cause high blood pressure. Therefore, blood pressure should be monitored regularly, and any abnormal increase should be reported to the doctor.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including:
- Bruising/bleeding easily;
- Persistent or severe headache;
- Mood changes;
- Signs of kidney problems (such as changes in the amount of urine);
- Unexplained stiff neck;
- Signs of heart failure (swelling of the ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, sudden or unexplained weight gain).
Meloxicam rarely causes serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Symptoms of liver damage include:
- Dark urine;
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Persistent loss of appetite;
- Stomach or abdominal pain;
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Serious allergic reactions to Meloxicam are very rare. Serious allergic reactions include:
- Rash;
- Itching;
- Swelling (especially of the face, tongue, throat);
- Severe dizziness;
- Trouble breathing.
4. Preventing Side Effects When Using Meloxicam
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to Meloxicam, aspirin, or other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) or any other allergies. The product may contain excipients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using the medication, discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially any of the following conditions:
- Asthma (or a history of breathing problems after using aspirin or other NSAIDs);
- Liver disease;
- Gastrointestinal problems (including bleeding, ulcers, heartburn);
- Heart disease;
- High blood pressure;
- Stroke;
- Blood disorders (such as anemia, clotting disorders);
- Nasal polyps.
Kidney problems can occur when using NSAIDs, including Meloxicam. Kidney abnormalities are more likely if the patient is dehydrated, has heart failure, has a history of kidney disease, is elderly, or is taking certain medications that can harm the kidneys. Drink plenty of water as directed to prevent dehydration and inform your doctor of any changes in urine output.
Meloxicam can cause dizziness. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you are fully alert.
Meloxicam can cause stomach bleeding. Daily alcohol and tobacco use, especially when combined with this medication, can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Therefore, limit alcohol and tobacco use.
The rapid releasetablet form of Meloxicam may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), limit your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine).
Meloxicam can make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Inform your doctor if you get sunburned or have skin redness.
Elderly patients are at higher risk of stomach/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 conceiving). Pregnant women should only use Meloxicam when absolutely necessary. This medication is not recommended during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy as it may harm the fetus and affect normal labor.
There are no studies on whether Meloxicam passes into breast milk. However, similar medications pass into breast milk but do not harm nursing infants. Consult your doctor before using Meloxicam while breastfeeding.
5. Drug Interactions with Meloxicam
Drug interactions can change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. Consult your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products). Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without your doctor's approval.
Medications that interact with Meloxicam include:
- Aliskiren;
- ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril);
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan);
- Cidofovir;
- Lithium;
- Methotrexate (high-dose treatment);
- Diuretics.
Meloxicam increases the risk of bleeding when used with other medications that can cause bleeding. For example:
- Antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel;
- Anticoagulants such as dabigatran, enoxaparin, warfarin.
If you are using the liquid form of Meloxicam, inform your doctor if you are taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Check all the medications you are taking because many pain relievers and fever reducers (such as aspirin, NSAIDs like celecoxib, ibuprofen, or ketorolac) are in the same class as Meloxicam, and using them together can increase the risk of side effects.
However, for patients with a history of heart attack or stroke who need to take low-dose aspirin (usually 81-325 mg per day), continue taking aspirin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
6. Precautions When Using Meloxicam
Patients using Meloxicam should note the following:
Patients should undergo regular tests (blood count, blood pressure, kidney and liver function tests) to monitor their condition or detect side effects.
Instead of using Meloxicam long-term to treat arthritis, doctors may recommend non-drug treatments (such as weight loss if needed, exercises to strengthen and regulate joint activity) that can help improve flexibility, range of motion, and joint function.
If a patient misses a dose, take it as soon as remembered. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store Meloxicam at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Meloxicam when it is expired or no longer needed.
Meloxicam is primarily used to treat arthritis. To use the medication effectively and avoid side effects, follow the medication guide or doctor's instructions.
With many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, Vinmec International General Hospital has become one of the major healthcare centers capable of screening and treating many specialized diseases. Therefore, if there are any abnormal health signs, patients can visit for diagnosis and receive advice on effective medication use to avoid unwanted side effects.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
Reference source: webmd.com
