Meloxicam Overview

Names and Forms

• Generic name: Meloxicam
• Brand names: Anjeso, Mobic, Vivlodex, Qmiiz ODT
• Dosage forms:
  • Intravenous dispersion (30 mg/mL)
  • Oral capsule (10 mg; 5 mg)
  • Oral suspension (7.5 mg/5 mL)
• Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Uses

• Relieves pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness in:
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (children 2 years and older)
• Anjeso: Used for moderate to severe pain in adults.
• Vivlodex: Adults only.
• Qmiiz ODT: Adults and children weighing at least 132 pounds.

Warnings

• Increases risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially with long-term use or high doses.
• Avoid use before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).
• May cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, potentially fatal, especially in older adults.
• Seek emergency help for symptoms like chest pain, weakness, or vision problems.

Precautions

• Do not use if allergic to meloxicam or after severe reaction to aspirin or NSAIDs.
• Discuss with doctor if you have:
  • Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke
  • History of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
  • Ulcers, stomach bleeding, asthma, kidney or liver disease
  • Fluid retention
• Avoid use during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy.
• May affect fertility and ovulation.
• Not for use by individuals under 2 years old.

Administration

• Follow doctor’s prescription exactly.
• Use lowest effective dose.
• Oral and injection forms available.
• Dosing varies by form and patient weight.
• Store properly to avoid errors.

Dosing

• Osteoarthritis (Adults):
  • Tablets: 7.5 mg to 15 mg daily
  • Capsules: 5 mg to 10 mg daily
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Adults):
  • Tablets: 7.5 mg to 15 mg daily
• Pain (Adults):
  • 30 mg IV once a day
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (Pediatrics):
  • 7.5 mg daily for weight over 60 kg

Side Effects

• Serious:
  • Allergic reactions, heart attack, signs of stomach or liver bleeding
  • Kidney problems or anemia
• Common:
  • Stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation
  • Dizziness, cold or flu symptoms

Interactions

• Avoid alcohol and aspirin.
• Check interactions with antidepressants and other medications like cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, and blood thinners.

FAQs

• Can be taken any time of the day, ideally with food.
• Dosage for dogs depends on weight.
• Comparable to Celebrex at lower doses.

Further Information:

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Consult healthcare provider for personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer