What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam seems to be a strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Patients may receive a prescription for oral tablets or a liquid solution. However, they should read the guide to this medication carefully before they think about taking it. Doctors should also perform regular tests on their patients' organs when they are taking this medication. These tests may be crucial because taking this medication for long periods may result in problems with some organs.

Patients may take this medication as a strong treatment for arthritis. However, most doctors may prescribe other arthritis medications first. This may include topical creams for arthritis. They may also recommend over-the-counter medications for joint pain relief as well. Some patients may also undergo joint repair for arthritis or other surgeries for arthritis before taking this medication. Natural remedies for arthritis may also be recommended. However, since meloxicam for arthritis is a powerful treatment, understanding how it should work is vital.

How It Should Work

Meloxicam seems to block two enzymes in the patient's body. These enzymes appear to be ones that increase prostaglandin production, which results in inflammation. If the medication blocks these enzymes, inflammation should reduce. This medication seems to be stronger than over-the-counter medications that reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen. The majority of patients appear to take 7.5 milligrams of this medication once a day. However, they may be able to take a maximum dose of fifteen milligrams. Children may only take a maximum of 7.5 milligrams a day. They seem to have a lower average dose than this.

It appears that patients may see a difference in their symptoms after taking their first dose. This difference may take between twenty-four to seventy-two hours to appear. The medication should start to work in thirty minutes. However, it may take four hours for peak efficacy to set in. In addition, some patients seem to need up to two weeks for the medication's full effects to occur.

Uncover the possible uses of this medication next.

Possible Uses

Meloxicam seems to reduce inflammation in the body. However, as a strong medication, it may not be used for general aches. That may be where individuals will try ibuprofen. However, this medication appears to be helpful for treating pain and swelling from arthritis. This may include treating stiff and tender joints too. It seems that this medication may help treat several forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former may be a common part of aging, though the other appears to be due to a problem with the patient's immune system. Both types seem to trigger joint swelling and pain. However, it may not treat all forms, so patients should consider speaking to their doctor first.

Reveal details on the potential side effects next.

Potential Side Effects

This medication appears to cause several common side effects. Individuals may deal with an upset stomach. They seem to experience diarrhea, dizziness, and nausea often too. Some patients may also find that their blood pressure increases. Although these side effects may be common and some mild, patients should still call their doctor if they experience them. Their pharmacist may also need to know.

Patients may also encounter serious side effects when they take this medication. Examples seem to include heart failure, easy bruising, and unusual weight gain. Some individuals also appear to experience easy bleeding and unusual tiredness. Many of them may also deal with kidney issues. A stiff neck, mood changes, and persistent headaches seem to appear for some individuals as well. Patients may want to call their doctor immediately if they encounter these effects. This medication may cause liver disease and damage in rare cases. Unfortunately, this can be life-threatening. Thus, patients may need emergency medical care. They also seem to need this care if they experience a severe allergic reaction. Thankfully, this may also be rare.

Discover the precautions for this medication next.

Precautions

Patients may need to take some precautions if they are going to be prescribed meloxicam. This medication seems to contain ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions. It appears to be quite common in individuals who have had reactions to other anti-inflammatories. Thus, patients may want to disclose their allergies to their doctor before taking this medication. They may also want to discuss their complete medical history. Asthma may be a significant concern with this medication. Thus, many patients may need alternate instructions or medication. It seems that blood conditions, heart disease, intestinal problems, and liver disease can also trigger issues with this medication. Doctors should know about these medical problems before they prescribe this medicine.

This medication also appears to have a risk of kidney problems. The risk may increase the longer patients take it, or if they take large doses. Individuals with liver failure or kidney disease seem to be at a higher risk as well. Seniors may be another at-risk group too. Some patients may be drowsy on this medication. Thus, all of them should consider avoiding driving until their body adjusts. Dehydration may also occur, so patients should try to drink more water. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol also appears to be beneficial. This is because they seem to increase the risk of stomach bleeding on this medication.

Get the details on possible medication interactions next.

Possible Medication Interactions

There may be more than three hundred medication interactions that can happen with meloxicam. This is likely why patients should write down a list of their current medications. They may need supplements and vitamins on the list as well. The list may help their doctor avoid these possible medication interactions. Avoiding them can be beneficial, since they may increase the risk of side effects. They may also make side effects worse.

Meloxicam appears to interact with some ACE inhibitors. This may include one known as lisinopril. Interactions also seem to exist with diuretics and cidofovir. Lithium and angiotensin II receptor blockers may also trigger an interaction when taken with meloxicam. As mentioned, patients may be at a higher risk of bleeding on meloxicam. Thus, they should avoid other medications with this effect, including other anti-inflammatories. If they take the liquid form, they may need to avoid sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Taking both of them seems to result in a severe interaction.