Meloxicam - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Meloxicam is a drug used to relieve pain and inflammation symptoms in several conditions, such as: ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause signs and symptoms of inflammation, including swelling and pain, when the body is injured. By inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins, the symptoms of inflammation will subside.

Meloxicam trademarks:Flamoxi, Fri-Art, Hexcam, Mecox, Melocid, Meloxicam, Ostelox, X-Cam

What is Meloxicam

Warning Before Use Meloxicam

Before using meloxicam, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Meloxicam should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you have recently had heart bypass surgery. Meloxicam should not be given to patients who have had this surgery before, are currently having, or have recently had this surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are suffering from digestive tract diseases, such as digestive tract bleeding, stomach ulcers, heartburn, or acid reflux disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, asthma, nasal polyps, kidney disease, blood clotting disorders, or edema.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have recently had a stroke or heart attack.
• Do not smoke and consume alcoholic beverages while using meloxicam, as this can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after using meloxicam, as this medicine may cause dizziness.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun while taking meloxicam, as this drug can cause the skin to become more sensitive to light. Always use sunscreen when you are outdoors.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using meloxicam.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Meloxicam

The dose of meloxicam will be determined by the doctor according to the condition, age, and dosage form. In general, the following is the dosage of meloxicam to treat the symptoms of arthritis, including: ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis, based on the form of the drug:

Shape tablet

• Mature: 7.5–15 mg per day.
• seniors: 7.5 mg per day.
• Children60 kgBB: 7.5 mg per day.

Shape suppository

• Mature: 1 suppository capsule per day.

For meloxicam in the form of an injection, the dose will be determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition.

Method Use Meloxicam Properly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package before using meloxicam. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Meloxicam injection will be given by injection through a vein (intravenous / IV) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

Meloxicam tablets can be taken before or after meals. To reduce the risk of stomach discomfort, you can take it after eating.

Try to take meloxicam at the same time every day for maximum treatment. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medicine.

Meloxicam suppositories are used by insertion into the anus. Make sure you open the plastic wrap first, then insert the medicine with the sharp end into the rectum.

After the medicine is in, sit or lie down first for 10-15 minutes until the medicine melts. Do not forget to wash your hands before and after inserting meloxicam suppositories.

If you forget to use meloxicam, it is recommended to use it immediately if the interval with the next schedule of use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

Store meloxicam in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Meloxicam and Other Drug Interactions

The following are some drug interactions that can occur when meloxicam is used together with other drugs:

• Increased risk of gastric bleeding if used with anticoagulants, SSRI-type antidepressants, corticosteroids, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin
• Decreased effectiveness of ACE inhibitordiuretics, ARBs, or beta blockers, in treating hypertension
• Increased blood levels of digoxin, lithium, or methotrexate
• Increased risk of kidney damage if used with ciclosporin or tacrolimus
• Decreased levels and effectiveness of meloxicam when used with cholestyramine

Meloxicam Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the side effects that can occur after using meloxicam are:

• Stomach ache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloated
• Dizziness or a spinning sensation

Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or are even more severe. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be characterized by symptoms such as vomiting blood or bloody stools
• Heart failure, which can be characterized by symptoms such as unusual weight gain, unusual tiredness, swelling in the legs
• Easy bruising
• Impaired kidney function, which can be characterized by symptoms such as infrequent urination or very small amounts of urine
• Impaired liver function, which can be characterized by symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or persistent nausea and vomiting
• Headaches that are persistent or getting worse