Meloxicam: Uses, Dosage & Safety Tips
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used mainly for arthritis pain and inflammation. If you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or similar joint pain, meloxicam can help lower swelling and make movement easier. It’s usually taken once daily and works best when you stick to the lowest dose that controls symptoms.
How to take meloxicam
Typical adult doses are 7.5 mg to 15 mg once a day, depending on your condition and doctor's advice. Take meloxicam with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. Don’t take extra doses for sudden pain; this is not a fast-acting painkiller like ibuprofen. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next dose — then skip it.
Don’t combine meloxicam with other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) unless your doctor says it’s safe. Combining increases risk of stomach bleeding and kidney issues. If you’re on low-dose aspirin for heart protection, check with your prescriber before adding meloxicam.
What to watch for: side effects and warnings
Common side effects include stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, dizziness, and headache. More serious risks can happen: stomach ulcers or bleeding, heart problems (like increased blood pressure or heart attack risk), and reduced kidney function. Stop meloxicam and get help if you have black stools, severe belly pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden weakness, or swelling.
Avoid meloxicam if you’ve had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs, if you have active stomach ulcers, or if you’re late in pregnancy — NSAIDs can harm a baby’s heart and cause bleeding during delivery. People with kidney disease, heart disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure should talk to their doctor before starting meloxicam.
Meloxicam can interact with several medicines: blood thinners (warfarin), ACE inhibitors or ARBs, diuretics, certain antidepressants, lithium, and methotrexate. These interactions can change how well those drugs work or raise side effect risks. Give your healthcare provider a full list of what you take.
For long-term use, ask your doctor about periodic checks — blood pressure, kidney tests, and liver function may be needed. Use the smallest effective dose for the shortest time that controls your symptoms.
If you’re buying meloxicam online, choose a licensed pharmacy that asks for a prescription, displays contact info, and has secure payment. Avoid unknown sites offering prescription drugs without a prescription. If pain or swelling doesn’t improve within a few weeks, or side effects appear, see your healthcare provider for a safer plan or an alternative.
Need help deciding if meloxicam is right for you? Talk to a pharmacist or your doctor. They can match a treatment to your health history and suggest safer pain control options when needed.
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