Uses
Meloxicam(Mobic) is an NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug). It works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase(COX) enzyme, decreasing the production of prostaglandins and other inflammatory molecules which cause pain. It is a commonly used pain reliever.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.
If stomach upset occurs, you can take it with food or milk to decrease this effect.
Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
Inform your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve.
Do not take over the counter medications or other medications that contain ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen while taking this medication. This can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
It is important to notify your doctor right away if you develop stomach pain, bloody stools, or are vomiting blood. This medication can cause stomach bleeding.
Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption and maintain a healthy diet while on this medication. This will decrease your risk of developing stomach ulcers or bleeding.
If you take aspirin to decrease risk of heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor regarding the risks of this medication.
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Kidney or liver disease, cigarette smoking, blood disorders, a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks, consuming more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, high blood pressure, stomach bleeding, or ulcers, lung or breathing conditions, stomach or intestinal conditions, allergy history, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reaction(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, changes in vision, chest pain, sudden severe headaches, swelling or pain in the legs or other extremities, trouble speaking, numbness or tingling in the arm, leg or face(signs of a blood clot), black, red or tarry stools, dark brown or red urine, vomiting blood or coffee ground like material, unusual bleeding or bruising or any kind, flu like symptoms, loss of appetite, nausea or right upper stomach pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, excessive fatigue, confusion, loss of balance or coordination.
Other Side Effects
Constipation, gas, diarrhea, flatulence.
Adult Dose
Rheumatoid Arthritis
7.5 mg by mouth once per day.
Osteoarthritis
5 mg by mouth once per day as a starting dose. The dose can be increased up to 10mg per day.
Sources
1. Mobic ® oral tablets, suspension, meloxicam oral tablets, suspension[package insert]. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim; 2008.
2. Mobic (meloxicam)[ package insert]. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2016.
3. Meloxicam oral suspension [package insert]. Columbus, OH: Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane Laboratories; 2012.