Meloxicam (Mobic, Vivlodex, Qmiiz)

NSAID COX-2 preferential Rx only oral · IV

🔵 Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking COX-2 more than COX-1, which helps inflammation with a lower impact on platelets at therapeutic doses.

📌 Does not cure arthritis — helps manage symptoms while taken. Available as tablets, capsules, oral suspension, disintegrating tablets, and intravenous (Anjeso).

⚕️ Uses & administration

Osteoarthritis (OA) — initial 7.5 mg once daily, max 15 mg/day
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — 7.5–15 mg once daily
Juvenile RA (≥2 years) — dose based on weight (0.125 mg/kg)
Take once daily with or without food; oral suspension must be shaken
Disintegrating tablet: let melt on tongue — do not push through foil
IV form (Anjeso) for moderate–severe pain

Dosage forms:

capsuletabletODToral suspIV

🏷️ Brand names & identifiers

US brands: Mobic, Qmiiz, Vivlodex, Zybic · also: Meloxidyl (vet), Metacam

ATC code: M01AC06 · CAS: 71125-38-7

⚖️ half-life & protein binding

Elimination half‑life: ~20 hours
Bioavailability 89% · Protein binding 99.4%
Metabolism: liver (CYP2C9, 3A4)

⚠️ Important interactions & precautions

Do not use with ketorolac. Use with anticoagulants, other NSAIDs, aspirin, SSRIs, or diuretics requires caution. Below are selected interactives (non-exhaustive):

abciximabaceclofenacacenocoumarolamiodaroneapixabanaspirinbivalirudincelecoxibclopidogreldabigatranedoxabanenoxaparinibuprofenlithiummethotrexatephenytoinwarfarin...

Contraindications: history of aspirin/NSAID allergy, aspirin-sensitive asthma, CABG surgery perioperative pain, severe kidney disease (some brands).

🩺 FDA & EMA boxed-style warnings – serious risks

❤️ Cardiovascular — May increase risk of serious and potentially fatal heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. Risk higher with longer use, pre‑existing heart disease, or high blood pressure.

🩸 Gastrointestinal — Can cause bleeding, ulceration, perforation of stomach/intestines, which can be fatal. Elderly, prior ulcer, alcohol, smoking increase risk.

🧪 Renal & pregnancy — Avoid in advanced kidney disease. Can cause acute kidney injury. Do not use after 20 weeks pregnancy (low amniotic fluid risk).

🚨 Also monitor for: hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis), severe skin reactions (SJS, TEN), DRESS, hyperkalemia, elevated liver enzymes. Signs: black/tarry stools, vomit coffee‑grounds, chest pain, swelling of face, slurred speech.

🔹 frequent side effects

diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, gas
nausea, stomach pain, dizziness
headache, rash, fluid retention (swelling)
abnormal LFTs, increased blood pressure

May also cause drowsiness, tinnitus, "pins and needles", mood changes.

🐾 veterinary context

Widely used in dogs (osteoarthritis). Cats: FDA approves only single injectable dose; repeated oral use in cats linked to acute renal failure and death. EU allows feline oral use with caution, narrow margin.

Also used in cattle, horses, pigs, guinea pigs (different formulations).

🔗 Authoritative sources: Mayo Clinic (Feb 2026) · Wikipedia (Feb 2026) 📅 Page built for public as a reference information about Meloxicam

ⓘ This information is compiled from public resources for reference only. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication. Meloxicam is a prescription drug; do not self‑treat.