Meloxicam: Frequently Asked Questions Answered
What is Meloxicam?
Meloxicam, sold under the brand names Mobic and Vivlodex, is a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Meloxicam is commonly prescribed for pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Meloxicam is available for oral administration as regular tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), and capsules. Also available for transdermal and intravenous administration since FDA approval in 2020, it is recommended to use Meloxicam discriminately and in low doses for as short a duration as possible.
What are the Uses of Meloxicam?
Like other NSAIDs, Meloxicam reduces swelling, pain, fever, and joint stiffness. Primarily, Meloxicam is prescribed to treat arthritis induced inflammation of the joints and bones. It is also used to treat juvenile idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis for children at least 2 years old and older. Intravenous indication treats moderate to severe pain in adults. Meloxicam is a COX-2 inhibitor and reduces the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation. In isolated cases, Meloxicam has been used to reduce the risk of adverse gastrointestinal effects.