Meloxicam (NSAID)

Question 1

What are the brand names of meloxicam?

Answer 1

Mobic, Vivlodex, Anjeso

Question 2

What are the available tablet strengths of meloxicam? (Mobic)

Answer 2

7.5mg & 15mg

Question 3

What are the available capsule strengths of meloxicam?

Answer 3

5mg & 10mg

Question 4

What are the available injection strengths of meloxicam?

Answer 4

30mg/1mL

Question 5

What are the FDA approved indications and dosages of Meloxicam?

Answer 5

• For the relief of signs & symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Recommended starting dose & maintenance dose is 7.5mg once daily. Some patients may receive addiotnal benefit by increasing the dose to 15mg once daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 15mg.
• For the relief of the signs and symptoms of pauciar-ticular and polyarticular course Juvenille Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) in patients 2 years of age and older: The recommended oral dose is 0.125 mg/kg once daily, up to a maximum of 7.5 mg

Question 6

What should the providers monitor when their patient is taking meloxicam?

Answer 6

Liver Function Tests, Renal Function Tests

Question 7

What is the mechanism of action of meloxicam?

Answer 7

The mechanism of action of meloxicam is probably due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase resulting in a decreased biosynthesis of prostaglandins.

Question 8

What are the drug interactions of meloxicam?

Answer 8

• May increase serum levels of lithium.
• May decrease the effects of ace inhibitors.
• Cholestyramine increases the clearance of meloxicam.
• Adverse effects may increase with other NSAIDs and aspirin.
• Use with caution in patients taking warfarin.

Question 9

What are the contraindications of meloxicam?

Answer 9

• Contraindicated in patients hyper sensitive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents or aspirin.
• Use with extreme caution in patients with advanced renal disease and a patient with a prior history of also disease or G.I. bleeding.
• NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular diabetic offense, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
• NSAIDs have been involved in rare cases of G.I. bleeding incidents.
• Use with caution in patients with liver impairment, asthma, hypertension, fluid retention, heart failure, bleeding disorders, and in the elderly. NSAIDs should be used with caution during pregnancy because they may cause premature closure of the doctors arteriosus.
• Pregnancy Category C

Question 10

What are the adverse effects of meloxicam?

Answer 10

The most frequent adverse effects are GI in nature and include, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulene, and nausea.

Question 11

What should the pharmacist tell the patient when counseling them on the use of meloxicam?

Answer 11

• Compliance with therapy is essential, may require up to two weeks to see noticeable improvement in arthritic conditions.
• May take with food or milk if GI upset occurs.
• Shake suspension well before using.
  Concurrent ingestion of alcohol may increase ulcerogenic effect.
• Avoid aspirin or products containing aspirin w/o first consulting a physician.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If it is closer to the time of your next dose than the dose you missed, skip the missed dose and return to your dosing schedule.
• Contact a physician if signs of hepatic failure (fatigue, lethargy, pruritus, jaundice, upper right quadrant tenderness, flu-like symptoms), GI ulceration, skin rash, edema, or weight gain occur.