Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam family, with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. The bioavailability of Meloxicam following oral administration is 89% on the average. With the doses of 7.5 mg & 15 mg plasma concentrations are proportional to dose: 0.4 to 1.0 mg/litre for 7.5 mg & 0.8 to 2.0 mg/litre for 15 mg, on an average. Meloxicam is very strongly bound to plasma proteins, essentially albumin (99%). Meloxicam is extensively metabolised, chiefly by oxidation of the methyl redical attached to the thiazolyl ring. Elimination in unchanged form accounts for 3% of the dose. Half of the substance is eliminated in urine & the other half in the faeces. The mean elimination half life is 20 hours.
Other NSAIDs, including high doses of salicylates: Administration of several NSAIDs together may increase the risk of ulcers and of gastrointestinal bleeding, via a synergistic effect.
Oral anticoagulants, heparin and ticlopidine: Increased risk of bleeding via inhibition of platelet function and damage to the gastroduodenal mucosa. Careful monitoring of the effects of anticoagulants is thus essential if it proves impossible to avoid such combined prescription.
Lithium: NSAIDs increase blood lithium levels, which may then reach toxic values.
Methotrexate: NSAIDs may accentuate the haematologic toxicity of methotrexate.
Intrauterine contraceptive devices: NSAIDs appear to decrease the efficacy of intrauterine contraceptive devices.
Hypersensitivity, asthma, nasal polyps, angioneurotic oedema or urticaria, active peptic ulcer, severe hepatic failure, nondialysed severe renal failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, cerebrovascular bleeding or other bleeding disorders.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation or diarrhoea, ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, skin rash, urticaria, oedema of the lower limbs, asthma, headache, vertigo or drowsiness may occur.
Store Meloxicam tablet in a cool & dry place and away from light. Store Meloxicam suppository below 25˚C protected from light and moisture.
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