Health Library

Meloxicam (By mouth)

Meloxicam (mel-OX-i-kam)

Treats symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This medicine is an NSAID.

Brand Name(s):

Mobic, Qmiiz

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• If this medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk.
• Capsule or tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Disintegrating tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to use it. Peel back the foil on the blister to remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth or onto your tongue. It should melt quickly. Swallow the melted tablet with or without drinking any liquid.
• Oral liquid: Shake the bottle gently before use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use aspirin or any other NSAID medicine (including diflunisal, salsalate) unless your doctor says it is okay.
• Do not take the oral liquid together with sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Meloxicam oral liquid contains sorbitol, which may cause a serious bowel problem if taken with sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
• Some medicines can affect how meloxicam works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Amiodarone, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digoxin, fluconazole, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexed, sulphaphenazole
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat depression (including SNRIs, SSRIs)
  • Steroid medicine (including hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy unless your doctor tells you it is okay.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart failure, asthma, bleeding problems, high blood pressure, any heart or blood vessel problems, phenylketonuria, a recent heart attack, or a history of ulcers or other stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or heart failure
  • Bleeding problems, including stomach or bowel bleeding or ulcer
  • Liver problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney problems
  • Serious skin reactions
• This medicine may cause a delay in ovulation for women and may decrease sperm count in men, which can affect their ability to have children. If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, bloody or black, tarry stools
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, diarrhea, heartburn

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024