Meloxicam
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. It is commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions affecting the joints.
Meloxicam is an NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting COX enzymes and is used to treat arthritis and acute pain conditions.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M01AC06
- RxNorm
- 41493
- Generic
- Meloxicam
- Class
- atc-m01
- Brands
- Metacam, Loxicom, Meloxidyl, Ostilox, Mobic, Vivlodex, Qmiiz, Alloxate, Anjeso, Zynrelef, Meloxivet, Symbravo, Xifyrm, Qamzova, Zybic
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, rectal
- Forms
- injection, suspension, capsule, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 7.5mg to 15mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 7.5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterdo not use
contraindicated in third trimester due to risk of premature closure of ductus arteriosus
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
meloxicam passes into breast milk; use with caution in breastfeeding mothers
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 years and olderweight-based dosing required
approved for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in pediatric patients; use appropriate pediatric formulation
regular monitoring of growth, renal function, and GI tolerance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart with lowest effective dose
increased risk of GI bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events; use lowest effective dose for shortest duration
regular monitoring of renal function, blood pressure, and GI symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose, monitor renal function
use with caution; may worsen renal function especially in patients with pre-existing renal disease
monitor serum creatinine and renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid use
contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose if necessary
use with caution; meloxicam is metabolized in liver
monitor liver function tests regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid concurrent use
avoid alcohol consumption while taking meloxicam due to increased risk of GI bleeding
monitor for signs of GI bleeding
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Mobic brand
Drug class
Drug class classification
Elimination half-life
Pharmacokinetic properties
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Meloxicam is used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and acute pain conditions such asankylosing spondylitis. It helps reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with these inflammatory conditions.
Meloxicam works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), which are responsible for producing prostaglandins. By reducing prostaglandin levels, it decreases inflammation, pain, and fever.
Meloxicam may increase risk of serious cardiovascular events, GI bleeding, and kidney problems. It should be avoided late in pregnancy and by patients with active peptic ulcers. Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy