PHARMACOKINETICS :
Meloxicam is well absorbed following oral administration. It is 99% bound to plasma proteins. It has a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 20 hours. It is extensively metabolised mainly by oxidation and excreted in similar amounts in the urine and in the faeces, less than 3% of a dose is excreted unchanged.
The volume of distribution is increased in severe renal failure.
INDICATIONS :
Meloxicam is used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, for the short term symptomatic treatment of acute exacerbations of osteoarthritis, and for the symptomatic treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION :
In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, meloxicam is given by mouth in a usual dose of 15 mg daily as single dose.
Those with an increased risk of adverse reactions should be started on 7.5 mg daily.
A dose of 7.5 mg daily is recommended for a long-term treatment in the elderly.
In the treatment of acute exacerbations of osteoarthritis the usual daily dose of meloxicam by mouth is 7.5 mg increased if necessary to a maximum of 15 mg daily given as a single dose.
The recommended maximum daily dose in dialysis patients is 7.5 mg.
Or as prescribed by the physicians
CONTRAINDICATION :
Absolute contraindications:
Not to be given to those patiets who have history of:
*Stroke: cerebrovascular accident, CVA
*Heart attack : Myocardial infarction, MI
*Coronary artery bypass graft : CABG
*Uncontrolled hypertension
*Congestive heart failure (CHF) NYHA IHV
WARNING:
Contraindication in patients with history of hypersensitivity to ASA or any other NSAID’s are contraindicated in patients with previous or active peptic ulceration. Use with caution in patients with cardiac, liver and renal disease. Dose adjustment like using the lowest effective dose and monitoring of renal and liver functions should be instituted.
DRUG INTERACTION :
There may be an increased risk of bleeding during concomitant use of meloxicam and oxpentifylline.
ADVERSE EFFECTS :
The commonest adverse effects occurring during therapy with NSAIDs are generally gastrointestinal disturbances, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea; these are usually mild and reversible but in some patients peptic ulceration and severe gastrointestinal bleeding may occur.
CNS related side-effects include headache, vertigo, dizziness, nervousness, tinnitus, depression, drowsiness, and insomnia. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur occasionally and include fever, angioedema, bronchospasm, and rashes. Hepatotoxicity and aseptic meningitis, which occur rarely, may also be hypersensitivity reactions. Some patients may experience visual disturbances.
Haematological adverse effects of NSAID’s include anaemias, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, eosinophilia, and agranulocytosis.
AVAILABILITY :
Meloxicam 7.5 mg tablet, blister pack in aluminum/aluminum foil X 10’s, box of 30’s
Meloxicam 15 mg tablet, blister pack in aluminum/aluminum foil X 10’s, box of 20’s
STORAGE CONDITION:
Store at temperatures not exceeding 30° C.
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