Meloxicam (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to meloxicam or another NSAID drug, including aspirin.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
You may take this medicine with or without food. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk.
Capsule or tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
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.

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:
- Cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexed
- Blood pressure medicine
- Blood thinner (including warfarin)
- Diuretic (water pill)
- Medicine to treat depression
- Steroid medicine (including hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

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 to.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, blood circulation problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, 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:
- High risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or heart failure
- High risk of stomach or bowel bleeding
- High blood pressure
- Liver or kidney problems
- High potassium levels in the blood
- Serious skin reactions
Tell your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant. Some women who take this medicine have trouble getting pregnant.
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.

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017