Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed to alleviate pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness associated with various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It works by reducing the body’s production of substances that contribute to inflammation, such as prostaglandins.
Understanding Meloxicam Dosing
For adults with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the usual starting dose of meloxicam is 7.5 milligrams (mg) once daily. This initial dose aims to provide effective relief while minimizing potential side effects. A healthcare provider may increase the dosage if more pain control is needed.
The 15 mg dose is often the maximum recommended daily dose for many adults. This higher dose is generally reserved for patients who do not achieve adequate symptom control with the initial 7.5 mg dosage.
Dosages are carefully determined by a healthcare provider based on the specific medical condition and individual patient needs. The goal is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms, balancing therapeutic benefits with potential adverse effects.
Factors Influencing Prescribed Dosage
A doctor considers several factors when determining the appropriate meloxicam dosage. The severity of the arthritic condition plays a significant role; more pronounced symptoms might warrant a higher dose. However, the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect is always preferred.
Patient age is another important consideration, as elderly patients (over 65) may require lower doses. This is due to an increased likelihood of serious stomach, heart, or kidney problems. Kidney and liver function are also assessed, as meloxicam is processed by the liver and eliminated by the kidneys. Patients with severe kidney impairment are typically not recommended meloxicam, and those on hemodialysis have a maximum daily dosage of 7.5 mg.
Concurrent medications can also influence dosage decisions. For instance, combining meloxicam with other NSAIDs can increase the risk of side effects, such as stomach bleeding. Medications that affect the kidneys or blood clotting may also necessitate dose adjustments or increased monitoring.
Potential Adverse Effects and Safety Considerations
Meloxicam carries a risk of side effects, which can be more pronounced at higher doses like 15 mg. Common side effects often involve the digestive system and may include stomach upset, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some individuals might also experience headaches, dizziness, or swelling.
More serious risks are associated with meloxicam, especially with prolonged use or at higher doses. These can include gastrointestinal issues such as bleeding, ulcers, or perforations in the stomach or intestines, which can occur without warning symptoms and may be fatal. Older adults, those with a history of stomach ulcers, or those taking certain other medications are at increased risk for these gastrointestinal events.
Meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, also carries a risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. This risk may increase with the duration of use and in individuals with pre-existing heart disease or risk factors. Kidney problems, such as kidney damage or acute kidney failure, and liver problems, including liver damage, are also potential serious side effects. It is important to take meloxicam exactly as prescribed and not to exceed the recommended dose to help mitigate these risks.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It is important to contact a healthcare provider if you experience side effects from meloxicam that are persistent, worsening, or concerning. Mild side effects, such as stomach upset, may sometimes be managed at home, but if they become severe or do not resolve, medical advice is warranted. This includes persistent abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea.
Immediate medical attention is necessary for signs of serious complications. These include symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as black or tarry stools, vomiting that looks like coffee grounds, or severe stomach pain. Signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech, also require emergency help. Additionally, any indication of kidney problems, such as a significant decrease in urine amount, swelling in the face, fingers, or lower legs, or unusual weight gain, should prompt a call to your doctor.