How should I take Meloxicam?

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals ( 2.1 ) OA ( 2.2 ) and RA (2.3): Starting dose: 7.5 mg once daily Dose may be increased to 15 mg once daily JRA ( 2.4 ): 7.5 mg once daily in children ≥60 kg Meloxicam Tablets are not interchangeable with approved formulations of oral meloxicam even if the total milligram strength is the same ( 2.6 ) 2.1 General Dosing Instructions Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of meloxicam tablets and other treatment options before deciding to use meloxicam tablets. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 )] . After observing the response to initial therapy with meloxicam tablets, adjust the dose to suit an individual patient's needs. In adults, the maximum recommended daily oral dose of meloxicam tablets is 15 mg regardless of formulation. In patients with hemodialysis, a maximum daily dosage of 7.5 mg is recommended [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Meloxicam tablets may be taken without regard

What are the common side effects?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common (≥5% and greater than placebo) adverse events in adults are diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, dyspepsia, and influenza-like symptoms ( 6.1 ) Adverse events observed in pediatric studies were similar in nature to the adult clinical trial experience ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., at 1-800-399-2561 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch., The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] GI Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] Heart Failure and Edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] Anaphylactic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1.

Who should not take Meloxicam?

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Meloxicam is contraindicated in the following patients: Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to meloxicam or any components of the drug product [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.9 ) ] History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.; Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.8 ) ] In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or any components of the drug product ( 4 ) History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs ( 4 ) In the setting of CABG surgery ( 4 ).

Can I take Meloxicam during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of NSAIDs, including meloxicam, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Because of these risks, limit dose and duration of meloxicam use between about 20 and 30 weeks of gestation, and avoid meloxicam use at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations, Data) . Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus Use of NSAIDs, including meloxicam, at about 30 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment Use of NSAIDs at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy has been associated with cases of fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Data from observational studies regarding potential embryofetal risks of NSAID use in women in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy are inconclusive. In animal reproduction studies, embryofetal death was observed in rats and rabbits treated during the period of organogenesis with meloxicam at oral dos

Can I take Meloxicam while breastfeeding?

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Infertility Females: Based on the mechanism of action, the use of prostaglandin-mediated NSAIDs, including meloxicam, may delay or prevent rupture of ovarian follicles, which has been associated with reversible infertility in some women. Published animal studies have shown that administration of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors has the potential to disrupt prostaglandin-mediated follicular rupture required for ovulation. Small studies in women treated with NSAIDs have also shown a reversible delay in ovulation. Consider withdrawal of NSAIDs, including meloxicam, in women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility.

Can children take Meloxicam?

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of meloxicam in pediatric JRA patients from 2 to 17 years of age has been evaluated in three clinical trials [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] .

Does Meloxicam interact with other medicines?

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS See Table 3 for clinically significant drug interactions with meloxicam.; See also Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.6 , 5.12 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) .; Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact: Meloxicam and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding.; The concomitant use of meloxicam and anticoagulants have an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone.; Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis.; Case-control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone..

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Meloxicam

Illustration of the usual dosage form, not a product photo.

Chemical structure · PubChem CID 54677470

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)Boxed warning: Serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal eventsPrescription only (Schedule H)Jan Aushadhi listed

Meloxicam

मेलोक्सिकाम

Meloxicam is an NSAID for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The label carries a boxed warning for serious heart, stroke and stomach or bowel bleeding risks, which can be fatal and occur without warning symptoms. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before use.

Generic name: Meloxicam
Used for: Relieving signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Label used: Tablets label, oral, DailyMed set 385b7cf4, effective 2026-08
Prescription status (India): Prescription only (Schedule H) in the lists we checked
On NLEM 2022: Not found in the list we checked
NPPA price ceiling: Not listed in the lists we checked

More facts

Jan Aushadhi: Listed (2 product rows)
Banned combinations: None found in the list we checked

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Compiled from official drug labels and Indian government sources. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice.

Safety at a glance

AlcoholNot mentioned in label text
PregnancyNot mentioned in label text
BreastfeedingCaution in label textSee wording
DrivingNot mentioned in label text
KidneyCaution in label textSee wording
LiverCaution in label textSee wording

Taken only from the label text cited on this page. "Not mentioned" does not mean safe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is meloxicam used for?

The label says meloxicam relieves the signs and symptoms of arthritis. It is used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults.

It is also used for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients who weigh 60 kg or more.

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 60 kg or more

Source1

How does meloxicam work?

The label says the exact action is not completely understood. Like other NSAIDs, it blocks cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) and reduces prostaglandins, which drive pain and inflammation.

Source1

How is meloxicam usually taken?

This page covers the US label for meloxicam tablets taken by mouth, with the dosing the label gives for adults and, where the label says so, children.

This is label-level information, not personal advice. Indian pack labels may differ, and your prescriber's instruction always comes first.

The label says to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults, the starting dose is 7.5 mg once daily, which may be raised to 15 mg once daily. The adult maximum is 15 mg a day.

For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the label describes 7.5 mg once daily in children weighing 60 kg or more. Patients on hemodialysis have a maximum of 7.5 mg a day.

Meloxicam may be taken without regard to meals. The label warns these tablets are not interchangeable with other meloxicam formulations at the same strength.

Start 7.5 mg once daily
Maximum 15 mg a day in adults
Lowest dose for shortest time
With or without meals

Source1

What are the side effects of meloxicam?

Common

The label says the most common effects in adults are diarrhea, upper respiratory infections, indigestion and flu-like symptoms. Effects in children were similar.
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Upper respiratory infection
Flu-like symptoms

Serious: get help

Serious effects include heart attack, stroke, stomach or bowel bleeding, liver injury, high blood pressure, heart failure and swelling, kidney problems, allergic reactions and severe skin reactions.
Swelling or high blood pressure

Source1

Who should be careful with meloxicam?

The boxed warning says NSAIDs raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal, and this may start early. Meloxicam must not be used around coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

NSAIDs can cause bleeding, ulcers or holes in the stomach or bowel. Elderly people and those with past ulcers or bleeding are at higher risk.

Do not use meloxicam if you are allergic to it, or had asthma, hives or allergic reactions after aspirin or other NSAIDs. Stop and seek help at the first skin rash.

Heart attack and stroke risk
Stomach or bowel bleeding risk
Not for use around bypass surgery
Allergic to aspirin or NSAIDs: contraindicated
Stop at first skin rash

Source1

What medicines interact with meloxicam?

Search interactions

Anticoagulants such as warfarin
Aspirin and antiplatelet drugs
SSRIs and SNRIs
The label says meloxicam with warfarin or other anticoagulants raises the risk of serious bleeding.
Aspirin, SSRIs and SNRIs also need monitoring for bleeding.
The label says aspirin at pain-relief doses with NSAIDs gives no added benefit.

Source1

How should meloxicam be stored?

The label gives a storage range of 20 to 25 degrees C.

The label also says to keep the container tightly closed.

Follow the storage line on your own pack, and keep medicines out of the reach of children.

Source1

Is meloxicam a prescription medicine in India?

In the Drugs Rules schedules we checked, meloxicam is listed under Schedule H (serial and rule: Schedule H, serial 308 (rules 65 and 97)). Schedule H medicines are sold only on a registered doctor's prescription.

We did not find meloxicam on the National List of Essential Medicines 2022 in the list we checked.

The Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) list we checked has 2 product rows that mention meloxicam. We did not capture prices for them.

Source2 3

What is the price ceiling for meloxicam?

Jan Aushadhi lists meloxicam products including Meloxicam 7.5mg Tablets BP 7.5mg; Meloxicam 15mg Tablets BP 15mg. We have not shown a price for them. Check the pack and the seller for the actual price.

Source2

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking meloxicam?

The label we reviewed does not say. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Source1

Is meloxicam safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

The label lists fetal toxicity among its warnings. The label we reviewed does not describe breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Source1

Should meloxicam be taken with food?

The label says meloxicam may be taken without regard to the timing of meals.

Source1

Can meloxicam affect driving or alertness?

The label we reviewed does not say. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Source1

Can children or older adults take meloxicam?

The label describes use in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis for children weighing 60 kg or more. Elderly people face higher stomach bleeding risk. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Source1

Is meloxicam on the NLEM and Jan Aushadhi list?

We did not find it on NLEM 2022. Yes, several meloxicam products are in the Jan Aushadhi list we checked.

Source2 3

Sources

1U.S. FDA-approved label (DailyMed) (385b7cf4-976a-4a58-9ebc-def8b6e78b75) Open source · 2026-10-15
2PMBJP (Jan Aushadhi) product list (p63:sno1406) Open source · 2026-10-15
3Drugs Rules 1945, Schedules (2022 consolidation) (Schedule H, Schedule H, serial 308 (rules 65 and 97)) Open source · 2026-10-15

Compiled by software from the sources above and checked by automated rules. Last checked: 2026-10-15 · How we use sources · Report a correction

This information is educational and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. It does not tell you what dose you personally should take. In an emergency call 112.

Safety at a glance

What is meloxicam used for?

How does meloxicam work?

How is meloxicam usually taken?

What are the side effects of meloxicam?

Common

Serious: get help

Who should be careful with meloxicam?

What medicines interact with meloxicam?

How should meloxicam be stored?

Is meloxicam a prescription medicine in India?

What is the price ceiling for meloxicam?

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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