Meloxicam: what it treats, how to take it, and safety tips

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to ease pain and swelling from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces inflammation and pain but doesn’t treat the underlying disease. People use it for daily control of joint pain when acetaminophen isn’t enough or when a longer-lasting anti-inflammatory is needed.

Meloxicam comes as tablets and an oral suspension; some places also offer an injectable form for short-term hospital use. Most people take it once a day because it stays in the body longer than many other NSAIDs. You’ll usually feel an effect within a few hours, but full benefit for chronic conditions can take several days.

Dosing and practical tips

Typical adult dosing starts at 7.5 mg once daily. If needed, doctors may raise the dose to 15 mg daily. Older adults often start low and stay at 7.5 mg to lower side effect risk. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions—don’t split pills or double doses if you miss one.

Take meloxicam with food or milk to cut stomach upset. Avoid heavy alcohol use while on meloxicam because alcohol raises the risk of stomach bleeding. If you’re on other pain meds, tell your doctor—combining NSAIDs or adding blood thinners increases bleeding risk.

Side effects, interactions, and warnings

Common side effects are stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, and occasional dizziness. Serious but less common problems include stomach ulcers or bleeding (look for black stools or severe stomach pain), kidney problems (less urine, swelling), and heart issues (new chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness). Stop the medicine and get help if you notice these signs.

Meloxicam can interact with many drugs. Key ones to watch: blood thinners like warfarin (higher bleeding risk), ACE inhibitors or ARBs plus diuretics (higher chance of kidney damage), lithium and methotrexate (levels can increase). Also avoid taking it with other NSAIDs, including high-dose aspirin, unless your doctor says it’s okay.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: don’t use meloxicam in the third trimester because it can harm the baby’s heart and delay labor. Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy. If you breastfeed, check with your provider before using meloxicam.

For long-term use your doctor may want periodic checks: blood pressure, kidney function (creatinine), and sometimes liver tests. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, or kidney problems, discuss risks and alternatives. Younger, short-term use for an injury is different—still follow the shortest effective course at the lowest dose.

Buying and storage: get meloxicam from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription. Don’t use someone else’s medicine. Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture. If you have questions about your dose, side effects, or interactions, call your healthcare provider or pharmacist—don’t guess.