Meloxicam (Mobic)

• Generic name: Meloxicam
• Brand/Trade names: Mobic
• Dosages:
  Tablets 7.5 mg, 15 mg
  Oral suspension 7.5 mg per 5 mL
• Pharmacologic category: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
• FDA approved: April 13, 2000
• Manufacturer: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM
• Habit forming? No
• Pregnancy risk factor: C

Meloxicam (Mobic), an oxicam derivative, is a member of the enolic acid group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Meloxicam is indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Metabolism: Meloxicam undergoes extensive biotransformation in the liver (99%) and is eliminated through both the biliary and the urinary systems.
• Elimination half-life: 15 to 20 h
• Excretion: Meloxicam is equally excreted in the urine and feces, mainly in the form of metabolites.

• Once-day dosing. A primary advantage of the Oxicam family of drugs is their long half-life which permits once-day dosing.
• Less gastrointestinal side effects. Gastrointestinal tolerability is superior to that of other NSAIDs. In particular, meloxicam has lower incidence of gastrointestinal side effects compared with diclofenac or piroxicam.
• Does not change the platelet aggregation process.

• Cardiovascular side effects. Meloxicam may cause cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, stroke, and new onset or worsening of preexisting hypertension.
• Gastrointestinal side effects. Long-term use of NSAIDs predisposes for peptic ulcers.

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Acute shoulder pain
• Back pain

Meloxicam produces anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. The mechanism of action of meloxicam may be related to prostaglandin synthetase (cyclo-oxygenase) inhibition. Meloxicam has been shown, especially at its low therapeutic dose, to selectively inhibit COX-2 over COX-1.

• 1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Meloxicam (Mobic) U.S. Prescribing Information. Available at (PDF format): Prescribing Information