Is meloxicam a sulfa drug?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 7, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

I took one 7.5mg meloxicam and had severe abdominal cramps and pain. Is this a sulfa drug? I have an allergic reaction to Macrobid which I believe is a sulfa drug. I took the meloxicam with food as suggested an was up all night with bad pain. I am trying to figure out if I had an allergic reaction or the drug is just hard on the intestines?

Meloxicam does contain sulfa, although not the typical sulfonamide structure which typically occurs in those with sulfa allergies.
If you are experiencing unwanted side effects, the best thing is to see your doctor.

Click on this link for more information:
https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/drugs-avoided-sulfa-allergy-3563530/

Meloxicam is chemically designated as 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(5-methyl-2-thiazolyl)-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide-1,1-dioxide.
See: https://www.drugs.com/pro/meloxicam.html - scroll down to chemical structure.

Meloxicam is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Should I take meloxicam at night or in the morning?

Meloxicam is a once-daily non-steroid antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that you can take by mouth at any time of the day. Try to take your medicine at the same time each day with food or a meal to help prevent an upset stomach. The manufacturer states you can take it with or without meals, but if it causes you stomach upset, you should take it with a meal. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed, at the lowest dose possible for your treatment, and for the shortest time period needed.

How much meloxicam can I give my dog?

The amount of meloxicam you can give your dog will depend on your dog’s weight. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully. The typical dose is 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) on day 1 given by mouth or mixed with food, then 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) once a day. Continue reading

Is meloxicam very similar to Celebrex?

At lower doses, meloxicam is more similar to Celebrex (celecoxib) than it is to other NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, because it is relatively selective for the COX-2 enzyme. But at higher doses, even within the prescribed range, meloxicam can inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which may lead to side effects like stomach ulcers or bleeding. COX-2 selectivity is a dose-related effect. Continue reading

Is meloxicam a sulfa drug?

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Should I take meloxicam at night or in the morning?

How much meloxicam can I give my dog?

Is meloxicam very similar to Celebrex?

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