Should I take meloxicam at night or in the morning?
Overview
- Meloxicam is a once-daily non-steroid antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that you can take by mouth at any time of the day.
- It's best take your medicine at about the same time each day, and with food or a meal to help prevent an upset stomach.
- Take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes it, at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest time period needed.
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.
Meloxicam is approved to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis).
It is available as a generic tablet, capsule and oral liquid suspension, as a brand name tablet called Mobic. Anjeso is an intravenous (given into a vein) solution brand name product used for the treatment of pain. The generic tablet form of meloxicam is very affordable in the US.
How much meloxicam can I take in one day?
In adults, the maximum recommended daily oral dose of meloxicam is 15 mg regardless of formulation. If you have kidney disease, you may not be able to use this medicine or you may need a lower dose.
The recommended oral maximum dose of Meloxicam is 7.5 mg once daily in children who weigh at least 60 kg (132 lbs). Higher doses do not offer any additional benefit in children. Meloxicam tablets should not be used in children who weigh less than 60 kg (132 lbs).
Does meloxicam have a Boxed Warning?
Yes, as with all NSAIDs, meloxicam carries a Boxed Warning detailing serious safety issues related to stomach and intestinal bleeding, as well as heart risks. These events may occur at any time and without warning.
- NSAIDs can cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, which can be deadly.
- NSAIDs cause an elevated risk for serious digestive tract effects like bleeding, ulcers, and tears in stomach or intestines, which can be deadly.
- Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or digestive tract (gastrointestinal) bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events.
- Meloxicam should not be used if you are having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Discuss this with your doctor.
Related questions
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Bottom Line
- You can take meloxicam at any time of the day, but try to take it as the same time each day consistently. Only take this drug as directed by your doctor.
- It may be best to take it with food or a meal to help prevent stomach upset, but the manufacturer states you can take it with or without food. In general, NSAIDs are generally taken with food.
- Be sure to discuss side effects, which can be severe, with your doctor. Older patients may be at a greater risk for serious side effects.
This is not all the information you need to know about meloxicam for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Meloxicam FDA monograph. Professional. Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 1, 2021. Accessed July 11, 2022 at https://www.drugs.com/pro/meloxicam.html
- Medication Guide for Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Revised: 06/2021. Rising Pharma. Accessed July 11, 2022 at https://www.risingpharma.com/Medguides/MeloxicamTabletMG.pdf
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Drug information
- Meloxicam Information for Consumers
- Meloxicam prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Meloxicam (detailed)
- Meloxicam user reviews (600)
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