Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. First approved in the United States in 2000, it is indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).
Administration for Meloxicam
Adult Patients (OA and RA)
Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally, once daily.
Some patients may have the dose increased to 15 mg once daily.
Maximum recommended dose: 15 mg per day, regardless of the dosage form.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)
Pediatric patients with a body weight of ≥ 60 kg: 7.5 mg once daily.
Pediatric patients with a body weight of < 60 kg: Meloxicam tablets should not be used.
Important Precautions
Meloxicam may be taken with or without food.
Individualized treatment goals should be established for each patient.
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of treatment.
Non-Interchangeability of Dosage Forms
Even if the total milligram strength is the same, the systemic exposure of Meloxicam tablets is not equivalent to that of other approved oral Meloxicam formulations.
Meloxicam tablets should not be interchanged with other oral Meloxicam products.
Dosage Adjustment for Meloxicam
Patients with Renal Impairment
Mild to moderate renal impairment: No dosage adjustment is required.
Severe renal impairment: Use of Meloxicam is not recommended.
Hemodialysis patients: The maximum dose is 7.5 mg per day.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Mild to moderate hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment is required.
Severe hepatic impairment: Sufficient studies have not been conducted.
Administration in Special Populations for Meloxicam
Pregnant Women
Approximately 30 weeks of gestation and beyond: Avoid using Meloxicam.
Approximately 20 to 30 weeks of gestation: If treatment is necessary, limit it to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration.
If treatment is required for more than 48 hours, consider ultrasound monitoring of amniotic fluid volume.
If oligohydramnios occurs, discontinue Meloxicam and follow up in accordance with clinical practice.
Lactating Women
There are no data on whether Meloxicam is present in human milk.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered, along with the mother’s clinical need for Meloxicam.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
No dosage adjustment is required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
Sufficient studies have not been conducted in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Patients with Renal Impairment
No dosage adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal impairment.
Use is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment.
The maximum dose for hemodialysis patients is 7.5 mg per day.
