Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Mobic, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a601242 |
License data | |
Pregnancy category |
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Routes of administration | By mouth, intravenous |
ATC code | |
Legal status | |
Legal status | |
Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | 89% [7] |
Protein binding | 99.4% [7] |
Metabolism | Liver (CYP2C9 and 3A4-mediated) [7] |
Elimination half-life | 20 hours [7] |
Excretion | Urine and feces equally [7] |
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CAS Number | |
PubChem CID | |
IUPHAR/BPS | |
DrugBank | |
ChemSpider | |
UNII | |
KEGG | |
ChEBI | |
ChEMBL | |
PDB ligand | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.113.257 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C14H13N3O4S2 |
Molar mass | 351.40 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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Meloxicam, sold under the brand name Mobic among others, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation in rheumatic diseases and osteoarthritis. [8] [9] It is used by mouth or by injection into a vein. [9] [10] It is recommended that it be used for as short a period as possible and at a low dose. [9]
Common side effects include abdominal pain, dizziness, swelling, headache, and a rash. [9] Serious side effects may include heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and stomach ulcers. [9] Use is not recommended in the third trimester of pregnancy. [9] It blocks cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) more than it blocks cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). [9] It is in the oxicam family of chemicals and is closely related to piroxicam. [9]
Meloxicam was patented in 1977 and approved for medical use in the United States in 2000. [9] [11] It was developed by Boehringer Ingelheim; however, it is also available as a generic medication. [9] In 2021, it was the 32nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 18 million prescriptions. [12] [13] An intravenous version of meloxicam (Anjeso) was approved for medical use in the United States in February 2020. [14] [10]
Meloxicam use can result in gastrointestinal toxicity and bleeding, headaches, rash, and very dark or black stool (a sign of intestinal bleeding). It has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than diclofenac, [15] piroxicam, [16] naproxen, [17] and perhaps all other NSAIDs which are not COX-2 selective. [15]
In October 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required the drug label to be updated for all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to describe the risk of kidney problems in unborn babies that result in low amniotic fluid. [18] [19] They recommend avoiding NSAIDs in pregnant women at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy. [18] [19]
Like other NSAIDs, its use is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. [20] Although meloxicam inhibits formation of thromboxane A, it does not appear to do so at levels that would interfere with platelet function. [21] [22] A pooled analysis of randomized, controlled studies of meloxicam therapy of up to 60 days duration found that meloxicam was associated with a statistically significantly lower number of thromboembolic complications than the NSAID diclofenac (0.2% versus 0.8% respectively) but a similar incidence of thromboembolic events to naproxen and piroxicam. [23]
People with hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes are at risk for cardiovascular side effects. People with family history of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke should tell their treating physician as the potential for serious cardiovascular side effects is significant. [24] [25]
NSAIDs cause an increase in the risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events. [26]
It is recommended to withhold meloxicam use for at least four to six half-lives prior to surgical or dental procedures due to increased risk for taste perversion, ulcerative stomatitis and dry mouth.[ medical citation needed ]
Meloxicam blocks cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme responsible for converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H2—the first step in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation. Meloxicam has been shown, especially at low therapeutic doses, to selectively inhibit COX-2 over COX-1. [7]
Meloxicam concentrations in synovial fluid range from 40% to 50% of those in plasma. The free fraction in synovial fluid is 2.5 times higher than in plasma, due to the lower albumin content in synovial fluid as compared to plasma. The significance of this penetration is unknown, [26] but it may account for the fact that it performs exceptionally well in treatment of arthritis in animal models. [27]
The bioavailability of meloxicam is decreased when administered orally compared to an equivalent IV bolus dose. Different oral formulations of meloxicam are not bioequivalent. [9] Use of oral meloxicam following a high-fat breakfast increases the mean peak drug levels by about 22%; however, the manufacturer does not make any specific meal recommendations. In addition, the use of antacids does not show pharmacokinetic interactions. [4] With chronic dosing, the time to maximum plasma concentration following oral administration is approximately 5–6 hours. [28]
The mean volume of distribution of meloxicam is approximately 10 L. It is highly protein-bound, mainly to albumin. [22] [28]
Meloxicam is extensively metabolized in the liver by the enzymes CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 (minor) into four inactive metabolites. Peroxidase activity is thought to be responsible for the other two remaining metabolites. [4] [29]
Meloxicam is predominantly excreted in the form of metabolites and occurs to equal extents in the urine and feces. [4] Traces of unchanged parent drug are found in urine and feces. [4] The mean elimination half-life ranges from 15 to 20 hours. [4]
Use of meloxicam is not recommended in people with peptic ulcer disease or increased gastrointestinal bleed risk, including those over 75 years of age or those taking medications associated with bleeding risk. [30]
Adverse events have been found to be dose-dependent and associated with length of treatment. [30] [4]
Meloxicam is used in veterinary medicine to treat dogs, [31] [32] but also sees off-label use in other animals such as cattle and exotics. [33] [34]
The most common side effects include gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhea, and ulceration). [31]
In healthy dogs given meloxicam, no perioperative adverse effects on the cardiovascular system have been reported at recommended dosages. [35] Perioperative administration of meloxicam to cats did not affect postoperative respiratory rate nor heart rate. [36]
Meloxicam has been investigated as an alternative to diclofenac by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to prevent deaths of vultures. [37]
The issue of using meloxicam in cats involves conflicting guidelines, differing legislation, and a narrow therapeutic safety margin that can easily turn the drug from cure to poison. More specifically:
The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) approves the use of meloxicam in cats only in injectable form and only as a one-time injection given before surgery. [38] [39] It does not approve meloxicam oral suspension for cats and it does not approve meloxicam spray for cats because after reviewing numerous reports of meloxicam side effects in cats, it has identified many cases of acute renal failure and death and has added the following boxed warning to the products' label: "Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not administer additional injectable or oral meloxicam to cats. See Contraindications, Warnings, and Precautions for detailed information." [40] In contrast, in the European Union and other continents or countries, the use of the drug in cats is allowed. [41] [42]
Another conflicting guideline concerns a specific meloxicam oral suspension product for cats. Its instruction sheet states that: "Typical adverse reactions of NSAIDs such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, faecal occult blood, apathy and renal failure have occasionally been reported. These side effects are in most cases transient and disappear following termination of the treatment but in very rare cases may be serious or fatal." [43] However, the main page of the official website of the same meloxicam product states: "Important Safety Information: DO NOT USE [...] ORAL SUSPENSION IN CATS. Acute renal failure and death have been associated with the use of meloxicam in cats." [44]
The data sheets for meloxicam products for cats also state that: "Meloxicam has a narrow therapeutic safety margin in cats and clinical signs of overdose may be seen at relatively small overdose levels." [43] The dosage policy for meloxicam oral suspension products for cats as described in the data sheets defines the amount administered as proportional to body weight. There is no separate dosage guideline for overweight or obese cats. This is worth mentioning on the one hand because the article Drug dosing in obese adults [45] advocates that the use of total body weight in obese adults may lead to drug toxicity and suggests individualised dosing based on the patient's ideal rather than actual body weight, and, on the other hand, precisely because the range safety of meloxicam for cats is so limited.
Some additional information about giving meloxicam to cats from researchers is as follows: A peer-reviewed journal article cites NSAIDs, including meloxicam, as causing gastrointestinal upset and, at high doses, acute kidney injury and CNS signs such as seizures and comas in cats. It adds that cats have a low tolerance for NSAIDs. [46] [47] Also, in another scientific journal there is talk of research according to which cats that received meloxicam had greater proteinuria at 6 months than cats that received placebo. It was concluded that meloxicam should be used with caution in cats with chronic kidney disease. [48]
In dogs, the absorption of meloxicam from the stomach is not affected by the presence of food, [49] with the peak concentration (Cmax) of meloxicam occurring in the blood 7–8 hours after administration. [49] The half-life of meloxicam is approximately 24 hours in dogs. [49]
In the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), very little meloxicam is absorbed into the blood after oral administration (that is, it has poor bioavailability). [50]
In 2003, meloxicam was approved in the U.S. for use in dogs for the management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, as an oral (liquid) formulation of meloxicam. [51] In January 2005, the product insert added a warning in bold-face type: "Do not use in cats." [52] An injectable formulation for use in dogs was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2003. [53]
In October 2004, a formulation for use in cats was approved for use prior to surgery only. [54] This is an injectable meloxicam, indicated for as a single, one-time dose only, with specific and repeated warnings not to administer a second dose. [55]
In 2005, the FDA sent a Notice of Violation to the manufacturer for its promotional materials which included promotion of the drug for off-label use. [56]
In February 2020, meloxicam injection was approved for use in the United States. The FDA granted the approval of Anjeso to Baudax Bio. [10] [57]
In Europe the product is licensed for other anti-inflammatory benefits including relief from both acute and chronic pain in dogs. Meloxicam is also licensed for use in horses, to relieve the pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders. [58]
Meloxicam was authorised for use in cattle throughout the European Union in January 1998, via a centralised marketing authorisation. [59] The first generic meloxicam product was approved in 2006. [59]
As of June 2008 [update] , meloxicam is registered for long-term use in cats in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. [60] In the United Kingdom, meloxicam is licensed for use in cats, guinea pigs, horses, and livestock including pigs and cattle. [61]
Ketoprofen is one of the propionic acid class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) with analgesic and antipyretic effects. It acts by inhibiting the body's production of prostaglandin.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are members of a therapeutic drug class which reduces pain, decreases inflammation, decreases fever, and prevents blood clots. Side effects depend on the specific drug, its dose and duration of use, but largely include an increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds, heart attack, and kidney disease.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic agent used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. It is a widely used over the counter medication. Common brand names include Tylenol and Panadol.
Diclofenac, sold under the brand name Voltaren, among others, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammatory diseases such as gout. It can be taken orally, inserted rectally as a suppository, injected intramuscularly (IM), injected intravenously (IV), or applied to the skin topically. Improvements in pain last up to eight hours. It is also available in combination with misoprostol in an effort to decrease stomach problems.
Naproxen, sold under the brand name Aleve among others, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, menstrual cramps, and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and fever. It is taken orally. It is available in immediate and delayed release formulations. Onset of effects is within an hour and lasts for up to twelve hours.
Phenylbutazone, often referred to as "bute", is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for the short-term treatment of pain and fever in animals.
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, also known as coxibs, are a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that directly target cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain. Targeting selectivity for COX-2 reduces the risk of peptic ulceration and is the main feature of celecoxib, rofecoxib, and other members of this drug class.
Etoricoxib, sold under the brand name Arcoxia, is a selective COX-2 inhibitor developed and commercialized by Merck. It is approved in 63 countries worldwide as of 2007, except the United States where the Food and Drug Administration sent a Non Approvable Letter to Merck and required them to provide additional data.
Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam class used to relieve the symptoms of painful inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Piroxicam works by preventing the production of endogenous prostaglandins which are involved in the mediation of pain, stiffness, tenderness and swelling. The medicine is available as capsules, tablets and, in some countries, as a prescription-free gel 0.5%. It is also available in a betadex formulation, which allows a more rapid absorption of piroxicam from the digestive tract. Piroxicam is one of the few NSAIDs that can be given parenteral routes.
Nimesulide is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with pain medication and fever reducing properties. Its approved indications are the treatment of acute pain, the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis, and primary dysmenorrhoea in adolescents and adults above 12 years old.
Pentosan polysulfate, sold under the brand name Elmiron among others, is a medication used for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. It was approved for medical use in the United States in 1996.
Carprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the carbazole and propionic acid class that was previously for use in humans and animals but is now only available to veterinarians for prescribing as a supportive treatment for various conditions in animals. Carprofen reduces inflammation by inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2; its specificity for COX-2 varies from species to species. Marketed under many brand names worldwide, carprofen is used as a treatment for inflammation and pain, including joint pain and postoperative pain.
Diflunisal is a salicylic acid derivative with analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. It was developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme in 1971, as MK647, after showing promise in a research project studying more potent chemical analogs of aspirin. It was first sold under the brand name Dolobid, marketed by Merck & Co., but generic versions are now widely available. It is classed as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is available in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets.
Deracoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the coxib class, used in dogs to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis, or to prevent pain following orthopedic or dental surgery. It is available as beef-flavored tablets.
Tepoxalin, sold under the brand name Zubrin among others, is a non-steroidal anti-flammatory drug (NSAIDs) generally used in veterinary medicine to reduce swelling in animals with osteoarthritis. In rare circumstances, tepoxalin can also be used in human pharmacology to relieve pain caused by musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Meclofenamic acid is a drug used for joint, muscular pain, arthritis and dysmenorrhea. It is a member of the anthranilic acid derivatives class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and was approved by the US FDA in 1980. Like other members of the class, it is a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, preventing the formation of prostaglandins.
Naproxcinod (nitronaproxen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) developed by the French pharmaceutical company NicOx. It is a derivative of naproxen with a nitroxybutyl ester to allow it to also act as a nitric oxide (NO) donor. This second mechanism of action makes naproxcinod the first in a new class of drugs, the cyclooxygenase inhibiting nitric oxide donators (CINODs), that are hoped to produce similar analgesic efficacy to traditional NSAIDs, but with less gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects.
Maropitant (INN; brand name: Cerenia, used as maropitant citrate (USAN), is a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist developed by Zoetis specifically for the treatment of motion sickness and vomiting in dogs. It was approved by the FDA in 2007, for use in dogs and in 2012, for cats.
Norbrook is a United Kingdom-based pharmaceutical company. It was founded in 1969 by Lord Ballyedmond as Norbrook Laboratories Ltd in Northern Ireland. In 1970, Norbrook began manufacturing of veterinary pharmaceuticals. In 2011 the Norbrook Group was listed by the Belfast Telegraph in its Top 100 Companies list as being in position 28.
Grapiprant, sold under the brand name Galliprant, is a small molecule drug that belongs in the piprant class. This analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug is primarily used as a pain relief for mild to moderate inflammation related to osteoarthritis in dogs. Grapiprant has been approved by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine and was categorized as a non-cyclooxygenase inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in March 2016.
Meloxicam is extensively bound to plasma proteins (99.4%), primarily to albumin. Meloxicam has an apparent volume of distribution (Vd) 10 – 15 L in humans (0.1 – 0.2 L/kg) after oral administration and a mean volume of distribution at steady-state of 0.2 L/kg after intravenous administration."
"None of the meloxicam treatment groups demonstrated inhibition of platelet aggregation to either arachidonic acid (AC) or adenosine diphosphate (ADP). However, there were no significant changes in the platelet count, prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time in any of the meloxicam and indomethacin groups. Other crossover studies also confirmed that meloxicam 15 mg/day caused a major reduction of maximum thromboxane production, but no reduction in collagen- or AC-induced platelet aggregation.
Metacam is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to control pain and inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritis in dogs. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition caused by "wear and tear" of cartilage and other parts of the joints that may result in the following changes or signs in your dog: Limping or lameness, decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, climb stairs, jump or run, or difficulty in performing these activities), stiffness or decreased movement of joints. Metacam is given to dogs by mouth. Do not use Metacam Oral Suspension in cats. Acute kidney injury and death have been associated with the use of meloxicam in cats.