Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) first approved for marketing in the United States in 2000. As a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), it exerts analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects by blocking the production of prostaglandins during the inflammatory process.
Indications for Meloxicam
Therapeutic Areas in Adults
Meloxicam is primarily indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults.
For osteoarthritis, this medication effectively relieves symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and functional impairment.
In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Meloxicam can significantly improve key indicators including morning stiffness duration, joint swelling, and pain scores.
Indications in Pediatric Patients
Meloxicam is also indicated for adolescent patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) who have a body weight of ≥ 60 kg, specifically targeting patients with oligoarticular or polyarticular disease course.
Contraindications for Use
Patients with a known allergy to Meloxicam or any component of the medication.
Patients with a history of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions.
Patients in the perioperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.
Specifications and Properties of Meloxicam
Dosage Specifications
Meloxicam is available as pale yellow tablets in two strengths: 7.5 mg and 15 mg.
The 7.5 mg tablets are round, biconvex, and uncoated. One side is embossed with the Boehringer Ingelheim logo, and the other side is embossed with the letter "M".
The 15 mg tablets are oval, biconvex, and uncoated. One side is embossed with the number "15", and the other side is embossed with the letter "M".
Drug Composition
Active ingredient: Meloxicam. Its chemical name is 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(5-methyl-2-thiazolyl)-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide-1,1-dioxide, with a molecular weight of 351.4.
Molecular formula: C₁₄H₁₃N₃O₄S₂.
Excipients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and sodium citrate dihydrate.
Physicochemical Properties
Meloxicam is a pale yellow solid. It is practically insoluble in water, highly soluble in strong acids and strong alkalis, and slightly soluble in methanol.
The apparent partition coefficient of this substance in n-octanol/buffer (pH 7.4) is 0.1, and its pKa values are 1.1 and 4.2.
Storage Methods for Meloxicam
Storage Environment Requirements
Meloxicam should be stored at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F), with short-term storage allowed within the range of 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
Packaging Protection Measures
The medication must be stored in its original packaging.
Store in a dry place: Ensure the storage environment is dry.
Airtight container: Use sealed containers for repackaging (if necessary).
Protect from light: Prevent direct exposure to sunlight.
Handling Precautions
Always keep the tablets in their original moisture-proof packaging.
Remove from the packaging only before the first use.
Keep out of the reach of children to ensure safe storage of the medication.
