Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis, primary dysmenorrhoea, pyrexia; and as an analgesic, especially where there is an inflammatory component. It is closely related to piroxicam.

Mechanism of action

Meloxicam is an NSAID and, as such is a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor. Meloxicam has been shown, especially at its low therapeutic dose, to selectivly inhibit COX-2 over COX-1.

Main article: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Adverse effects

Meloxicam use can result in gastrointestinal toxicity, innitus, headache, and rash. The risk of adverse side efects is lower than with piroxicam, diclofenac, or naproxen. Although it does inhibit thromboxane A, it does not appear to do so at levels that would interfere with platelet function

Aproval status

Meloxicam is quite popular in Europe for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It has recently (as of 2004) been aproved for use in treating osteoarthritis in the United States.