It is generally recommended to take meloxicam once daily, at the same time each day, with or without food. It is best to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the medication label. If you have any questions or concerns, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider.
What is Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. Meloxicam is available as a tablet and oral suspension. It is only available by prescription from a healthcare provider. It is important to note that meloxicam can cause serious side effects, including stomach and intestinal bleeding, heart attack, and stroke, and should be used with caution, particularly if you have a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding or a history of heart or blood vessel problems.
Should I Take Meloxicam at Night or In the Morning
The time of day you take it may not be as important as consistency, taking it at the same time every day. However, some people may prefer taking it in the morning so they don’t have to remember to take it at night.
Recommended Dose of Meloxicam
The recommended dose of meloxicam for adults is meloxicam 7.5 mg to meloxicam 15 mg once daily. The dosage for children is based on weight and is usually between 0.125 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg once daily. The maximum daily dose for children is 7.5 mg. It is important to note that the appropriate dosage of meloxicam depends on a variety of factors, including the patient’s age, weight, and overall health, as well as the condition being treated, and the patient’s response to the medication. Therefore, it is essential to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider and on the medication label. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose as needed.
Meloxicam Side Effects
Meloxicam can cause a number of side effects, some of which can be serious. Common side effects of the drug include:
- Upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas
- Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, depression
- Skin rash, itching, hives
- Swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
More serious side effects of meloxicam include:
- Stomach and intestinal bleeding, ulcers, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal
- Heart attack, stroke, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Liver damage
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Kidney damage
- Allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Blood disorders, such as anemia and bleeding or bruising more easily
It’s also important to note that Meloxicam can cause serious stomach bleeding. The risk is higher if you take Meloxicam together with other drugs that also cause stomach bleeding. The risk of stomach bleeding is also increased in older adults and in people who have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems in the past.
Meloxicam and Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of stomach bleeding when taking meloxicam. It is therefore recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking meloxicam.
Drinking alcohol while taking meloxicam can also increase your risk of stomach bleeding and liver damage. Additionally, drinking alcohol while taking meloxicam can lead to an increased risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects. If you have liver or kidney disease, it may be more difficult for your body to process the drug, so you may need to take a lower dose of meloxicam.
Does Meloxicam Make You Sleepy
Drowsiness is a possible side effect of taking meloxicam. Some people may experience drowsiness or a feeling of sedation while taking the drug. This side effect can be particularly pronounced in older adults and in people who have kidney or liver problems. If you experience drowsiness while taking meloxicam, it is important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the drug affects you.
If you find that meloxicam makes you excessively drowsy, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative medication.
It can be a side effect of most of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which meloxicam is one of them, so it’s not specific to Meloxicam, but a general side effect of the class of the drug.
