what is meloxicam? Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibit the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, known mediators of inflammation. This improved safety profile is thought to be ralated to a selective inhibiton of COX-2 relative to COX-1. Evidence is now accumulating that COX-2 inhibition provides the theraupetic effects of NSAID whereas inhibition of constitutive COX-1 is responsible for gastric and renal side effects.
Absorption:
Meloxicam were dose proportional the range 7,5 mg - 15 mg. Mean C max was achieved within 4-5 hours after a 7.5 mg. Meloxicam tablet was taken under fasted conditions, indicating a prolonged drug absorption. Meloxicam concentration peak occurs around 12 to 14 hours post dose suggesting gastrointestinal recirculation.
Distribution:
The mean volume of distribution of meloxicam is approximately 10L. Meloxicam is 99.4% bound to plasma protein (primary albumin) within the theraupetic dose range. Meloxicam penetration in to human red blood cells, after oral dosing, is less than 10%. Meloxicam concentration in synovial fluid, after a single oral dose, 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 is synovial fluid as compared to plasma.
Metabolism:
Meloxicam is almost completely metabolized inactive metabolities. The major metabolite, 5'carboxy meloxicam (60% dose) from P-450 mediated metabolism was formed by oxidation of an intermediate metabolite 5'hydroxymethyl meloxicam which is also excreted to a lesser extent (9% of dose).
Excretion:
Meloxicam excretion is predominantly in the form of metabolites, and occurs to equal extent in the urine and feces. The mean elimination half-life (t 1/2) range from 15 to 20 hours. The elimination half-life is constant across dose levels indicating linear metabolism within the therapeutic dose range. Plasma clearance range from 7 - 9 ml/min
Indications:
Symptomatic treatment of acute exacerbation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Side Effects:
Diarrhea, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, dyspepsia
note: this is not a complete list of meloxicam side effects, you can discuss a more complete side effects with your health-care provider or pharmacist
