Article: Meloxicam

Meloxicam
Systematic (IUPAC) name
9-[hydroxy-[(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl) amino]methylidene] -8-methyl-7,7-dioxo-7$l^{ 6}- thia-8-azabicyclo[4.4.0]deca-1,3,5-trien-10-one
Identifiers
CAS number	71125-38-7
ATC code	M01AC06
PubChem	5281106
DrugBank	APRD00529
Chemical data
Formula	C14H13N3O4S2
Mol. weight	351.403 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	99.4%
Metabolism	?
Half life	15 hours-20 hours
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status
Routes	?

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.

In Europe it is marketed under the names of Movalis, Melox, and Recoxa.

Mechanism of action

Meloxicam is an NSAID, and as such is a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor. It is generally marketed under the name MOBIC. Meloxicam has been shown, especially at its low therapeutic dose, to selectively inhibit COX-2 over COX-1.

Main article: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Adverse effects

Meloxicam use can result in gastrointestinal toxicity, tinnitus, headache, and rash. The risk of adverse side effects 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.

Approval status

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