Meloxicam

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Meloxicam
Systematic (IUPAC) name
(8E)-8-[hydroxy-[(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)amino] methylidene]-9-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10λ⁶-thia-9- azabicyclo[4.4.0]deca-1,3,5-trien-7-one
Identifiers
CAS number	71125-38-7
ATC code	M01AC06
PubChem	5281106
DrugBank	APRD00529
Chemical data
Formula	C₁₄H₁₃N₃O₄S₂
Mol. mass	351.403 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	99.4%
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	15 to 20 hours
Excretion	Urine & Faeces equally
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status
Routes	Oral

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

In Europe it is marketed under the brand names Movalis, Melox, and Recoxa. In North America it is generally marketed under the brand name Mobic.

1 Mechanism of action
2 Adverse effects
3 Approval status
4 Veterinary use
5 External links

[edit] Mechanism of action

Main article: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Meloxicam is an NSAID and belongs to the class of drugs called enolic acid group, structurally related to piroxicam. Meloxicam significantly decreased symptoms of pain, function, and stiffness in patients, with a low incidence of gastrointestinal side effects. In models, it exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Its mechanism of action may be related to prostaglandin synthetase (cyclooxygenase) (COX) inhibition.

Meloxicam has been shown, especially at its low therapeutic dose, to selectively inhibit COX-2 over COX-1.

A primary advantage of the Oxicam family of drugs is their long half-life which permits once-day dosing.

[edit] Adverse effects

Meloxicam use can result in gastrointestinal toxicity and bleeding, tinnitus, headache, rash, very dark or black stool (sign of intestinal bleeding). The risk of adverse side effects is lower than with piroxicam, diclofenac, or naproxen. Although meloxicam does inhibit thromboxane A, it does not appear to do so at levels that would interfere with platelet function.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Veterinary use

Meloxicam is also used in the veterinary field, most commonly in dogs and cattle, but also in other animals such as cats and exotics. It is marketed under the brand name Metacam. It has similar side effects in animals as humans, but principal side effects are gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhea and ulceration). Rarer but important side effects include liver and kidney toxicity. The safety of using Meloxicam in cats over longer periods has not been established.