Known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Meloxicam is commonly used to treat pain or inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in adults. It is also used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children who are at least 2 years old. It is effective to reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. Developed by Boehringer-Ingelheim, Meloxicam is a derivative of oxicam that can relieve the symptoms of arthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, fever with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Meloxicam was approved for use in April 2000.
Anti-inflammatory effects of meloxicam function by inhibiting the prostaglandin synthetase (cyclooxygenase 1 and 2) which results in a decrease of the synthesis of prostaglandins. As prostaglandins are chemicals that contribute to inflammation especially within joints, which leads to the common symptoms of pain, tenderness, and swelling associated with arthritis, inhibition of their synthesis can be associated with the analgesic and antipyretic effects of meloxicam. As a result, inflammation and its accompanying symptoms are reduced. Meloxicam starts to relieve pain about 30 to 60 minutes after administration.
