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Meloxicam: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sold in the U.S. under 7 brand and generic names, for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesUpdated Jul 24, 2026How we research

Key facts

Drug class
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Treats (across its forms)
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Available as
Tablet · Injectable · Solution · Capsule · Suspension · Tablet, orally disintegrating
Sold as
7 products — Mobic, Xifyrm and Anjeso, and others
Prescription?
Prescription only
Generic available?
Yes
Half-life
about 15 to 20 hours
What the pharmacy pays
about $0.56 for a 30-count supply — not your price
Boxed warning
Boxed warning

How Xifyrm is dosed

From the FDA label for Xifyrm (application NDA218395). Other meloxicam products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Use for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ) ]. For intravenous administration only. The recommended dosage of XIFYRM is 30 mg once daily, administered by intravenous bolus injection over 15 seconds. When initiating XIFYRM, monitor patient analgesic response. Because the median time to meaningful pain relief was 2 and 3 hours after XIFYRM administration in two clinical studies, a non-NSAID analgesic with a rapid onset of effect may be needed, for example, upon anesthetic emergence or resolution of local or regional anesthetic blocks [ see Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ]. Some patients may not experience adequate analgesia for the entire 24-hour dosing interval and may require administration of a short-acting, non-NSAID, immediate-release analgesic [ see Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ]. To reduce the risk of renal toxicity, patients must be well hydrated prior to administration of XIFYRM. Visually inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Should the contents appear discolored or contain particulate matter, discard the vial [ see Dosage Forms and Strengths ( 3 ) ]. • Use for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. ( 2 ) • Recommended dosage: 30 mg once daily, administered by intravenous bolus injection over 15 seconds. ( 2 ) •…

Everything below is the FDA label for Xifyrm (injectable). Meloxicam is also sold as tablet, solution, capsule, suspension and tablet, orally disintegrating, and those are different medicines to take — follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Xifyrm side effects

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in the other sections of the labeling: • Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] • GI Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] • Hepatotoxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] • Hypertension [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] • Heart Failure and Edema [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] • Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] • Anaphylactic Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] • Serious Skin Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] • Hematologic Toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 ) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥ 2% and greater than placebo) in controlled clinical trials include constipation, GGT increased, and anemia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-461-7449 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. During clinical development, 1426 patients were exposed to meloxicam injection in controlled…

Who shouldn’t take Xifyrm

XIFYRM is contraindicated in the following patients: • Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to meloxicam or any components of the drug product [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ]. • History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal anaphylactic-like reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ]. • In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. • Moderate to severe renal insufficiency patients who are at risk for renal failure due to volume depletion [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. • Known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or any components of the drug product. ( 4 ) • History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. ( 4 ) • In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. ( 4 ) • Moderate to severe renal insufficiency patients who are at risk for renal failure due to volume depletion. ( 4 )

Xifyrm drug interactions

See Table 3 for clinically significant drug interactions with meloxicam. Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Meloxicam Drugs That Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact: Meloxicam and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding. The concomitant use of meloxicam and anticoagulants have an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone. Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Case- control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone. Intervention: Monitor patients with concomitant use of XIFYRM with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for signs of bleeding [se e Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 ) ]. Aspirin Clinical Impact: Controlled clinical studies showed that the concomitant use of NSAIDs and analgesic doses of aspirin does not produce any greater therapeutic effect than the use of NSAIDs alone. In a clinical study, the concomitant use of an NSAID and aspirin was associated with a significantly increased incidence of GI adverse reactions as compared to use of the NSAID alone [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. Intervention: Concomitant use of XIFYRM and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended because of the increased risk of bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 ) ]. In the setting of concomitant use of low-dose aspirin for cardiac prophylaxis, monitor patients more closely for evidence of GI bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. XIFYRM is not a substitute for low dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection. ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, and Beta-Blockers Clinical Impact: NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or beta- blockers (including propranolol). In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or have renal impairment, co-administration of an NSAID with ACE inhibitors or ARBs may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Intervention: During concomitant use of XIFYRM and ACE-inhibitors, ARBs, or beta- blockers, monitor blood pressure to ensure that the desired blood pressure is obtained. During concomitant use of XIFYRM and ACE-inhibitors or ARBs in patients who are elderly, volume-depleted, or have impaired renal function, monitor for signs of worsening renal function [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ]. When these drugs are administered concomitantly, patients should be adequately hydrated. Assess renal function at the beginning of the concomitant treatment and periodically thereafter. Diuretics Clinical Impact: Clinical studies, as well as post-marketing observations, showed that NSAIDs reduced the natriuretic effect of loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) and thiazide diuretics in some patients. This effect has been attributed to the NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. However, studies with furosemide agents and meloxicam have not demonstrated a reduction in natriuretic effect. Furosemide single and multiple dose pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics are not affected by multiple doses of meloxicam. Intervention: During concomitant use of XIFYRM with diuretics, observe patients for signs of worsening renal function, in addition to assuring diuretic efficacy including antihypertensive effects [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ]. Lithium Clinical Impact: NSAIDs have produced elevations in plasma lithium levels and reductions in renal lithium clearance. The mean minimum lithium concentration increased 15%, and the renal clearance decreased by approximately 20%. This effect has been attributed to NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. Intervention: During concomitant use of XIFYRM and lithium, monitor patients for signs of lithium toxicity. Methotrexate Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of NSAIDs and methotrexate may increase the risk for methotrexate toxicity (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction). Intervention: During concomitant use of XIFYRM and methotrexate, monitor patients for methotrexate toxicity. Cyclosporine Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of XIFYRM and cyclosporine may increase cyclosporine’s nephrotoxicity. Intervention: During concomitant use of XIFYRM and cyclosporine, monitor patients for signs of worsening renal function. NSAIDs and Salicylates Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of meloxicam with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. Intervention: The concomitant use of meloxicam with other NSAIDs or salicylates is not recommended. Pemetrexed Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of XIFYRM and pemetrexed may increase the risk of pemetrexed-associated myelosuppression, renal, and GI toxicity (see the pemetrexed prescribing information). Intervention: During concomitant use of XIFYRM and pemetrexed, in patients with renal impairment whose creatinine clearance ranges from 45 to 79 mL/min, monitor for myelosuppression, renal and GI toxicity. Patients taking meloxicam should interrupt dosing for at least five days before, the day of, and two days following pemetrexed administration. In patients with creatinine clearance below 45 mL/min, the concomitant administration of meloxicam with pemetrexed is not recommended. CYP2C9 Inhibitors Clinical Impact: In vitro studies indicate that CYP2C9 (cytochrome P450 metabolizing enzyme) plays an important role in this metabolic pathway with a minor contribution of the CYP3A4 isozyme. Thus concomitant usage of CYP2C9 inhibitors (such as amiodarone, fluconazole, and sulphaphenazole) may lead to abnormally high plasma levels of meloxicam due to reduced metabolic clearance [see Use in Specific Populations (8.8); and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 , 12.5 ) ]. Intervention: Consider dose reduction in patients undergoing treatment with CYP2C9 inhibitors, and monitor patients for adverse effects. • Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, SSRIs/SNRIs) : Monitor patients for bleeding who are concomitantly taking XIFYRM with drugs that interfere with hemostasis. Concomitant use of XIFYRM and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended. ( 7 ) • ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), or Beta-Blockers : Concomitant use with XIFYRM may diminish the antihypertensive effect of these drugs. Monitor blood pressure. ( 7 ) • ACE Inhibitors and ARBs : Concomitant use with XIFYRM in elderly, volume-depleted, or those with renal impairment may result in deterioration of renal function. In such high risk patients, monitor for signs of worsening renal function. ( 7 ) • Diuretics : NSAIDs can reduce natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazide diuretics. Monitor patients to assure diuretic efficacy including antihypertensive effects. ( 7 )

Can you take meloxicam with…?

Source-cited answers for the combinations people actually ask about — each with a verdict and what to watch for.

Every meloxicam product we track (7)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Meloxicam products
#DrugRatingPharmacy pays
172/100$1View →
270/100$1View →
3Not yet rated$1View →
4Not yet rated$1View →
5Not yet rated$1View →
6Not yet rated$1View →
7Not yet rated$1View →

What meloxicam pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Meloxicam pill imprints
ImprintStrengthColourShape
C;747.5 mgyellowround
C;7515 mgyellowround
CIPLA;15915 mgyellowround
U;L;1515 mgyellowoval
ZC;2615 mgyellowround
57.5 mgyellowround
U;L;7;57.5 mgyellowround
CIPLA;15915 mgyellowround
U;L;7;57.5 mgyellowround
U;L;7;57.5 mgyellowround
U;L;1515 mgyellowoval
U;L;1515 mgyellowoval

Combination products containing meloxicam

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

How long meloxicam keeps

No meloxicam label we read sets a separate limit for after opening, but they do specify how it must be stored — and the stability behind any date assumes those conditions.

Does meloxicam expire? The in-use limits and storage rules from its labels

Meloxicam and breastfeeding

From LactMed, the US National Library of Medicine’s Drugs and Lactation Database — quoted, not rewritten.

Because no information is available on the use of meloxicam during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Full LactMed record for meloxicam: levels in milk, effects in breastfed infants, and the drugs it would consider instead

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, record revised July 15, 2025. LactMed states its information is not a substitute for professional judgement.

What people report to the FDA about meloxicam

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 59,050 reports naming meloxicam, and the FDA flagged 58% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:

  • fatigue4,838 reports
  • arthralgia4,424 reports
  • nausea4,062 reports
  • headache3,547 reports
  • diarrhoea3,433 reports
  • dyspnoea2,855 reports
  • dizziness2,802 reports
  • pain in extremity2,709 reports

Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean meloxicam caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label section above.

Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved August 25, 2026.

How long meloxicam stays in your system

The elimination half-life of meloxicam is about 15 to 20 hours. Meloxicam follows linear kinetics (half-life is constant across doses) and its four metabolites are all pharmacologically inactive, so no active metabolite prolongs its effect. The half-life runs somewhat longer in older adults (roughly 21 to 24 hours in the label's elderly subjects) and is modestly longer in men than women.

MELOXICAM tablet - DailyMed

Half-life is how long the body takes to clear half a dose. It is not the same as how long a drug test can detect it, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.

Related calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is Xifyrm?

XIFYRM (meloxicam injection) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is a sterile clear, pale-yellow to yellow color solution, containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient meloxicam for intravenous administration. Each mL of aqueous solution contains 30 mg of meloxicam, 150 mg of hydroxypropyl betadex, 20 mg of meglumine, 60 mg of povidone and water for injection. The pH of the meloxicam injection is 8.0 to 9.5. The meloxicam drug substance is polymorph I. It is pale yellow powder. It is soluble in dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in acetone, very slightly soluble in ethanol 96% and in methanol, and practically insoluble in water.

What kind of drug is meloxicam?

The FDA classifies meloxicam as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that your body uses to make prostaglandins, the chemicals behind pain, swelling, and fever. Lowering prostaglandins eases pain and inflammation and brings down a high temperature. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

How long does meloxicam stay in your system?

The elimination half-life of meloxicam is about 15 to 20 hours — that is how long the body takes to clear half of a dose. Meloxicam follows linear kinetics (half-life is constant across doses) and its four metabolites are all pharmacologically inactive, so no active metabolite prolongs its effect. The half-life runs somewhat longer in older adults (roughly 21 to 24 hours in the label's elderly subjects) and is modestly longer in men than women. Half-life is not the same as how long a drug test can detect the drug, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.

Can you take meloxicam with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run meloxicam against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is meloxicam sold under?

We track 7 meloxicam-containing products in the U.S.: Mobic, Xifyrm, Anjeso, Meloxicam, Qamzova, Qmiiz ODT and Vivlodex. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does meloxicam come in?

Across the brands we track, meloxicam is currently marketed as tablet, injectable, solution, capsule, suspension and tablet, orally disintegrating, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic meloxicam?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic meloxicam product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

How long does it take for meloxicam to work?

Meloxicam eases pain within a few hours of the first dose, but it's a once-daily NSAID that builds up slowly, so its full anti-inflammatory effect on arthritis stiffness and swelling can take several days to about two weeks of steady use. If you need relief within minutes, it isn't the right tool; give it consistent daily dosing before judging how well it works.

What should I avoid while taking meloxicam?

Other medicines: we hold source-cited interaction answers for Can you take meloxicam with Tylenol? and Can you take ibuprofen and meloxicam together?. This is what the FDA label and our cited sources say — it is not a complete list. Your pharmacist can check your own combination.

Is meloxicam a blood thinner?

No. Meloxicam is an NSAID (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), not an anticoagulant 'blood thinner' like warfarin, apixaban or heparin. But like other NSAIDs it does affect platelets and can raise bleeding risk — especially if combined with an actual blood thinner or aspirin — which is why it is often mistaken for one.

What are the common side effects of Mobic (meloxicam)?

The more common, generally milder side effects of Mobic (meloxicam) affect the stomach and gut: upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and gas. Some people also get dizziness, or mild swelling (edema) in the ankles, feet, or legs from fluid retention. Taking it with food can ease stomach upset. Tell your doctor if any of these persist or bother you, since meloxicam is usually taken only once a day.

When should I call 911 or go to the ER while taking Mobic (meloxicam)?

Mobic (meloxicam) carries the FDA boxed warning shared by all non-aspirin NSAIDs for two life-threatening risks. Cardiovascular: the FDA label states NSAIDs "cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal." Get emergency help for chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech. Gastrointestinal bleeding: the label states NSAIDs "cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal," and MedlinePlus notes these "may happen without warning symptoms." Seek urgent care for stomach pain, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, or black, tarry, or bloody stools. Also call for signs of a severe allergic or skin reaction: swelling of the face, throat, or eyes, trouble breathing, hives, blisters, or peeling skin. This is not a complete list of every serious reaction.

Can Mobic (meloxicam) hurt my kidneys or raise my blood pressure?

Yes. Like other NSAIDs, Mobic (meloxicam) can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause kidney injury, and it can raise blood pressure or cause the body to hold onto fluid. MedlinePlus lists warning signs to report to your doctor right away, including unexplained weight gain; swelling of the abdomen, ankles, feet, or legs; cloudy or bloody urine; back pain; or difficulty urinating. Risk is higher if you already have kidney disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure, are older, are dehydrated, or take certain blood-pressure medicines or diuretics. Your doctor may check kidney function and blood pressure during treatment.

Can I take Mobic (meloxicam) with ibuprofen or other NSAIDs?

No. You should not combine Mobic (meloxicam) with other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, or aspirin used for pain, because stacking NSAIDs multiplies the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney harm without added benefit. Many over-the-counter cold, sinus, and pain products also contain an NSAID, so check labels. MedlinePlus advises: "Do not start any of these medications while taking meloxicam without discussing with your healthcare provider."

Is Mobic (meloxicam) safe during pregnancy?

No, especially later in pregnancy. MedlinePlus states meloxicam "may harm the fetus and cause problems with delivery if it is taken around 20 weeks or later during pregnancy." The FDA label directs prescribers to "avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy due to the risks of oligohydramnios/fetal renal dysfunction and premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus." If you are pregnant, could become pregnant, or are trying to conceive, tell your doctor before taking Mobic so a safer option can be considered.

How long does Mobic (meloxicam) take to work, and can I just stop it?

Mobic (meloxicam) is a long-acting NSAID usually taken once a day, at the same time each day, with or without food, per MedlinePlus. For ongoing arthritis it is taken regularly rather than only when pain flares; do not take more, less, or more often than prescribed. Unlike some medications (for example certain blood-pressure or muscle-relaxant drugs), meloxicam does not require a gradual taper and does not cause a withdrawal reaction if stopped. Still, do not stop a prescribed medication on your own — talk with your doctor first, especially if it was prescribed for a chronic condition, so your pain and any risks are managed.

What is meloxicam used for?

Meloxicam is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) FDA-approved to relieve the pain, swelling, and stiffness of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children 2 and older. It works by blocking prostaglandins, the chemicals that drive inflammation and pain. It's taken once daily, which sets it apart from NSAIDs that need several doses a day.

Can meloxicam be used for back pain or a short-term injury?

It's often prescribed off-label for acute pain like back strain, tendonitis, or dental pain, but meloxicam's FDA approval is specifically for arthritis, and its slow onset makes it a poor choice for immediate relief — ibuprofen or naproxen act faster. Like all NSAIDs, meloxicam carries FDA boxed warnings for increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding, so it's meant for the lowest effective dose and shortest duration needed.

Cite this page
APA
pharmaranks. (2026, July 24). Meloxicam: uses, dosing, side effects & brands. https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/meloxicam
MLA
“Meloxicam: uses, dosing, side effects & brands.” pharmaranks, 24 July 2026, https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/meloxicam.

We summarise public FDA and NIH sources — for a clinical claim, cite the primary source we link to as well.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.

Read the full FDA label for meloxicam on DailyMed (NIH) ↗ — including its boxed warning in full.