Meloxicam 15mg orodispersible tablets sugar free
Prescription only
Requires a prescription from a doctor or prescriber
Tablet
15mg
Oral
Drugs used in rheumatic diseases and gout
Active ingredients:
Meloxicam
Formulation:Does not contain sugar — suitable for diabetic patients
Sugar-free
No active safety alerts
Official documents, adverse reaction reporting, and safety monitoring
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Official medicine documents
Source: MHRA Products DatabaseOGL 3.0
Updated 3 months ago(16 Jan 2026)Safety monitoring data
Yellow Card reports
MHRA
The MHRA Yellow Card scheme collects reports of suspected side effects from healthcare professionals and patients. View the Drug Analysis Profile (iDAP) for real-world adverse reaction data.
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Meloxicam
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Data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. A reported reaction does not necessarily mean the medicine caused it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
EudraVigilance
EMA
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Meloxicam
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3 branded products available
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3 products
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Meloxicam 15mg orodispersible tablets sugar free
Meloxicam 15mg orodispersible tablets sugar free
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£49.99indicative price
This is the NHS Drug Tariff indicative price used for reimbursement purposes. It may not reflect the price paid by patients or pharmacies.
View full Drug TariffSource: NHS Drug Tariff via NHSBSA. Derived from dm+d VMPP (Virtual Medicinal Product Pack) pricing data. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
WHO defined daily dose (DDD)
15 mg
Not a recommended dose. The DDD is the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used for its main indication in adults. It is a statistical measure used for research and comparison purposes only.
Source: WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, distributed via NHS dm+d BNF mapping files. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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Similarity based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and NHS BNF section grouping. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.
NHS prescribing volume and spending trends
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Clinical guidelines and formulary information
British National Formulary
Meloxicam
BNF
Drug monograph — bnf.nice.org.ukSource: British National Formulary, NICE. Joint Formulary Committee. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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Supply & product information
Official product databases and supply status monitoring
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Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems
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These codes are used by healthcare IT systems and prescribers to identify this medicine.
NHS UK identifiers
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SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF codes from NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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Searching UK clinical trials...
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
95 found
Half-life
20 hours
Mechanism
Meloxicam inhibits prostaglandin synthetase (cylooxygenase 1 and 2) enzymes lead…
Food interactions
2 warnings
Human targets
2 targets
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
89%
The absolute bioavailability oral capsules after a dose was 89% in one pharmacokinetic study.…
Half-life
20 hours
The half-life of meloxicam is approximately 20 hours[A190195], which is considerably longer than most other NSAIDS.…
Protein binding
99.4%
Meloxicam is about 99.4% protein bound, primarily to albumin.
[A190189][A190195][L11398]
[A190189][A190195][L11398]
Volume of distribution
10-15L
The volume of distribution of meloxicam is 10-15L. Because of its high binding to albumin, it is likely to be distributed in highly perfused tissues, such as the liver and kidney.
[A190189]…
[A190189]…
Metabolism
60%
Meloxicam is almost completely metabolized. CYP2C9 is the main enzyme responsible for the metabolism of meloxicam[A190189][A14902] with minor contributions from CYP3A4.
[L11398]…
[L11398]…
Elimination
0.25%
Meloxicam is mainly eliminated through metabolism. Its metabolites are cleared through renal and fecal elimination.
[A190195]…
[A190195]…
Clearance
0.42–0.48 L/h
After an oral dose, the total clearance of meloxicam is 0.42–0.48…
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Status:
Approved
Investigational
Vet approved
Small molecule
About this compound
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve various types of pain, including pain caused by musculoskeletal conditions, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.[A190189] With a longer half-life than most other NSAIDS, it is a favorable option for those who require once-daily dosing. Meloxicam is available in oral, transdermal, and intravenous formulations. It is a preferential COX-2 inhibitor, purportedly reducing the risk of adverse gastrointestinal tract effects, however, this is a topic of controversy.[A190198][A190201]
Properties:
View FDA drug labelsolid
Avg. mass: 351.40 Da
DrugBank indication
Meloxicam on its own is indicated for:
- the symptomatic treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis.
[L11398]
- the pauciarticular and polyarticular course of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) in patients aged 2 years old or above.
[L11398]
- the management of moderate-to-severe pain, alone or in combination with non-NSAID analgesics.
[L53323]
Meloxicam, in combination with [bupivacaine], is indicated for postsurgical analgesia in adult patients for up to 72 hours following soft tissue surgical procedures, foot and ankle procedures, and other orthopedic procedures in which direct exposure to articular cartilage is avoided.
[L50427]
Meloxicam, in combination with [Rizatriptan] is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.
[L52405]
Off-label uses include the treatment of dental or post-surgical pain.
- the symptomatic treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis.
[L11398]
- the pauciarticular and polyarticular course of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) in patients aged 2 years old or above.
[L11398]
- the management of moderate-to-severe pain, alone or in combination with non-NSAID analgesics.
[L53323]
Meloxicam, in combination with [bupivacaine], is indicated for postsurgical analgesia in adult patients for up to 72 hours following soft tissue surgical procedures, foot and ankle procedures, and other orthopedic procedures in which direct exposure to articular cartilage is avoided.
[L50427]
Meloxicam, in combination with [Rizatriptan] is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.
[L52405]
Off-label uses include the treatment of dental or post-surgical pain.
Also known as(66)
Méloxicam
Meloxicam
Meloxicamum
1.14.99.1
COX-2
COX2
Cyclooxygenase-2
PGH synthase 2
Dosage forms(74)
Injection (Intravenous) — 30 mg/1mL
Tablet (Oral) — 7.50 mg
Tablet (Oral) — 15.000 mg
Tablet (Oral) — 15.0 mg
Capsule, liquid filled (Oral) — 15 mg
Kit (Oral) — 15 mg/1
Solution (Ophthalmic) — 0.300 mg
Capsule (Oral) — 15.000 mg
Molecular properties(19)
Drug interactions(2381)
Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Amlodipine
Moderate
The metabolism of Meloxicam can be decreased when combined with Amlodipine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Midodrine is combined with Meloxicam.
Isoetharine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Isoetharine is combined with Meloxicam.
Zolmitriptan
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Zolmitriptan is combined with Meloxicam.
Norepinephrine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Norepinephrine is combined with Meloxicam.
Phenylephrine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Phenylephrine is combined with Meloxicam.
Phenylpropanolamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Phenylpropanolamine is combined with Meloxicam.
Droperidol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Droperidol is combined with Meloxicam.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Doxapram is combined with Meloxicam.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Atropine is combined with Meloxicam.
The risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Linezolid is combined with Meloxicam.
Metaraminol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Metaraminol is combined with Meloxicam.
Furazolidone
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Furazolidone is combined with Meloxicam.
Nicergoline
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Nicergoline is combined with Meloxicam.
Methoxamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Methoxamine is combined with Meloxicam.
Isoflurane
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Isoflurane is combined with Meloxicam.
Propiomazine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Propiomazine is combined with Meloxicam.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Minaprine is combined with Meloxicam.
Orciprenaline
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Orciprenaline.
Phenmetrazine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Phenmetrazine.
Trifluoperazine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Trifluoperazine.
Pseudoephedrine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Pseudoephedrine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Ritodrine.
Flupentixol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Flupentixol.
Remifentanil
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Remifentanil.
Bitolterol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Bitolterol.
Oxymetazoline
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Oxymetazoline.
Diethylpropion
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Diethylpropion.
Naratriptan
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Naratriptan.
Frovatriptan
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Frovatriptan.
Isoprenaline
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Isoprenaline.
Arbutamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Arbutamine.
Desflurane
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Desflurane.
Isocarboxazid
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Isocarboxazid.
Lisdexamfetamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Lisdexamfetamine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Fenoterol.
Pirbuterol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Pirbuterol.
Ephedra sinica root
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Ephedra sinica root.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Ephedrine.
Mephentermine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Mephentermine.
Procaterol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Procaterol.
Methotrimeprazine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Methotrimeprazine.
Clenbuterol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Clenbuterol.
Bambuterol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Bambuterol.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with MMDA.
Midomafetamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Midomafetamine.
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine.
4-Methoxyamphetamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with 4-Methoxyamphetamine.
Brolamfetamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine.
Tenamfetamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Meloxicam is combined with Tenamfetamine.
Showing 50 of 2381 interactions
Food & lifestyle interactions
Avoid Alcohol
Avoid alcohol. The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding may be increased.
Advice
Take with or without food. The absorption is unaffected by food.
Toxicity & overdose
The oral LD50 in rats is 98 mg/kg.
[L11470]
Signs and symptoms of overdose with meloxicam may include shallow breathing, seizure, decreased urine output, gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and black tarry stools.
[L11473]
In the case of an overdose, offer supportive treatment and attempt to remove gastrointestinal contents. Cholestyramine has been shown to enhance the elimination of meloxicam.
[L11470]
[L11470]
Signs and symptoms of overdose with meloxicam may include shallow breathing, seizure, decreased urine output, gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and black tarry stools.
[L11473]
In the case of an overdose, offer supportive treatment and attempt to remove gastrointestinal contents. Cholestyramine has been shown to enhance the elimination of meloxicam.
[L11470]
How it works
Mechanism of action
Meloxicam inhibits prostaglandin synthetase (cylooxygenase 1 and 2) enzymes leading to a decreased synthesis of prostaglandins, which normally mediate painful inflammatory symptoms.[A176366] As prostaglandins sensitize neuronal pain receptors, inhibition of their synthesis leads to analgesic and inflammatory effects. Meloxicam preferentially inhibits COX-2, but also exerts some activity against COX-1, causing gastrointestinal irritation.[A190189][L11398]
Pharmacodynamics
Meloxicam is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic analgesic with antipyretic effects in fever.[A190189] Prostaglandins are substances that contribute to inflammation.[A176366] This drug also exerts preferential actions against COX-2[A190195], which may reduce the possible gastrointestinal effects of this drug.
In humans, meloxicam has demonstrated the ability to decrease erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and to decrease ESR, C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as aquaporin-1 expression.[A190189] As with other NSAIDS, prolonged use of meloxicum can result in renal or cardiovascular impairment or thrombotic cardiovascular events.[L11398]
A note on gastrointestinal effects
As meloxicam preferentially inhibits COX-2, it is thought to cause less gastrointestinal irritation compared to other NSAIDS. Despite this, it still carries a risk of gastric inflammation, bleeding and ulceration.[A190201][L11398] In one study, patients on meloxicam suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms at a rate of 13% compared to 19% of those on [diclofenac]. GI events were found to be less severe in the meloxicam-treated patients.[A190189]
In humans, meloxicam has demonstrated the ability to decrease erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and to decrease ESR, C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as aquaporin-1 expression.[A190189] As with other NSAIDS, prolonged use of meloxicum can result in renal or cardiovascular impairment or thrombotic cardiovascular events.[L11398]
A note on gastrointestinal effects
As meloxicam preferentially inhibits COX-2, it is thought to cause less gastrointestinal irritation compared to other NSAIDS. Despite this, it still carries a risk of gastric inflammation, bleeding and ulceration.[A190201][L11398] In one study, patients on meloxicam suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms at a rate of 13% compared to 19% of those on [diclofenac]. GI events were found to be less severe in the meloxicam-treated patients.[A190189]
Pharmacokinetics
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
Absorption
The absolute bioavailability oral capsules after a dose was 89% in one pharmacokinetic study. Cmax was reached 5–6 hours after administration of a single dose given after the first meal of the day. The Cmax doubled when the drug was administered in the fasting state.
Despite this, meloxicam can be taken without regard to food, unlike many other NSAIDS.
[A190189][L11398]
Meloxicam formulated for instillation with [bupivacaine] produced varied systemic measures following a single dose of varying strength. In patients undergoing bunionectomy, 1.8 mg of meloxicam produced a Cmax of 26 ± 14 ng/mL, a median Tmax of 18 h, and an AUC∞ of 2079 ± 1631 ng\*h/mL. For a 9 mg dose used in herniorrhaphy, the corresponding values were 225 ± 96 ng/mL, 54 h, and the AUC∞ was not reported.
Lastly, a 12 mg dose used in total knee arthroplasty produced values of 275 ± 134 ng/mL, 36 h, and 25,673 ± 17,666 ng\*h/mL.
[L34100]
Despite this, meloxicam can be taken without regard to food, unlike many other NSAIDS.
[A190189][L11398]
Meloxicam formulated for instillation with [bupivacaine] produced varied systemic measures following a single dose of varying strength. In patients undergoing bunionectomy, 1.8 mg of meloxicam produced a Cmax of 26 ± 14 ng/mL, a median Tmax of 18 h, and an AUC∞ of 2079 ± 1631 ng\*h/mL. For a 9 mg dose used in herniorrhaphy, the corresponding values were 225 ± 96 ng/mL, 54 h, and the AUC∞ was not reported.
Lastly, a 12 mg dose used in total knee arthroplasty produced values of 275 ± 134 ng/mL, 36 h, and 25,673 ± 17,666 ng\*h/mL.
[L34100]
Half-life
The half-life of meloxicam is approximately 20 hours[A190195], which is considerably longer than most other NSAIDS. It can therefore be dosed without the need for slow-release formulations.
[A190189]
Meloxicam applied together with [bupivacaine] for postsurgical analgesia had a median half-life of 33-42 hours, depending on dose and application site.
[L34100]
[A190189]
Meloxicam applied together with [bupivacaine] for postsurgical analgesia had a median half-life of 33-42 hours, depending on dose and application site.
[L34100]
Protein binding
Meloxicam is about 99.4% protein bound, primarily to albumin.
[A190189][A190195][L11398]
[A190189][A190195][L11398]
Volume of distribution
The volume of distribution of meloxicam is 10-15L. Because of its high binding to albumin, it is likely to be distributed in highly perfused tissues, such as the liver and kidney.
[A190189]
Meloxicam concentrations in synovial fluid, measured after an oral dose, is estimated at 40% to 50% of the concentrations measured in the plasma.
[L11398]
This drug is known to cross the placenta in humans.T757
[A190189]
Meloxicam concentrations in synovial fluid, measured after an oral dose, is estimated at 40% to 50% of the concentrations measured in the plasma.
[L11398]
This drug is known to cross the placenta in humans.T757
Metabolism
Meloxicam is almost completely metabolized. CYP2C9 is the main enzyme responsible for the metabolism of meloxicam[A190189][A14902] with minor contributions from CYP3A4.
[L11398]
Meloxicam has 4 major metabolites with no activity determined. About 60% of the ingested dose is metabolized to 5'-carboxy meloxicam from hepatic cytochrome enzyme oxidation of an intermediate metabolite, 5’-hydroxymethylmeloxicam.
[A14902][A39443]
Two other metabolites are likely produced via peroxidation.
[A14902][L11398]
[L11398]
Meloxicam has 4 major metabolites with no activity determined. About 60% of the ingested dose is metabolized to 5'-carboxy meloxicam from hepatic cytochrome enzyme oxidation of an intermediate metabolite, 5’-hydroxymethylmeloxicam.
[A14902][A39443]
Two other metabolites are likely produced via peroxidation.
[A14902][L11398]
Route of elimination
Meloxicam is mainly eliminated through metabolism. Its metabolites are cleared through renal and fecal elimination.
[A190195]
Less than <0.25% of a dose is eliminated in the urine as unchanged drug.
[L11398]
About 1.6% of the parent drug is excreted in the feces.
[A190189]
[A190195]
Less than <0.25% of a dose is eliminated in the urine as unchanged drug.
[L11398]
About 1.6% of the parent drug is excreted in the feces.
[A190189]
Clearance
After an oral dose, the total clearance of meloxicam is 0.42–0.48 L/h.
[A190189][A190195]
The FDA label indicates a plasma clearance from 7 to 9 mL/min. No dose changes are required in mild to moderate renal or hepatic impairment. The use of meloxicam in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment has not been studied.
FDA prescribing information advises against it.
[L11398]
[A190189][A190195]
The FDA label indicates a plasma clearance from 7 to 9 mL/min. No dose changes are required in mild to moderate renal or hepatic impairment. The use of meloxicam in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment has not been studied.
FDA prescribing information advises against it.
[L11398]
Drug targets(2)
Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body
Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2
PTGS2
inhibitor
Specific functionenzyme binding
Cellular location
Microsome membrane
General function & pharmacology
Dual cyclooxygenase and peroxidase in the biosynthesis pathway of prostanoids, a class of C20 oxylipins mainly derived from arachidonate ((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosatetraenoate, AA, C20:4(n-6)), with a particular role in the inflammatory response .
PMID:11939906 PMID:16373578 PMID:19540099 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
The cyclooxygenase activity oxygenates AA to the hydroperoxy endoperoxide prostaglandin G2 (PGG2), and the peroxidase activity reduces PGG2 to the hydroxy endoperoxide prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), the precursor of all 2-series prostaglandins and thromboxanes .
PMID:16373578 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
This complex transformation is initiated by abstraction of hydrogen at carbon 13 (with S-stereochemistry), followed by insertion of molecular O2 to form the endoperoxide bridge between carbon 9 and 11 that defines prostaglandins. The insertion of a second molecule of O2 (bis-oxygenase activity) yields a hydroperoxy group in PGG2 that is then reduced to PGH2 by two electrons .
PMID:16373578 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
Similarly catalyzes successive cyclooxygenation and peroxidation of dihomo-gamma-linoleate (DGLA, C20:3(n-6)) and eicosapentaenoate (EPA, C20:5(n-3)) to corresponding PGH1 and PGH3, the precursors of 1- and 3-series prostaglandins .
PMID:11939906 PMID:19540099
In an alternative pathway of prostanoid biosynthesis, converts 2-arachidonoyl lysophopholipids to prostanoid lysophopholipids, which are then hydrolyzed by intracellular phospholipases to release free prostanoids .
PMID:27642067
Metabolizes 2-arachidonoyl glycerol yielding the glyceryl ester of PGH2, a process that can contribute to pain response .
PMID:22942274
Generates lipid mediators from n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) via a lipoxygenase-type mechanism. Oxygenates PUFAs to hydroperoxy compounds and then reduces them to corresponding alcohols .
PMID:11034610 PMID:11192938 PMID:9048568 PMID:9261177
Plays a role in the generation of resolution phase interaction products (resolvins) during both sterile and infectious inflammation .
PMID:12391014
Metabolizes docosahexaenoate (DHA, C22:6(n-3)) to 17R-HDHA, a precursor of the D-series resolvins (RvDs) .
PMID:12391014
As a component of the biosynthetic pathway of E-series resolvins (RvEs), converts eicosapentaenoate (EPA, C20:5(n-3)) primarily to 18S-HEPE that is further metabolized by ALOX5 and LTA4H to generate 18S-RvE1 and 18S-RvE2 .
PMID:21206090
In vascular endothelial cells, converts docosapentaenoate (DPA, C22:5(n-3)) to 13R-HDPA, a precursor for 13-series resolvins (RvTs) shown to activate macrophage phagocytosis during bacterial infection .
PMID:26236990
In activated leukocytes, contributes to oxygenation of hydroxyeicosatetraenoates (HETE) to diHETES (5,15-diHETE and 5,11-diHETE) .
PMID:22068350 PMID:26282205
Can also use linoleate (LA, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoate, C18:2(n-6)) as substrate and produce hydroxyoctadecadienoates (HODEs) in a regio- and stereospecific manner, being (9R)-HODE ((9R)-hydroxy-(10E,12Z)-octadecadienoate) and (13S)-HODE ((13S)-hydroxy-(9Z,11E)-octadecadienoate) its major products (By similarity).
During neuroinflammation, plays a role in neuronal secretion of specialized preresolving mediators (SPMs) 15R-lipoxin A4 that regulates phagocytic microglia (By similarity)
PMID:11939906 PMID:16373578 PMID:19540099 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
The cyclooxygenase activity oxygenates AA to the hydroperoxy endoperoxide prostaglandin G2 (PGG2), and the peroxidase activity reduces PGG2 to the hydroxy endoperoxide prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), the precursor of all 2-series prostaglandins and thromboxanes .
PMID:16373578 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
This complex transformation is initiated by abstraction of hydrogen at carbon 13 (with S-stereochemistry), followed by insertion of molecular O2 to form the endoperoxide bridge between carbon 9 and 11 that defines prostaglandins. The insertion of a second molecule of O2 (bis-oxygenase activity) yields a hydroperoxy group in PGG2 that is then reduced to PGH2 by two electrons .
PMID:16373578 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
Similarly catalyzes successive cyclooxygenation and peroxidation of dihomo-gamma-linoleate (DGLA, C20:3(n-6)) and eicosapentaenoate (EPA, C20:5(n-3)) to corresponding PGH1 and PGH3, the precursors of 1- and 3-series prostaglandins .
PMID:11939906 PMID:19540099
In an alternative pathway of prostanoid biosynthesis, converts 2-arachidonoyl lysophopholipids to prostanoid lysophopholipids, which are then hydrolyzed by intracellular phospholipases to release free prostanoids .
PMID:27642067
Metabolizes 2-arachidonoyl glycerol yielding the glyceryl ester of PGH2, a process that can contribute to pain response .
PMID:22942274
Generates lipid mediators from n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) via a lipoxygenase-type mechanism. Oxygenates PUFAs to hydroperoxy compounds and then reduces them to corresponding alcohols .
PMID:11034610 PMID:11192938 PMID:9048568 PMID:9261177
Plays a role in the generation of resolution phase interaction products (resolvins) during both sterile and infectious inflammation .
PMID:12391014
Metabolizes docosahexaenoate (DHA, C22:6(n-3)) to 17R-HDHA, a precursor of the D-series resolvins (RvDs) .
PMID:12391014
As a component of the biosynthetic pathway of E-series resolvins (RvEs), converts eicosapentaenoate (EPA, C20:5(n-3)) primarily to 18S-HEPE that is further metabolized by ALOX5 and LTA4H to generate 18S-RvE1 and 18S-RvE2 .
PMID:21206090
In vascular endothelial cells, converts docosapentaenoate (DPA, C22:5(n-3)) to 13R-HDPA, a precursor for 13-series resolvins (RvTs) shown to activate macrophage phagocytosis during bacterial infection .
PMID:26236990
In activated leukocytes, contributes to oxygenation of hydroxyeicosatetraenoates (HETE) to diHETES (5,15-diHETE and 5,11-diHETE) .
PMID:22068350 PMID:26282205
Can also use linoleate (LA, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoate, C18:2(n-6)) as substrate and produce hydroxyoctadecadienoates (HODEs) in a regio- and stereospecific manner, being (9R)-HODE ((9R)-hydroxy-(10E,12Z)-octadecadienoate) and (13S)-HODE ((13S)-hydroxy-(9Z,11E)-octadecadienoate) its major products (By similarity).
During neuroinflammation, plays a role in neuronal secretion of specialized preresolving mediators (SPMs) 15R-lipoxin A4 that regulates phagocytic microglia (By similarity)
Prostaglandin G/H synthase 1
PTGS1
inhibitor
Specific functionheme binding
Cellular location
Microsome membrane
General function & pharmacology
Dual cyclooxygenase and peroxidase that plays an important role in the biosynthesis pathway of prostanoids, a class of C20 oxylipins mainly derived from arachidonate ((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosatetraenoate, AA, C20:4(n-6)), with a particular role in the inflammatory response. The cyclooxygenase activity oxygenates AA to the hydroperoxy endoperoxide prostaglandin G2 (PGG2), and the peroxidase activity reduces PGG2 to the hydroxy endoperoxide prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), the precursor of all 2-series prostaglandins and thromboxanes. This complex transformation is initiated by abstraction of hydrogen at carbon 13 (with S-stereochemistry), followed by insertion of molecular O2 to form the endoperoxide bridge between carbon 9 and 11 that defines prostaglandins.
The insertion of a second molecule of O2 (bis-oxygenase activity) yields a hydroperoxy group in PGG2 that is then reduced to PGH2 by two electrons .
PMID:7947975
Involved in the constitutive production of prostanoids in particular in the stomach and platelets. In gastric epithelial cells, it is a key step in the generation of prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which plays an important role in cytoprotection. In platelets, it is involved in the generation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which promotes platelet activation and aggregation, vasoconstriction and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (Probable).
Can also use linoleate (LA, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoate, C18:2(n-6)) as substrate and produce hydroxyoctadecadienoates (HODEs) in a regio- and stereospecific manner, being (9R)-HODE ((9R)-hydroxy-(10E,12Z)-octadecadienoate) and (13S)-HODE ((13S)-hydroxy-(9Z,11E)-octadecadienoate) its major products (By similarity)
The insertion of a second molecule of O2 (bis-oxygenase activity) yields a hydroperoxy group in PGG2 that is then reduced to PGH2 by two electrons .
PMID:7947975
Involved in the constitutive production of prostanoids in particular in the stomach and platelets. In gastric epithelial cells, it is a key step in the generation of prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which plays an important role in cytoprotection. In platelets, it is involved in the generation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which promotes platelet activation and aggregation, vasoconstriction and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (Probable).
Can also use linoleate (LA, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoate, C18:2(n-6)) as substrate and produce hydroxyoctadecadienoates (HODEs) in a regio- and stereospecific manner, being (9R)-HODE ((9R)-hydroxy-(10E,12Z)-octadecadienoate) and (13S)-HODE ((13S)-hydroxy-(9Z,11E)-octadecadienoate) its major products (By similarity)
Metabolizing enzymes(4)
Enzymes involved in drug metabolism — important for understanding drug interactions
Enzyme activity key
substrate
inhibitor
inducer
PGD6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, decarboxylating
inhibitor
CYP2C8Cytochrome P450 2C8
substrate
CYP2C9Cytochrome P450 2C9
substrate
CYP3A4Cytochrome P450 3A4
substrate
Transporters(2)
Proteins that transport this drug across cell membranes
ATP-binding cassette sub-family C member 4
ABCC4
binder
Specific function15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (NAD+) activity
Cellular location
Basolateral cell membrane
General function & pharmacology
ATP-dependent transporter of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family that actively extrudes physiological compounds and xenobiotics from cells. Transports a range of endogenous molecules that have a key role in cellular communication and signaling, including cyclic nucleotides such as cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP), bile acids, steroid conjugates, urate, and prostaglandins .
PMID:11856762 PMID:12523936 PMID:12835412 PMID:12883481 PMID:15364914 PMID:15454390 PMID:16282361 PMID:17959747 PMID:18300232 PMID:26721430
Mediates the ATP-dependent efflux of glutathione conjugates such as leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) too. The presence of GSH is necessary for the ATP-dependent transport of LTB4, whereas GSH is not required for the transport of LTC4 .
PMID:17959747
Mediates the cotransport of bile acids with reduced glutathione (GSH) .
PMID:12523936 PMID:12883481 PMID:16282361
Transports a wide range of drugs and their metabolites, including anticancer, antiviral and antibiotics molecules .
PMID:11856762 PMID:12105214 PMID:15454390 PMID:17344354 PMID:18300232
Confers resistance to anticancer agents such as methotrexate PMID:11106685
PMID:11856762 PMID:12523936 PMID:12835412 PMID:12883481 PMID:15364914 PMID:15454390 PMID:16282361 PMID:17959747 PMID:18300232 PMID:26721430
Mediates the ATP-dependent efflux of glutathione conjugates such as leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) too. The presence of GSH is necessary for the ATP-dependent transport of LTB4, whereas GSH is not required for the transport of LTC4 .
PMID:17959747
Mediates the cotransport of bile acids with reduced glutathione (GSH) .
PMID:12523936 PMID:12883481 PMID:16282361
Transports a wide range of drugs and their metabolites, including anticancer, antiviral and antibiotics molecules .
PMID:11856762 PMID:12105214 PMID:15454390 PMID:17344354 PMID:18300232
Confers resistance to anticancer agents such as methotrexate PMID:11106685
Human vesicular glutamate transporters
modulator
Carriers(1)
Proteins that carry this drug through the body
Albumin
ALB
Specific functionantioxidant activity
Cellular location
Secreted
General function & pharmacology
Binds water, Ca(2+), Na(+), K(+), fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin and drugs (Probable). Its main function is the regulation of the colloidal osmotic pressure of blood (Probable). Major zinc transporter in plasma, typically binds about 80% of all plasma zinc .
PMID:19021548
Major calcium and magnesium transporter in plasma, binds approximately 45% of circulating calcium and magnesium in plasma (By similarity).
Potentially has more than two calcium-binding sites and might additionally bind calcium in a non-specific manner (By similarity). The shared binding site between zinc and calcium at residue Asp-273 suggests a crosstalk between zinc and calcium transport in the blood (By similarity). The rank order of affinity is zinc > calcium > magnesium (By similarity).
Binds to the bacterial siderophore enterobactin and inhibits enterobactin-mediated iron uptake of E.coli from ferric transferrin, and may thereby limit the utilization of iron and growth of enteric bacteria such as E.coli .
PMID:6234017
Does not prevent iron uptake by the bacterial siderophore aerobactin PMID:6234017
PMID:19021548
Major calcium and magnesium transporter in plasma, binds approximately 45% of circulating calcium and magnesium in plasma (By similarity).
Potentially has more than two calcium-binding sites and might additionally bind calcium in a non-specific manner (By similarity). The shared binding site between zinc and calcium at residue Asp-273 suggests a crosstalk between zinc and calcium transport in the blood (By similarity). The rank order of affinity is zinc > calcium > magnesium (By similarity).
Binds to the bacterial siderophore enterobactin and inhibits enterobactin-mediated iron uptake of E.coli from ferric transferrin, and may thereby limit the utilization of iron and growth of enteric bacteria such as E.coli .
PMID:6234017
Does not prevent iron uptake by the bacterial siderophore aerobactin PMID:6234017
Biological pathways(1)
Scientific references(8)
Bekker A., Kloepping C., Collingwood S.
Meloxicam in the management of post-operative pain: Narrative review.
Journal Anaesthesiol Clinical Pharmacology
2018 Oct-Dec34(4):450-457. doi: 10.4103/joacp.JOACP_133_18
Moore R.A., Derry S., McQuay H.J.
Single dose oral meloxicam for acute postoperative pain in adults.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
2009 Oct 7(4):CD007552. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007552.pub2
Turck D., Roth W., Busch U.
A review of the clinical pharmacokinetics of meloxicam.
British Journal Rheumatol
1996 Apr35 Suppl 1:13-6. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/35.suppl_1.13
Katz J.A.
COX-2 inhibition: what we learned--a controversial update on safety data.
Pain Medicine
2013 Dec14 Suppl 1:S29-34. doi: 10.1111/pme.12252
Seddik H., Rabhi M.
[Meloxicam-induced colitis revealed by acute abdominal pain].
Ann Pharmacy Fr
2013 Mar71(2):119-22. doi: 10.1016/j.pharma.2012.12.003. Epub 2013 Mar 8
Chesne C., Guyomard C., Guillouzo A., Schmid J., Ludwig E., Sauter T.
Metabolism of Meloxicam in human liver involves cytochromes P4502C9 and 3A4.
Xenobiotica
1998 Jan28(1):1-13. doi: 10.1080/004982598239704
Ricciotti E., FitzGerald G.A.
Prostaglandins and inflammation.
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biological
2011 May31(5):986-1000. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.110.207449
Prasad G.S., Srisailam K., Sashidhar R.B.
Metabolic inhibition of meloxicam by specific CYP2C9 inhibitors in Cunninghamella blakesleeana NCIM 687: in silico and in vitro studies.
Springerplus
2016 Feb 245:166. doi: 10.1186/s40064-016-1794-4. eCollection 2016
ATC classification(3 codes)
ATC N01BB59
ATC M01AC56
ATC M01AC06
Affected organisms(1)
Humans and other mammals
International brands(35)
Experimental properties(6)
Commercial products(374)
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Show
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Meloxicam
Additional database identifiers
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
11764
ChemSpider
10442740
BindingDB
50056998
PDB
MXM
ZINC
ZINC000013129998
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:9605
GenAtlas
PTGS2
GeneCards
PTGS2
GenBank Gene Database
L15326
GenBank Protein Database
291988
Guide to Pharmacology
1376
UniProt Accession
PGH2_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:9604
GenAtlas
PTGS1
GeneCards
PTGS1
GenBank Gene Database
M31822
GenBank Protein Database
387018
Guide to Pharmacology
1375
UniProt Accession
PGH1_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:8891
GeneCards
PGD
GenBank Gene Database
U30255
GenBank Protein Database
984325
UniProt Accession
6PGD_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2622
GenAtlas
CYP2C8
GeneCards
CYP2C8
GenBank Gene Database
M17397
Guide to Pharmacology
1325
UniProt Accession
CP2C8_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2623
GenAtlas
CYP2C9
GeneCards
CYP2C9
GenBank Gene Database
AY341248
Guide to Pharmacology
1326
UniProt Accession
CP2C9_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2637
GenAtlas
CYP3A4
GeneCards
CYP3A4
GenBank Gene Database
M18907
Guide to Pharmacology
1337
UniProt Accession
CP3A4_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:399
GenAtlas
ALB
GeneCards
ALB
GenBank Gene Database
V00494
GenBank Protein Database
28590
UniProt Accession
ALBU_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:55
GenAtlas
ABCC4
GeneCards
ABCC4
GenBank Gene Database
AF071202
GenBank Protein Database
3335173
Guide to Pharmacology
782
UniProt Accession
MRP4_HUMAN
International reference pricing
6 formulations
Reference pricing from DrugBank. Prices are indicative and may not reflect current UK costs.
From $3.23/tablet
To $86.99/bottle
Meloxicam 7.5 mg tablet
$3.23/tablet
Mobic 7.5 mg tablet
$4.74/tablet
Meloxicam 15 mg tablet
$4.94/tablet
Mobic 15 mg tablet
$7.37/tablet
Meloxicam bp powder
$56.61/g
Source: DrugBank. Used under CC BY-NC 4.0 academic licence for non-commercial purposes.
Patent information
102 active patents, 4 expired
12370196
United States
Approved 29 Dec 2021 · Expires 29 Dec 2041
15y 9m
12263176
United States
Approved 31 Jul 2021 · Expires 31 Jul 2041
15y 4m
12059423
United States
Approved 19 Jul 2020 · Expires 19 Jul 2040
14y 3m
12128052
United States
Approved 28 May 2020 · Expires 28 May 2040
14y 1m
10881663
United States
Approved 5 Jan 2021 · Expires 8 Mar 2039
12y 11m
Source: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0. Patent data sourced from national patent offices. Expiry dates may not reflect extensions, regulatory exclusivity periods, or legal challenges.
DrugBank citations
If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite the following publications:
Knox C., Wilson M., Klinger C.M., et al
DrugBank 6.
0: the DrugBank Knowledgebase for 2024
Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Jan 552(D1):D1265-D1275
Wishart D.S., Feunang Y.D., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank 5.
0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018
Nucleic Acids Res. 2017 Nov 846(D1):D1074-D1082
Show earlier publications
Law V., Knox C., Djoumbou Y., et al
DrugBank 4.
0: shedding new light on drug metabolism
Nucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jan 142(1):D1091-7
Knox C., Law V., Jewison T., et al
DrugBank 3.
0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan39(Database issue):D1035-41
Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets.
Nucleic Acids Research
2008 Jan36(Database issue):D901-6
Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.
Nucleic Acids Research
2006 Jan 134(Database issue):D668-72
Source: go.drugbank.comCC BY-NC 4.0
Updated 30 days ago(4 Mar 2026)