Everything You Need To Know About Meloxicam

Meloxicam has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. These therapeutic actions are made possible by the selective inhibition of COX-2. Learn more about it in our article!

Meloxicam is an active substance which belongs to the group of analgesic, antipyretic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Within this family is the group of oxocams, which are drugs that are selective inhibitors of COX-2.

These drugs are indicated for the treatment of moderate postoperative pain. But also inflammation in cases of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They can also be used to reduce feverish states. Only adults and children who are at least 2 years old can take it.

What are COX enzymes?

Meloxicam has therapeutic effects as well as side effects, which can be explained by a proposal made by scientist Vane in 1971.

This professional claimed that drugs of this type had the ability to inhibit the activity of an enzyme called COX. An enzyme is a molecule that promotes and allows the development of different mechanisms in the body.

COX enzymes are synthetic enzymes that convert arachidonic acid in cell membranes into unstable cyclic endoperoxides. These, in turn, become prostaglandins and thromboxanes, without affecting other molecules.

In the COX family, there are different subtypes: COX-1, COX-2 and COX-3. COX-1 and COX-2 have the same structure and molecular weight. The former have a smaller active place, and the same goes for the entrance to the canal. This justifies that all COX-1 inhibitors are also those of COX-2, but not the other way around.

COX-3 is found only in the central nervous system, since its inhibition does not produce anti-inflammatory effects.

How does meloxicam trigger its effect in the body?

As we have commented, meloxicam has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. These therapeutic actions are made possible through the selective inhibition of COX-2.

As a result of this inhibition, the synthesis of prostaglandins and other substances related to inflammatory, febrile and painful processes is blocked.

Prostaglandins are a collection of substances that are derived from fatty acids. They act on different physiological processes in various body systems, including the nervous system, smooth tissue, blood and the reproductive system.

Prostaglandins have various main functions. Indeed, they:

• Mediate the inflammatory response
• Stimulate some of the nerve endings in pain
• Increase gastric mucus secretion and decrease gastric acid secretion
• Causes smooth muscle contraction
• Intervene in the regulation of body temperature, which is why they also act on the process of fever

• Control the drop in blood pressure by promoting the elimination of substances in the kidneys

By keeping the enzymes that are responsible for their synthesis inhibited, all these processes decrease and improve the symptoms they produce. This is what generates the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects.

In addition, various clinical trials have been carried out and have shown that meloxicam is effective as an emergency contraceptive treatment.

Adverse effects of meloxicam

Meloxicam, like all medicines on the market, is not immune to producing a series of side effects which must be taken into account when starting treatment with this medicine.

By “side effects” we mean all unintentionally occurring events that may occur during drug treatment.

In this sense, the side effects of meloxicam most frequently reported in clinical trials are those that affect the digestive system. The most serious reactions were bleeding and perforation of the stomach.

As regards the gastrointestinal side effects which have been observed most often, the following can be mentioned:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dyspepsia
• Flatulence
• Nausea and vomiting

Conclusion

Meloxicam is a drug that belongs to the family of non-steroidal analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs. It is prescribed primarily to treat pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. It can also be useful to fight against feverish states.

It is a selective inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme, since it blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins. When administering it, it is necessary to be careful. Indeed, it is important to always follow the doctor’s instructions, since serious side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding can occur as a result of taking this medication.

If you have any doubts, we encourage you to consult a professional and always follow the recommendations for use in order to avoid any possible complications.