Meloxicam and Gossypol: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Meloxicam
Gossypol
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Increased risk of adverse gastrointestinal effects
Interaction Deep Dive
Gossypol may cause tissue congestion, mucosal sloughing, mucosal necrosis, and intestinal wall hemorrhage (Waller et al, 1985). Anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss have been associated with gossypol intake1. An enteric coated tablet has been developed that decreases the gastrointestinal symptomatology but also decreases efficacy 2. Theoretically, additive gastrointestinal distress may occur when gossypol is combined with NSAIDs. Concomitant use should be avoided, or compounds should be taken at different times of the day and/or accompanied by food and water.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Gossypol may cause tissue congestion, mucosal sloughing, mucosal necrosis, and intestinal wall hemorrhage
Literature reports
2 reports — tap to read
a) Both gossypol contained in cottonseed kernels and pure gossypol acetate when administered orally cause gastrointestinal tissue congestion, mucosal sloughing, necrosis of the mucosa, and hemorrhage of the intestinal wall. These effects are frequently seen when gossypol is administered chronically (Waller et al, 1985).
b) Intermittent nausea, vomiting, and transient ileus were experienced in 36%, 21%, and 21%, respectively, of patients receiving gossypol for metastatic adrenal cancer. Four of the patients who developed abdominal ileus did so after receiving gossypol continuously for 3 months at doses of 40 mg/day or more. Ileus resolved within 1 to 2 weeks after gossypol discontinuation 1.
Common questions
Can I take Meloxicam and Gossypol together?
Increased risk of adverse gastrointestinal effects Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Meloxicam and Gossypol interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
From our Q&A
Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Meloxicam or Gossypol need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (2)
- Flack MR, Pyle RG, Sullen NM, et al: Oral gossypol in the treatment of metastatic adrenal cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1993; 76(4):1019-1024. DOI
- DeSmet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, et alDeSmet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, et al (Eds): Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 2, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany, 1993, pp 195-208.
Keep reading about Meloxicam
Keep reading about Gossypol
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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