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Meloxicam

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for arthritis pain and swelling (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in some forms) and, as an intravenous injection, for moderate-to-severe pain in adults.

Brand names MobicMetacamLoxicomMeloxidylOstilox +8 more
Drug class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug
Rx Forms 4
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 129 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 6, 2026
Other forms & routes:
Injection
Meloxicam at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Meloxicam is a once-daily NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that blocks the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to lower prostaglandins, the chemicals behind pain and swelling. It is used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, plus an injectable form for moderate-to-severe pain in adults, and it is a widely prescribed standby, around since about 2000 and available generically. Most people tolerate it well, and indigestion, nausea, diarrhea and mild ankle swelling are what they usually notice. Its boxed warning, shared by every NSAID, covers heart attack, stroke and stomach bleeding that can strike without warning, so use the lowest dose for the shortest time and get help fast for chest pain or black stools.

Clinical pearls

  • Skip over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen while on meloxicam, since doubling up adds stomach risk with little extra relief.
  • Meloxicam does not replace low-dose aspirin for heart protection, and taking both raises the risk of stomach bleeding.
  • It can weaken blood pressure medicines and diuretics and strain the kidneys, so expect blood pressure and kidney checks.
  • Tablets, capsules and the liquid are not interchangeable, so never swap one meloxicam product for another without your prescriber.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
⚠️ FDA Boxed Warning — the FDA’s strongest safety alert ▾

Meloxicam and other NSAIDs can raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, and serious stomach or intestinal bleeding, ulcers and perforation. These can be fatal.

The heart risk can start early in treatment and may grow with longer use. Meloxicam must not be used around CABG heart surgery.

Stomach and intestinal problems can happen at any time and without warning symptoms. Older adults and people with a past stomach ulcer or GI bleeding are at higher risk. Watch for chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side, slurred speech, black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood, and get help right away.

Read the full warning on DailyMed →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asTablet, Capsule, Oral suspension +1
Earliest FDA record2000
Companies listing it with the FDA45
FDA label last updatedMay 29, 2026
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)Yes, read the warning

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Meloxicam, written from its FDA label.

What Meloxicam is used for

▾

Meloxicam is used for arthritis conditions and, in injection form, for pain. Uses depend on the product.

  • Osteoarthritis symptoms: meloxicam tablets, Zybic and meloxicam oral suspension.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: meloxicam tablets, Zybic and meloxicam oral suspension.
  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: meloxicam tablets (patients 60 kg or more); Zybic and meloxicam oral suspension (patients 2 years and older).
  • Osteoarthritis pain: meloxicam capsules.
  • Moderate-to-severe pain in adults: Qamzova and Xifyrm intravenous injections, alone or with non-NSAID pain relievers.

How Meloxicam works

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Meloxicam blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. These enzymes make prostaglandins, chemicals that sensitize pain nerves and drive inflammation. With fewer prostaglandins, pain, swelling and fever ease.

Meloxicam dosage

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Oral meloxicam is generally taken by mouth once a day. The tablet and oral suspension can be taken with or without food, and the suspension should be shaken gently first. Qamzova and Xifyrm are given into a vein by a healthcare professional once daily.

  • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
  • Oral forms are not interchangeable with each other at the same strength unless the label specifically says so.
  • Follow your prescriber and the product label.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Meloxicam prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Osteoarthritis (oral suspension, Zybic; oral tablet)
    • Recommended starting and maintenance oral dose is 7.5 mg once daily
    • Some patients may receive additional benefit by increasing the dose to 15 mg once daily
    • Maximum: In adults, the maximum recommended daily oral dose is 15 mg regardless of formulation
    • In patients on hemodialysis, maximum daily dosage is 7.5 mg; may be taken without regard to timing of meals
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (oral suspension, Zybic; oral tablet)
    • Recommended starting and maintenance oral dose is 7.5 mg once daily
    • Some patients may receive additional benefit by increasing the dose to 15 mg once daily
    • Maximum: In adults, the maximum recommended daily oral dose is 15 mg regardless of formulation
    • In patients on hemodialysis, maximum daily dosage is 7.5 mg
  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, pauciarticular and polyarticular course (oral suspension, Zybic)
    • 0.125 mg/kg once daily
    • Dosing individualized based on the weight of the child (e.g. 12 kg: 1.0 mL, 1.5 mg
    • 24 kg: 2.0 mL, 3.0 mg
    • 36 kg: 3.0 mL, 4.5 mg
    • 48 kg: 4.0 mL, 6.0 mg
    • ≥60 kg: 5.0 mL, 7.5 mg
    • Suspension 1.5 mg/mL)
    • Maximum: Up to a maximum of 7.5 mg
    • No additional benefit shown by increasing the dose above 0.125 mg/kg once daily
  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, pauciarticular and polyarticular course (oral tablet)
    • 7.5 mg once daily in children who weigh ≥60 kg
    • Maximum: No additional benefit demonstrated by increasing the dose above 7.5 mg
    • Children who weigh ≥60 kg
  • Patients on hemodialysis (oral)
    • Maximum daily dosage of 7.5 mg is recommended
    • Maximum: 7.5 mg per day
    • Use in severe renal impairment is not recommended (Zybic)
  • Intravenous injection (Qamzova, Xifyrm)
    • 30 mg once daily, administered by intravenous bolus injection over 15 seconds
    • Patients must be well hydrated prior to administration; use for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals
Read the label’s full dosing text

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals ( 2.1 ) OA ( 2.2 ) and RA ( 2.3 ): Starting dose: 7.5 mg once daily Dose may be increased to 15 mg once daily JRA ( 2.4 ): 7.5 mg/kg once daily in children ≥60 kg Meloxicam tablets are not interchangeable with approved formulations of oral meloxicam even if the total milligram strength is the same ( 2.6 ) 2.1 General Dosing Instructions Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of meloxicam and other treatment options before deciding to use meloxicam tablets. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions (5) ] . After observing the response to initial therapy with meloxicam, adjust the dose to suit an individual patient's needs. In adults, the maximum recommended daily oral dose of meloxicam is 15 mg regardless of formulation. In patients with hemodialysis, a maximum daily dosage of 7.5 mg is recommended [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Meloxicam may be taken without regard to timing of meals. 2.2 Osteoarthritis For the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis the recommended starting and maintenance oral dose of meloxicam tablets is 7.5 mg once daily. Some patients may receive additional benefit by increasing the dose to 15 mg once daily. 2.3 Rheumatoid Arthritis For the relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended starting and maintenance oral dose of meloxicam is 7.5 mg once daily. Some patients may receive additional benefit by increasing the dose to 15 mg once daily. 2.4 Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) Pauciarticular and Polyarticular Course For the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended oral dose of meloxicam is 7.5 mg once daily in children who weigh ≥60 kg. There was no additional benefit demonstrated by increasing the dose above 7.5 mg in clinical trials. Meloxicam tablets should not be used in children who weigh <60 kg. 2.5 Renal Impairment The use of meloxicam tablets in subjects with severe renal impairment is not recommended. In patients on hemodialysis, the maximum dosage of meloxicam tablets is 7.5 mg per day [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Meloxicam side effects

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The most common side effects in adults include:

Common side effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Headache
  • Swelling (edema)

When to get medical help

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech: these can signal a heart attack or stroke. Get emergency help.
  • Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain: these can signal stomach or intestinal bleeding, ulcer or perforation. These can happen without warning.
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, itching, unusual tiredness, nausea or flu-like symptoms: these can be signs of liver problems.
  • Skin rash, blisters or other signs of an allergic reaction: stop the medicine and call your doctor right away.
  • Swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing: seek emergency help for a possible anaphylactic (severe allergic) reaction.
  • Weight gain, swelling or worsening shortness of breath: these can signal fluid retention or worsening heart failure.
  • Signs of worsening kidney function or anemia: tell your doctor.

Meloxicam warnings and precautions

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  • Heart attack and stroke risk, which can start early and rise with longer use. Not for use around CABG surgery.
  • Stomach and intestinal bleeding, ulcers and perforation, which can happen without warning. Older adults and people with prior ulcers or GI bleeding are at higher risk.
  • Liver injury, high blood pressure, fluid retention and worsening heart failure.
  • Kidney problems, especially with dehydration, kidney or liver disease, heart failure, or diuretics, ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
  • Severe allergic reactions, asthma flares in aspirin-sensitive people, serious skin reactions and DRESS.
  • Harm to the baby in later pregnancy.

Meloxicam interactions

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Meloxicam can clash with several common medicines.

  • Warfarin, aspirin, SSRIs and SNRIs: higher bleeding risk.
  • Other NSAIDs or salicylates: more GI toxicity without more benefit.
  • ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers and diuretics: weaker blood pressure effect and possible kidney strain.
  • Lithium: levels can rise.
  • Methotrexate, cyclosporine and pemetrexed: more toxicity.
  • Sodium polystyrene sulfonate: not recommended with meloxicam oral suspension.

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Meloxicam prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Drugs that interfere with hemostasis (anticoagulants e.g. warfarin, antiplatelet agents e.g. aspirin, SSRIs, SNRIs): Synergistic effect on bleeding; concomitant use has an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to either drug alone. Monitor patients for signs of bleeding.
  • Aspirin: Concomitant use of NSAIDs and aspirin does not produce any greater therapeutic effect than NSAIDs alone and was associated with a significantly increased incidence of GI adverse reactions. Concomitant use with low dose or analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended because of increased risk of bleeding; meloxicam is not a substitute for low dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection.
  • ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or beta-blockers: NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect; in elderly, volume-depleted or renally impaired patients, co-administration with ACE inhibitors or ARBs may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. Monitor blood pressure; monitor for signs of worsening renal function in high-risk patients; ensure adequate hydration; assess renal function at the beginning of concomitant treatment and periodically thereafter.
  • Diuretics (loop diuretics e.g. furosemide, thiazide diuretics): NSAIDs reduced the natriuretic effect of loop and thiazide diuretics in some patients; studies with furosemide and meloxicam have not demonstrated a reduction in natriuretic effect. Observe patients for signs of worsening renal function and assure diuretic efficacy including antihypertensive effects.
  • Lithium: NSAIDs have produced elevations in plasma lithium levels and reductions in renal lithium clearance; mean minimum lithium concentration increased 15% and renal clearance decreased by approximately 20%. Monitor patients for signs of lithium toxicity.
  • Methotrexate: May increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction). Monitor patients for methotrexate toxicity.
  • Cyclosporine: May increase cyclosporine's nephrotoxicity. Monitor patients for signs of worsening renal function.
  • Other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate): Increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy. Concomitant use is not recommended.
  • Pemetrexed: May increase the risk of pemetrexed-associated myelosuppression, renal, and GI toxicity. With creatinine clearance 45 to 79 mL/min, monitor for myelosuppression, renal and GI toxicity; interrupt meloxicam for at least five days before, the day of, and two days following pemetrexed; not recommended with creatinine clearance below 45 mL/min.
  • Sodium polystyrene sulfonate: Cases of intestinal necrosis (possibly fatal) described with concomitant sorbitol and sodium polystyrene sulfonate; meloxicam oral suspension contains sorbitol. Concomitant use is not recommended.
Read the label’s full interactions text

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS See Table 3 for clinically significant drug interactions with meloxicam. See also Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.6 , 5.12) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) . 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 meloxicam oral suspension 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 [see 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 meloxicam oral suspension and low dose aspirin or analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended because of the increased risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ]. Meloxicam oral suspension is not a substitute for low dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿113 supplements and herbs with documented Meloxicam interactions, ranked by severity Check Meloxicam against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Meloxicam

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  • Do not use if allergic to meloxicam, or if aspirin or NSAIDs caused asthma, hives or allergic reactions.
  • Do not use around CABG surgery.
  • Tell your doctor about heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, a recent heart attack, or past ulcers or GI bleeding.
  • Use caution with liver or kidney problems. Severe kidney impairment has not been studied, and use of the oral suspension is not recommended in it.
  • Pregnancy: limit use from about 20 to 30 weeks and avoid at about 30 weeks and later.
  • NSAIDs may delay ovulation, so tell your doctor if you are trying to conceive.
  • Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor.
  • Older adults face higher risks, so lower starting doses and monitoring are advised.

Meloxicam overdose

▾

Too much NSAID can cause lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and upper stomach pain. GI bleeding can occur, and rarely high blood pressure, kidney failure, slowed breathing or coma. There is no specific antidote, and care is supportive. Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency help.

What Meloxicam does in the body

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Meloxicam has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing effects. It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which lowers prostaglandins in tissues. Prostaglandins sensitize pain nerves and mediate inflammation.

How your body processes Meloxicam

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Meloxicam is absorbed slowly, with peak levels about 4 to 5 hours after a tablet dose, and steady levels by about day 5. It is highly bound to proteins in the blood. The liver breaks it down, mainly via CYP2C9, and the inactive products leave in urine and stool in about equal amounts. The half-life is roughly 15 to 20 hours.

How to store Meloxicam

▾

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) .

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

113

Supplements & herbs that interact with Meloxicam

113 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Meloxicam in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 5
  • Moderate · 81
  • Minor · 27
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major ASARABACCA Major BEER Major SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR Major WINE Major ADRAFINIL Moderate AFRICAN WILD POTATO Moderate ALFALFA Moderate +105 more
Every supplement checked against Meloxicam — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 5 major · 81 moderate · 27 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Meloxicam against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

1

Nutrient depletion considerations

Meloxicam has been associated with lower levels of 1 nutrient in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.

FOLIC ACID Insufficient Evidence
See the full Meloxicam nutrient depletion report

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Meloxicam: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Meloxicam — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What is meloxicam for?

▾
Meloxicam is an NSAID that eases pain and swelling from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some forms are also used for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The injection forms, Qamzova and Xifyrm, are for moderate-to-severe pain in adults.

How should I take it?

▾
Oral meloxicam is usually taken by mouth once a day, with or without food. If you use the suspension, shake it gently first. Take it at the lowest effective dose for as short a time as your doctor advises, and don't switch between meloxicam products on your own.

What side effects are common?

▾
The most common ones are diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, belly pain, headache, flu-like symptoms and upper respiratory infections. Some people notice swelling. Let me know if these bother you or don't settle.

When should I call my doctor right away?

▾
Get help for chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side or slurred speech. Also call for black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, a rash, yellow skin or eyes, or swelling of the face or throat. Stomach bleeding can happen without warning.

Can I take it with aspirin or other pain relievers?

▾
Taking it with other NSAIDs or aspirin raises your risk of stomach bleeding without extra benefit, so it's generally not recommended. Meloxicam also does not replace low-dose aspirin for heart protection. Check with me before adding anything, including blood thinners, antidepressants or blood pressure medicines.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

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Meloxicam can harm a developing baby later in pregnancy. Use is limited between about 20 and 30 weeks and avoided at about 30 weeks and later. Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Is Meloxicam available over the counter?

▾
No. Meloxicam is a prescription medicine: every Meloxicam product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

When was Meloxicam first available?

▾
The earliest FDA record we hold for Meloxicam is from 2000: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Meloxicam was first used.

Who makes Meloxicam?

▾
45 companies currently list Meloxicam products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including Advanced Rx of Tennessee, LLC, A-S Medication Solutions, Bryant Ranch Prepack. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Meloxicam on HelloPharmacist

📊Meloxicam supplement interactions113 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerMeloxicam vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Meloxicam NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Meloxicam Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Meloxicam forms and strengths (how it comes)

Meloxicam is available in 4 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Need a version that does not list lactose, a gluten source, a dye or gelatin? Inactive ingredients differ by manufacturer: see Meloxicam inactive ingredients by manufacturer.

Tablet

By mouth
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Meloxicam tablets are used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Meloxicam tablets are used for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients who weigh 60 kg or more.
Important instructions
  • Meloxicam tablets are taken by mouth once daily, with or without food.
  • Meloxicam tablets are not interchangeable with other approved oral meloxicam formulations at the same strength.
Available strengths 2 strengths
7.5 mg 15 mg
295 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Capsule

By mouth
Brands Vivlodex
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Meloxicam capsules are indicated for management of osteoarthritis pain.
Important instructions
  • Meloxicam capsules are taken by mouth once daily.
  • Meloxicam capsules are not interchangeable with other oral meloxicam formulations, even at the same strength.
  • Meloxicam capsules have a lower maximum daily dose in patients on hemodialysis.
Available strengths 2 strengths
5 mg 10 mg
10 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Oral suspension

By mouth
Brands Zybic
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Zybic is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients 2 years and older.
  • Meloxicam oral suspension is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients 2 years and older.
Important instructions
  • Zybic is taken by mouth once daily, with or without food. Shake it gently first.
  • Meloxicam oral suspension is taken by mouth once daily, with or without food. Shake it gently first.
  • Zybic and meloxicam oral suspension are not interchangeable with other approved oral meloxicam formulations at the same strength.
Available strengths 1 strength
7.5 mg/5 mL
7 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Injection

Into a vein
Brands Qamzova Xifyrm
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Qamzova is used in adults for moderate-to-severe pain, alone or with non-NSAID pain relievers.
  • Xifyrm is used in adults for moderate-to-severe pain, alone or with non-NSAID pain relievers.
Important instructions
  • Qamzova is given once daily as an intravenous bolus injection over 15 seconds.
  • Xifyrm is given once daily as an intravenous bolus injection over 15 seconds.
  • Qamzova and Xifyrm alone are not recommended when rapid pain relief is needed, because pain relief is delayed.
  • Patients must be well hydrated before Qamzova or Xifyrm is given.
Available strengths 1 strength
30 mg/mL
3 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Meloxicam on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Meloxicam appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

45 companies list 152 Meloxicam product records with the FDA, mostly as tablet, capsule, oral suspension; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 2000. Brand names on the directory include Mobic, Metacam, Loxicom and 10 more; the rest are generics.

4
Dose forms ⓘ
45
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
4
Brand names
152
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
2000
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (20) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

Advanced Rx of Tennessee, LLC8%
A-S Medication Solutions7%
Bryant Ranch Prepack7%
Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC6%
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.5%
Remedyrepack Inc.5%
Other makers63%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Meloxicam is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Meloxicam is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Meloxicam is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

3,321,801
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$32.5M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Meloxicam prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Meloxicam ranks #64 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 96% of them.

Where Meloxicam ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #64 of 1,601
#59 Polyethylene Glycol 33... 3,441,581 Rx #60 Doxycycline 3,416,939 Rx #61 Risperidone 3,411,596 Rx #62 Lidocaine 3,379,243 Rx #63 Budesonide / Formotero... 3,326,951 Rx #64 Meloxicam 3,321,801 Rx #65 Folic Acid 3,298,551 Rx #66 Metronidazole 3,247,421 Rx #67 Hydrochlorothiazide 3,216,975 Rx #68 Hydrocortisone 3,162,599 Rx #69 Divalproex 3,122,967 Rx

Utilization by Meloxicam product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 15 mg oral tablet is the most-dispensed Meloxicam product — about 72% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

meloxicam 15 MG Oral Tablet Most dispensed

2,390,639 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 72% of Meloxicam prescriptions shown $19.2M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $8.01 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 11 of 409 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 152695

meloxicam 7.5 MG Oral Tablet

919,326 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 28% of Meloxicam prescriptions shown $7.6M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $8.32 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 12 of 354 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 311486

meloxicam 10 MG Oral Capsule

6,998 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Meloxicam prescriptions shown $2.7M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $384 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 5 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1722357

meloxicam 5 MG Oral Capsule

4,838 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Meloxicam prescriptions shown $3.1M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $632 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 5 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1722349

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Meloxicam, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 27 of 773 listed Meloxicam NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Meloxicam products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Meloxicam — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 152 of 152 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 152 Meloxicam NDCs →

Meloxicam side effects reported to the FDA (FAERS)

After a medicine reaches the market, patients, doctors and drugmakers can send the FDA reports of problems they think may be linked to it. Here’s what’s been reported for Meloxicam — a signal of what to watch for, not proof the drug caused it.

The effects most often named in FDA reports that mention Meloxicam are pain, fatigue, arthralgia; about 58% of the reports were classed as serious. These are voluntary reports, so they show what people report, not how often it happens.

57,980
Reports mentioning it
58%
Reported as serious
12
Distinct effects shown
Most reported effects
Pain
4,832
Fatigue
4,760
Arthralgia
4,367
Nausea
3,988
Headache
3,473
Diarrhoea
3,372
Dyspnoea
2,784
Dizziness
2,740
Pain In Extremity
2,657
Malaise
2,574
Age groups
Adult · 6,675Elderly · 3,694Adolescent · 92Child · 32Neonate · 4Infant · 3

Source: openFDA, from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). These are voluntary reports — they don’t prove the drug caused the effect, and counts reflect how often something was reported, not how often it actually happens. Reports also often name the very problem the medicine is taken for — a common reason to file one is that the drug didn’t help — so for a pain reliever you may see “pain” high on the list; that points to why the report was filed, not to the drug causing the symptom. This counts every report that lists Meloxicam in any role, so the total runs higher than the FDA’s official dashboard, which counts only cases where the drug is the suspect. For the authoritative figures, see the FDA FAERS Public Dashboard. Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Meloxicam FDA approval history

How Meloxicam went from FDA review to the pharmacy shelf — the key milestones in its regulatory journey.

Meloxicam was first approved by the FDA in 2000 (Brand: MOBIC · Boehringer Ingelheim); the first generic version was approved in 2006. It remains available in U.S. pharmacies today.

2000
Brand approved
Brand: MOBIC · Boehringer Ingelheim
2006
First generic approved
Lower-cost ANDA competition begins
2026
Available today
Active in U.S. pharmacies

Source: Drugs@FDA.

Meloxicam recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list one Meloxicam recall since July 2021. It is no longer listed as ongoing. A recall names specific lots from one company, so check the lot number on your own bottle rather than assuming every product is affected; your pharmacist can check whether your supply came from an affected lot.

Class II Jan 26, 2022 · Terminated · CARDINAL HEALTHCARE
CGMP Deviations: Products were exposed to temperatures outside of the products labeled storage conditions.
  • Meloxicam Tablets, USP, 15 mg, 1000 Tablets per bottle, Rx Only, Manufactured by: Cipla Ltd., Kurkumbh, India; Manufactured for: Cipla USA, Inc., 9100 S. Dadeland Blvd., Suite 1500 Miami, FL 33156. N… Lots: Batch KA11489 FDA record D-0190-2024 →

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Meloxicam RxCUI 41493 7 dose forms · 12 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Disintegrating Oral Tablet RxCUI 2118580 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 7.5 MG RxCUI 2118589 15 MG RxCUI 2118581
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Solution RxCUI 372752 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG/ML RxCUI 1086707
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Injection RxCUI 2281105 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 1 ML meloxicam 30 MG/ML RxCUI 2281106
  4. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Capsule RxCUI 446251 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG RxCUI 1722349 10 MG RxCUI 1722357
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Suspension RxCUI 597405 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.5 MG/ML RxCUI 1091876 1.5 MG/ML RxCUI 597406
  6. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 372754 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 7.5 MG RxCUI 311486 15 MG RxCUI 152695
  7. Dose form (SCDF) Rectal Suppository RxCUI 372753 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 7.5 MG RxCUI 226923 15 MG RxCUI 152694

Look up RxCUI 41493 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Meloxicam costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Capsule · Oral 5 mg $8.92 per capsule NDC details & price history
Capsule · Oral 10 mg $11.25 per capsule NDC details & price history
Tablet 7.5 mg $0.017 per tablet NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Meloxicam brand names

Meloxicam is sold under 13 brand names in the FDA directory — Mobic, Metacam, Loxicom, Meloxidyl and others. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Mobic Metacam Loxicom Meloxidyl Ostilox Vivlodex Qmiiz Alloxate Anjeso Meloxivet Xifyrm Qamzova Zybic

Who makes Meloxicam: manufacturers and labelers

45 companies list Meloxicam products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Advanced Rx of Tennessee, LLC, A-S Medication Solutions, Bryant Ranch Prepack. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Advanced Rx of Tennessee, LLC 12 A-S Medication Solutions 10 Bryant Ranch Prepack 10 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 9 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 8 Remedyrepack Inc. 8 Proficient Rx LP 5 AiPing Pharmaceutical, Inc 4 Asclemed USA, Inc. 4 Direct Rx 4 Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 4 Northwind Health Company, LLC 4 NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 4 Phoenix Rx Llc 4 Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. 4 St. Mary's Medical Park Pharmacy 4 XLCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 4 Coupler LLC 3 ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2 Aurobindo Pharma Limited 2 AvPAK 2 Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2 Carlsbad Technology, Inc. 2 Chartwell RX, LLC 2

…and 21 more on the FDA NDC directory.

Meloxicam drug class (RxNorm)

Meloxicam belongs to the Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug class.

Pharmacologic class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug
Drug family (ATC) Amides, Oxicams
How it works Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Meloxicam page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective May 29, 2026
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Meloxicam.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Meloxicam after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
129
Finished products in the current FDA directory
152
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
45
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
54
Linked representative label ⓘ
Avondale Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Linked label effective
May 29, 2026
Composite sections available
25
Linked SPL Set ID
4ddf5a4d-8e84-419d-8e3a-c91b85501885
Linked SPL Document ID
fa52a9ca-fe56-49c3-8029-2b7d2e522d4f
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗
NDC package records associated with this linked SPL 1

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Avondale Pharmaceuticals, LLC is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →