Taking Hydrocodone With Meloxicam

There is no drug interaction between hydrocodone and meloxicam. They work via different mechanisms of action and can safely be taken together. However, it would make sense to allow the meloxicam time to work prior to taking hydrocodone (or vice versa) unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Studies show that NSAIDs, like meloxicam, can oftentimes provide adequate pain relief after surgery so an opioid like hydrocodone may not be necessary. NSAIDs have also been shown to reduce the overall need for opioids after surgery (i.e. patients who have used an NSAID first generally require fewer opioids for acute pain relief).

As hydrocodone is a controlled substance, has a number of potential side effects and the risk of dependency, it should only be taken if absolutely necessary, at the lowest dose, for the shortest period of time. Meloxicam may reduce the need to have to take it.

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam (Mobic) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase or COX.

The COX enzymes play a significant role in prostaglandin formation which is responsible for inflammation, platelet formation, and fever. There are two types of COX, known as COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 has a more prominent role in platelet formation, as well as protecting the stomach lining. COX-2 is primarily responsible for inflammation.

Meloxicam inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 but is slightly more selective for COX-2, which may reduce the risk of stomach-related side effects compared to other NSAIDs that are not selective.

What Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a controlled substance pain medication that typically comes as a combination tablet with acetaminophen (Norco). Hydrocodone and ibuprofen are also found in a combination tablet known as Vicoprofen. This is used much less frequently than Norco.

Norco should start working in about 30 minutes and should reach peak effect in about 90 minutes. Overall, Norco treats pain for about 3-4 hours. Meloxicam takes about 4-5 hours to reach peak concentration and is usually only used once a day at a maximum dose of 15 mg.  

In order to avoid untoward effects like addiction, constipation, and respiratory depression, the lowest dose for the shortest duration is generally recommended when taking Norco and other opioids.

Meloxicam With Hydrocodone

As mentioned, there is no interaction between these drugs.

If the pain is mild, meloxicam may be a good option instead of taking a dose of a drug containing hydrocodone but if both are needed together, they are safe to combine.