Meloxicam (Mobic) Dosing Recommendations
The recommended dose of meloxicam (Mobic) is 7.5 mg once daily, which can be increased to 15 mg once daily if needed for better symptom control. 1
Standard Dosing
- Meloxicam is available in 7.5 mg and 15 mg tablet formulations for oral administration 1
- Initial recommended dose is 7.5 mg once daily 1, 2
- For patients requiring additional pain relief, the dose can be increased to 15 mg once daily 1, 3
- Meloxicam should be administered as a single daily dose 1, 4
Efficacy Considerations
- The 7.5 mg daily dose has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating osteoarthritis compared to placebo 3
- The 15 mg daily dose provides additional pain relief for patients with more severe symptoms 3, 5
- Lower doses (3.75 mg) may not consistently reach statistical significance for pain relief 2
- Efficacy is typically evident after 2 weeks of treatment and is maintained with continued use 2
Special Populations
- For elderly patients (over 59 years of age), consider starting with the lower 7.5 mg dose to minimize potential adverse effects 1
- Patients with renal impairment may require dose adjustment or more careful monitoring 1
- Patients with cardiovascular risk factors should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible 1
Administration Considerations
- Meloxicam can be taken with or without food 5
- For chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, consistent daily dosing is recommended 4
- In some treatment protocols, meloxicam may be administered intramuscularly (1.5 ml) for 3-5 days, followed by oral administration (7.5-15 mg) for 14 days 6
Safety Considerations
- Gastrointestinal adverse events are dose-related; the 7.5 mg dose has GI tolerability comparable to placebo 2
- Higher doses (15 mg) may increase the risk of adverse effects but still demonstrate favorable tolerability compared to some other NSAIDs 4
- Consider combining with a proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker in patients at high risk for GI complications 1
- Avoid long-term use in patients with cardiovascular disease, as NSAIDs can increase risk of cardiovascular events 1
Remember that the optimal dose should provide adequate symptom relief while minimizing potential adverse effects. For most patients, starting with 7.5 mg daily and titrating to 15 mg daily if needed provides the best balance of efficacy and safety.