Meloxicam Dosage for Muscle Strain
For muscle strain, the recommended dosage of meloxicam is 7.5 mg once daily, which can be increased to 15 mg once daily if needed for adequate symptom control. 1
Dosing Guidelines
- Initial dose for adults with muscle strain should be 7.5 mg once daily orally 1
- Maximum dose should not exceed 15 mg once daily 1
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to minimize adverse effects 1
- Treatment duration typically ranges from 3-5 days with injectable form (if used), followed by oral administration for up to 14 days 2
Administration Considerations
- Meloxicam can be taken with or without food 1
- For acute muscle strain, a step-wise approach may be used: starting with injectable form (1.5 ml intramuscularly) for 3-5 days, followed by oral form (7.5-15 mg) for 14 days 2
- Elderly patients (>75 years) should use caution with NSAIDs including meloxicam due to increased risk of adverse effects 3
Special Populations and Precautions
- In elderly patients (>75 years), use the lowest effective dose and monitor closely for adverse effects 3
- Patients with cardiovascular risk factors should use meloxicam with caution due to increased risk of cardiovascular events 1
- Patients with gastrointestinal risk factors should consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor 1
- Avoid using meloxicam in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) 3
Monitoring and Safety
- Monitor for gastrointestinal adverse effects, which may include dyspepsia, abdominal pain, and in rare cases, ulceration or bleeding (0.2% with meloxicam 15 mg) 4
- Assess renal function periodically during treatment, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease 1
- Be alert for signs of cardiovascular complications, particularly in patients with risk factors 1
- Avoid combining meloxicam with other NSAIDs as this increases risk without providing additional benefit 5
Common Pitfalls and Caveats
- Meloxicam should not be used for prolonged periods without reassessment of benefits and risks 5
- Despite its improved gastrointestinal safety profile compared to some NSAIDs, meloxicam still carries risks associated with the NSAID class 5, 4
- For muscle strain specifically, consider combining with physical therapy and other non-pharmacological approaches for optimal recovery 1
- Be aware that meloxicam has a relatively slow onset of action compared to some other NSAIDs, which may be important when treating acute muscle strain 6