Meloxicam (Melos) Administration Timing
Meloxicam (Melos) should be taken once daily with food to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Dosing Schedule
- Meloxicam has a long half-life of approximately 20 hours, making it suitable for once-daily administration 1
- The standard oral dosage ranges from 7.5 mg to 15 mg once daily, with 7.5 mg recommended for elderly patients 2, 3
- Morning administration with breakfast is generally recommended to maintain consistent blood levels throughout the day 1
Administration Recommendations
- Take meloxicam with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal irritation 3
- Maintain a consistent daily schedule for administration to achieve steady state levels (reached within 3-5 days) 1
- For patients experiencing gastrointestinal side effects, taking the medication with a meal is particularly important 3
Pharmacokinetic Considerations
- Meloxicam is almost completely absorbed after oral administration, with a prolonged absorption phase 1
- The drug is highly protein-bound (>99.5%) and has a total plasma clearance of 7-8 ml/min 1
- The long elimination half-life of approximately 20 hours supports once-daily dosing 4, 1
Special Populations
- Elderly patients may require dose adjustment (starting with 7.5 mg daily) due to potentially decreased clearance 2
- Patients with hepatic or renal impairment should take meloxicam at the lowest effective dose and with careful monitoring 2
Safety Considerations
- Meloxicam is a selective COX-2 inhibitor with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to non-selective NSAIDs 4
- Despite its relative safety profile, patients should be monitored for potential adverse effects including abdominal pain, edema, and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding 2
- Taking meloxicam with food can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid taking on an empty stomach, as this may increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation 3
- Do not take multiple daily doses unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider, as once-daily dosing is sufficient due to the long half-life 1
- Avoid concomitant use with other NSAIDs as this increases the risk of adverse effects without providing additional benefit 2