Does Meloxicam Contain HCL (Hydrochloric Acid)?
No, meloxicam does not contain hydrochloric acid (HCL) as part of its chemical structure or formulation. Meloxicam is chemically defined as 4-Hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(5-methyl-2-thiazolyl)-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide 1-dioxide, an oxicam derivative NSAID 1.
Chemical Composition
- Meloxicam is a standalone chemical entity that does not require or contain a hydrochloride salt form 1
- The drug is a selective COX-2 inhibitor with a distinct molecular structure that includes benzothiazine and thiazole rings 2
- Unlike some medications that are formulated as hydrochloride salts (such as hydroxocobalamin hydrochloride, naloxone hydrochloride, or pralidoxime chloride mentioned in antidote guidelines), meloxicam exists as a free base 3, 1
Formulation Characteristics
- Meloxicam is available in oral tablets, oral suspension, and rectal suppository formulations 1
- The drug is highly protein-bound (>99.5%) and undergoes hepatic metabolism to inactive metabolites 4
- Standard dosing for arthritis is 7.5-15 mg once daily, with the drug's 20-hour half-life allowing for single daily administration 5, 4
Clinical Implications
- The absence of HCL in meloxicam's formulation does not affect its efficacy as a COX-2 preferential NSAID 6, 2
- Meloxicam demonstrates linear pharmacokinetics across its therapeutic dose range without requiring acid salt formation for absorption 4
- The drug achieves nearly complete absorption regardless of the absence of hydrochloride salt formation 4