Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and anti-pyretic effects. It is an oxycam closely associated with piroxicam, and falls within the NSAID enolic acid group. It was developed by Boehringer-Ingelheim. Meloxicam begins to relieve pain about 30-60 minutes after administration.
By 2015, the cost for one month of treatment in the United States is less than $ 25 USD.
Video Meloxicam
Side effects
The use of meloxicam can cause gastrointestinal toxicity and bleeding, headache, rash and stools that are very dark or black (signs of intestinal bleeding). Like other NSAIDs, their use is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. It has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than diclofenac, piroxicam, naproxen, and possibly all other non-selective COX-2 NSAIDs. Although meloxicam inhibits the formation of thromboxane A, it does not seem to do so at levels that would interfere with platelet function.
An analysis collected from a randomized, controlled study of meloxicam therapy for up to 60 days duration found that meloxicam was associated with a statistically significantly lower thromboembolic complication rate than NSAID diclofenac (0.2% versus 0.8% respectively) but a similar incidence thromboembolism for naproxen and piroxicam.
Cardiovascular side effects
People with hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes are at risk for cardiovascular side effects. People with a family history of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke should tell their treating doctor because the potential for serious cardiovascular side effects is significant.
Maps Meloxicam
Action mechanism
Meloxicam blocks cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme responsible for converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H 2 - the first step in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which is an inflammatory mediator. Meloxicam has been shown, especially at low therapeutic doses, selectively to inhibit COX-2 via COX-1.
The concentration of meloxicam in synovial fluid ranges from 40% to 50% of those in plasma. The free fraction in the synovial fluid is 2.5 times higher than in plasma, because of the lower albumin content in the synovial fluid compared with plasma. The significance of this penetration is unknown, but may explain the fact that it performs very well in the treatment of arthritis in animal models.
Veterinary use
Meloxicam is used in veterinary medicine, most commonly in dogs (not recommended for cats) but also sees off-label use in other animals such as cattle and exotics.
The side effects in animals are similar to those found in humans; The main side effects are gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhea, and ulceration). Less common but important side effects include liver and kidney toxicity.
In healthy dogs given meloxicam, no adverse perioperative effects on the cardiovascular system are reported at recommended doses. The administration of meloxicam in cats perioperatively does not affect postoperative respiratory rate or heart rate.
A peer-reviewed journal article quotes about an overdose of NSAIDs, including meloxicam, as a cause of severe kidney damage in cats.
Meloxicam has been investigated as an alternative to diclofenac by RSPB to prevent the death of vultures.
Pharmacokinetics
In dogs, absorption of meloxicam from the stomach is not affected by the presence of food, with peak concentration (C max ) meloxicam occurring in the blood 7-8 hours after administration. The half-life of meloxicam is about 24 hours in dogs.
In koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus ), very little meloxicam is absorbed into the blood after oral administration (ie, it has poor bioavailability).
Legal status
United States
Since 2003, meloxicam has been approved in the US for use in dogs for the management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, as a meloxicam oral (liquid) formulation. In January 2005, the product inserts added a warning in bold: "Do not use a cat." The injection formulation for use in dogs was approved by the FDA in November 2003.
In October 2004, the formulations for use in cats were approved for preoperative use only. These are injectable meloxicam, indicated to be single, one-time doses only, with specific and repeated warning not to give a second dose.
In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration sent Notice Breach to manufacturers for promotional materials that included the promotion of drugs for use outside the label.
European Union
In Europe, where this product has been available since the early 1990s, it is licensed for other anti-inflammatory benefits including relief from acute and chronic pain in dogs. In June 2007, the oral version of meloxicam was licensed to relieve long-term pain in cats. Meloxicam is also licensed for use on horses, to reduce the pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders.
Other countries
In June 2008, meloxicam was registered for long-term use in cats in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
References
External links
- Official manufacturer's product website for animal formulation
- Website of the United States manufacturer for animal formulation
- FDA Metacam
- Meloxicam Side Effects
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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