Meloxicam: Everything You Need To Know

Meloxicam is an active substance that belongs to the group of analgesic, antipyretic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Within this family, it is included in the group of oxicams, a type of selective COX-2 inhibitor drugs.

These drugs are indicated for the treatment of moderate postoperative pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They can also be used to reduce feverish states. It can be used in adults and in children who are at least 2 years old.

What are COX enzymes?

Meloxicam, like most NSAID drugs, has therapeutic effects, as well as adverse reactions, which can be explained by a proposal made by the scientist Vane in 1971.

This professional stated that these types of drugs had the ability to inhibit the activity of an enzyme called COX. An enzyme is a molecule that favors and allows the development of different mechanisms in the body.

COX enzymes are synthetase enzymes that convert arachidonic acid in cell membranes to unstable cyclic endoperoxides. These, in turn, are transformed into prostaglandins and thromboxanes, without affecting other molecules.

Within the COX family, there are several subtypes: COX-1, COX-2, and COX-3. 1 and 2 have the same structure and similar molecular weight. The former has a smaller active site, as well as the entrance to the canal. This justifies that all COX-1 inhibitors are also COX-2 inhibitors, but not vice versa.

COX-3 is only found in the central nervous system, so its inhibition does not produce anti-inflammatory effects, which also occurs with some NSAID drugs.

How does meloxicam trigger its effect on the body?

As we have mentioned, meloxicam has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. These therapeutic actions are achieved through the selective inhibition of COX-2.

As a consequence of this inhibition, the synthesis of prostaglandins and other substances related to inflammatory, feverish and painful processes is blocked.

Prostaglandins are a group of substances derived from fatty acids. They affect and act on different physiological processes of different body systems, including the nervous system, smooth tissue, blood and the reproductive system.

Among the main functions of prostaglandins, we can mention:

• They are mediators of the inflammatory response.
• Some stimulate the nerve endings of pain.
• They increase gastric mucus secretion and decrease gastric acid secretion.
• They cause the contraction of the smooth muscles.

• They take part in the regulation of the corporal temperature, reason why they take part in the fever process.
• They control the drop in blood pressure by promoting the elimination of substances in the kidney.

Therefore, as the enzymes responsible for their synthesis are inhibited, all these processes decrease and improve the symptoms they produce. This generates the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects.

In addition, different clinical trials have been carried out that have shown that meloxicam is effective as an emergency contraceptive treatment.

Adverse reactions of meloxicam

Meloxicam, like all the medicines marketed, is not exempt from producing a series of adverse effects that must be taken into account when starting treatment with this medicine.

We understand adverse effects as all events that occur unintentionally and unintentionally expected with treatment with a drug.

In this sense, the most frequent adverse effects reported in clinical trials with meloxicam were those affecting the digestive system. The most serious reactions were stomach bleeding and perforation.

Among the gastrointestinal adverse reactions that have been observed more frequently, we can mention:

• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Dyspepsia.
• Flatulence.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Conclution

Meloxicam is a drug that belongs to the family of non-steroidal analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic drugs. It is used mainly to treat pain and inflammation associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. It can also be used to combat feverish symptoms.

It is a selective inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme, which is why it blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins. Caution should be exercised in its administration. It is important to always follow the doctor’s instructions, since serious adverse effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding can be triggered.

We encourage you to consult any questions with a professional and to always follow the recommendations for use in order to avoid health complications.