Meloxicam, also known as Mobic, is a type of medication called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Doctors may prescribe Meloxicam to relieve pain and reduce inflammation caused by various forms of arthritis. It is usually taken orally in the form of a tablet, capsule, or suspension. In certain situations, it may be administered as an injection in a hospital setting.
Going against the prescription is the same as taking overdose. Most drugs that are pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications including meloxicam are mostly taken overdose because people think that more quantity will help relieve their pain faster. One thing you should understand is that the symptoms of taking more than the prescription required may appear suddenly, so it is best to know these symptoms and what to look out for.
What are the uses of Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a medication that can be used to treat different types of arthritis, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that occurs due to wear and tear of the joint cartilage. It leads to joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): This is a form of arthritis that affects children aged 2 years and older. It causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
Side Effects of Meloxicam
These common side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Nausea
However, there are some serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, it’s crucial to see your doctor:
- Stroke: Symptoms may include blurry vision, weakness or numbness in the limbs, and difficulty speaking.
- Heart attack or heart pain: Symptoms can manifest as cold sweat, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
- Intestinal and stomach problems: This may involve ulcers, vomiting or passing blood in the stool, or severe stomach pain.
- Liver damage: Look out for loss of appetite, cloudy urine, or yellowing/whitening of the eyes.
- High blood pressure: Symptoms can include bleeding from the nose, dizziness, or a feeling of dullness.
- Peeling and blistering of the skin.
- Water retention leading to swelling and rapid weight gain.
- Kidney damage: Pay attention to painful urination, anemia, or frequent urination.
If you notice any of these serious side effects, it’s important to seek medical help promptly.
Meloxicam Dosage
The dosage of the medicine depends on the specific ailment being treated. The doctor will determine how much medicine you should take each day, the time intervals between doses, and the duration of the treatment based on your medical condition.
Here are the simplified dosage guidelines for different conditions:
- Osteoarthritis (oral capsule):
- Adults: Start with 5 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase the dosage if necessary, but it should not exceed 10 mg per day.
- Children: The appropriate dose and usage will be determined by the doctor.
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (oral disintegrating tablet):
- Children 2 years and older, weighing 60 kg or more: Take 7.5 mg once a day. The dosage is determined by the child’s weight and prescribed by the doctor.
- Children under 2 years or weighing less than 60 kg: The doctor will determine the dose and usage.
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (oral disintegrating tablet):
- Adults: Take 7.5 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust the dosage, but it should not exceed 15 mg per day.
- Children: The doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and usage.
Note, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and not exceed the prescribed dosage.
Can You Overdose On Meloxicam?
Meloxicam, also known as Mobic, is a powerful pain reliever, but it’s important to take it carefully to avoid overdosing. Knowing the correct dosage and being aware of overdose symptoms is crucial. While there may not be extensive research on meloxicam overdose, it is still possible to exceed the prescribed amount and experience symptoms.
A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine in 2002 found that patients who took more meloxicam than prescribed experienced side effects, including damage to their gastrointestinal tract. However, all patients eventually recovered due to prompt medical attention and symptom management. It’s worth noting that the outcome may vary for individuals without immediate access to medical assistance. Although meloxicam may seem harmless, taking an overdose can be very dangerous.
Is 30 mg of meloxicam too much or an overdose?
Typically, meloxicam is prescribed at the lowest effective dose for pain relief and inflammation. Most commonly, doctors prescribe a daily dosage of 5-7.5 mg for adults, which can be increased to 15 mg if necessary. However, even at the maximum recommended dosage of 15 mg, some patients may experience symptoms of overdose.
If 15 mg of meloxicam can cause overdose symptoms, imagine what could happen with a higher dose like 30 mg. Taking such an excessive amount can lead to heart problems, even if you have no history of heart conditions. Gastrointestinal issues like ulcers and bleeding can also occur, even in the absence of prior conditions. This is why doctors always advise patients to stick to their prescribed dosage, even if it seems ineffective.
Accidentally taking 30 mg or an overdose of meloxicam can result in various symptoms, including drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, lack of energy, upper abdominal pain below the ribs, gastrointestinal bleeding, and more severe conditions like poisoning, convulsions, coma, high blood pressure, acute kidney failure, respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, liver failure, and cardiovascular collapse.
It’s important to note that consuming alcohol with meloxicam is not advisable as it can interact negatively and intensify the side effects, increasing the risk of death.
Can 30 mg of meloxicam cause death?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning for this drug due to its potential to cause heart and gastrointestinal problems. Even individuals without a history of these conditions can experience severe side effects, including death, in cases of overdose. While limited studies on meloxicam overdose and its potential for death exist, prompt medical treatment can help avoid fatal outcomes.
Can meloxicam overdose be treated?
The first step is to seek immediate medical attention if an accidental intake of 30 mg or an overdose occurs. Without proper treatment, meloxicam overdose can lead to poisoning and potentially be fatal. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. If the prescribed dosage is ineffective, consult your doctor to discuss alternative options and dosages.
Managing meloxicam overdose at home
Managing meloxicam overdose at home is not recommended. Supportive care can be provided while waiting for medical assistance, such as gastric lavage (stomach pumping) to remove the drug from the stomach and administering activated charcoal, which helps treat overdose and poisoning. If meloxicam has entered the bloodstream, a dose of Cholestyramine may be advised to facilitate faster elimination of the drug. If you suspect someone is abusing meloxicam, it is crucial to seek drug addiction treatment at a rehabilitation center.
Conclusion
In conclusion, meloxicam is a beneficial pain reliever, but it can be dangerous when taken in excessive amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg, and anything above this is considered an overdose. Even at the correct dosage, meloxicam can cause side effects. Taking 30 mg or more can lead to life-threatening conditions and even death without prompt medical
