COMPOSITION :

Each tablet contains: Meloxicam B.P. 7.5 mg or 15 mg.

DESCRIPTION :

Melocam (meloxicam) is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic and antipyretic effects. It acts by

selectively inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis at the site of inflammation more than in the gastric mucosa or the

kidneys. This result in a superior therapeutic margin and a lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects

including perforations and ulcers of bleeds over the standard doses of other NSAIDs.

INDICATIONS :

Melocam is indicated in:

- Symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis .

- Symptomatic treatment of painful osteoarthritis (arthrosis. degenerative joint disease).

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION :

Tablet should be administered with water or other fluids with food.

Adults :

- Rheumatoid arthritis : 15 mg once daily . The dose may be reduced to 7.5 mg once daily.

- Osteoarthritis : 7.5 mg once daily. Increased if necessary to max. 15 mg once daily.

- Elderly or patients at increased risk of adverse effects : Initially 7.5 mg once daily.

RESTRICTIONS ON USE :

Contraindications

Meloxicam is contraindicated in aspirin induced allergy, peptic ulcer, severe hepatic or renal failure.

Precautions

Caution should be exercised in patients with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, renal

failure, hypovolaemia, history of GIT inflammation and patients receiving diuretics .

Use in pregnancy and lactation

Should not be used in pregnancy and lactation.

DRUG INTERACTIONS :

- Concomitant administration with other NSAIDs increases the risk of Gl bleeding and ulceration.

- Concomitant administration with oral anticoagulants increases the risk of bleeding.

- Concomitant administration with lithium increases lithium plasma levels.

- Concomitant administration with methotrexate may increase haematologic toxicity of methotrexate.

- Meloxicam reduces the effects of antihypertensive drugs.

- Cholestyramine leads to a faster elimination of meloxicam.

- Nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine may be enhanced by meloxicam.

- Diuretics : patients who will receive diuretics and meloxicam should be monitored for renal function before

starting the treatment.

ADVERSE EFFECTS :

Gl upset (dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, diarrhea), gastrointestinal

perforation, mucocutaneous reactions, cardiovascular effects. blood dyscrasia and transient disturbances in liver

tests.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS :

Store below 30°C in a dry place.

PRESENTATIONS :

Melocam 7.5 , 15 : Packs of 10 and 20 tablets.