Should I Take Meloxicam in the Morning or at Night?

Drugs forming part of a category of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (in short, NSAIDs) are taken to reduce bodily pains. They are administered for managing pains like backache, migraine, toothache, painful muscles, joints, migraines, etc. NSAIDs are also prescribed to suppress signs of infections like flu, cold and fever. In this milieu, should you take meloxicam in the morning or night? It becomes a key thing to have needful inputs prior to starting your treatment.

Drugs of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs i.e., NSAIDs genre inhibit COX-enzymes – viz., COX 1 as well as COX 2. Of these two important enzymes, COX 1 is related to inner-most linings and tissues of your gastric channel. On the other hand, COX 2 plays a crucial role in transmitting pain signals. You need know that intake of NSAIDs help decrease pains, signs of infections, etc.

In this light, what is meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a NSAID; it is chiefly taken to treat painful joints and other discomforts. It is often prescribed to people living with autoimmune conditions like arthritis. Pills with strength of 7.5 milligrams (mg) to 10 mg are widely administered. At times, this drug is taken as a liquid form; strength of its liquid version is 7.5 mg / 5 mL. Its liquid form is also consumed through oral route.

Your caregiving team will most-likely prescribe 7.5 mg pill form of meloxicam. It is however essential to remember that strength of doses depends on severity of pains. A single dosage of this NSAID lasts for 24 hours; also, key ingredients of meloxicam can reach maximum concentration in your plasma in 5 hours’ time.

Should I take meloxicam in the morning or at night?

You can take meloxicam any time of a day; however, ensure to consume the dose at the same timeslot each day. If you have a sensitive gastric system, you are advised to take it along with a meal. Those with ulcers or internal injuries – especially, elders aged above 55 years – must keep their doctor informed of such gastric conditions. Also, if you are taking beta blockers or alpha blockers, your caregiving team needs to know about current dosage plan.

As NSAIDs such as meloxicam may trigger strokes or heart arrests, those who have a recent episode of cardiac failure must update their physician of such events. In the same note, those who had underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (also known as CABG) must discuss their condition with a healthcare professional prior to taking NSAIDs like meloxicam.

How to safely consume meloxicam?

It is not a safe thing to consume two drugs belonging to the NSAID genre – say, meloxicam along with aleve. Combination of NSAIDs – like the above two – can cause problems in your gastric tract. Typical side effects are gas formation, diarrhea, nausea, etc.

People who use meloxicam with another NSAID may also develop internal bruises as well as bleeding. Meloxicam needs to be administered as per a qualified physician’s advice. Overdose of this NSAID can result in renal dysfunction; excessive intake can also change the inflow of blood into your renal system. If this practice is continued for long, you may observe significant retention of salts such as potassium, sodium, etc. in your system.

Last but not least, if you are using meloxicam and are witnessing undesired effects like GERD or acid reflux, you must talk to the caregiver immediately. Most important signs of GERD are pain in chest region, a sour taste in throat, a foul smell in oral parts, etc. Upon sensing any of these signs, people living in US must call 911 or reach out to the helpdesk of FDA without much delay.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.

Emily Harris

Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.