Mobic is the brand name of the generic drug Meloxicam and it is manufactured by Boehringer-Ingelheim. It is available as 7.5 mg or 15 mg yellow, biconvex, uncoated tablets. The 7.5 mg tablet is round while the 15 mg tablet is oblong. This drug belongs to the class of drugs called NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
It treats the swelling, pain and the tenderness which result from the inflammation.
Mobic/Meloxicam is used for:
Action
The drug acts by reducing the levels of prostaglandins which are the cause of the inflammation which causes the pain, stiffness, swelling and fever. Once the inflammation is controlled, the symptoms become easier to bear.
Side Effects
These drugs tend to affect the gastric tract so you can expect some gas, bloating, tummy upsets and maybe even a bit of a stomach ache at times. Many of the stomach problems can be avoided if this drug is taken with food or maybe a glass of milk. Otherwise, on an empty stomach, this medication could cause ulcers. Mobic is less of a problem than other NSAIDs in this respect but it would be better to take this too with some food in order to avoid the side effects. Other side effects include headaches, rash and itching, pain in the back and the joints, difficulty sleeping and tiredness. The more serious ones are fainting spells, accelerated heartbeat and blood pressure, bruising and bleeding, kidney and bladder infections, shortness of breath, mood swings and seizures.
Caution
You need to be sure that you are not allergic to this medication before you take it. If you are not sure, your doctor will prescribe tests to be done. This drug cannot be taken with certain other medication and also with certain health conditions so make sure you tell your doctor about your whole medical history and about all the medication and supplements that you are taking. You need to be cautious if you have respiratory problems or any liver, kidney or heart complaints. This drug might make you drowsy so take care not to drive or work with dangerous machinery after you have taken it. Alcohol and tobacco use should be stopped or curtailed and sun exposure should be kept to the minimum as the skin could be sensitive. You need to tell your dentist or surgeon that you are on this medication before any procedure.
Contraindications
This medication is contraindicated in the last trimester of pregnancy though ideally it should be avoided right through. It should be avoided by nursing mothers too. It is also to be avoided with the very young and the very old.