Meloxicam (Mobic)

If you have been prescribed meloxicam (Mobic) you may want some more information about the drug you are about to begin taking before using it. For example, you may want want the answers to questions like: What is meloxicam? What is meloxicam used for? Is meloxicam a narcotic? Let's answer these questions so that you can understand the medication that your doctor has prescribed for you a little better, and thus be more comfortable taking it.

What is meloxicam (Mobic)?

Meloxicam is in a class of drugs called NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug). This means that it is not a narcotic, but rather it provides pain relief by reducing swelling and inflammation. It works by inhibiting the enzyme that sets in motion the chain reaction within the body that results in inflammation. A named brand of meloxicam is Mobic. Medication like this has many different uses. We will discuss the primary ones.

What is meloxicam used for?

Meloxicam is sometimes prescribed to treat pain from injuries that have resulted in painful inflammation. It is also prescribed for conditions such as arthritis which result in frequent pain and inflammation. In particular, the drug is prescribed to those who are suffering from osteoarthritis. This is a condition in which the arthritis pains are caused due to aging and wear on joints due to frequent use. Thus, this prescription is usually given to the elderly and to those who have a job that requires repetitive motion which eventually wears out certain joints in the body.

Meloxicam uses (other)

This prescription drug is also commonly used by veterinarians because it has beneficial uses for animals as well. Dogs in particular may be prescribed meloxicam to deal with osteoarthritis as they get older. This is provided to the owners as an alternative to having to put the animal to sleep once it gets older and is suffering greatly from joint pain. This medication has helped many families to enjoy their precious household pets for an extended amount of time. The drug company, however, was chastised by the FDA for encouraging use of the drug in cattle and certain exotic pets which it has not been approved for use with. This is referred to as off-label use. Off-label use of any drug, whether in humans or animals, can have dangerous side effects and should be avoided. This drug has resulted in kidney failure in some cats that have overdosed.