Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MELOXICAM versus NAPROSYN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MELOXICAM versus NAPROSYN.
MELOXICAM vs NAPROSYN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and inflammation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis. This results in decreased inflammation, pain, and fever.
7.5-15 mg orally once daily; maximum 15 mg/day. For osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis: 7.5 mg once daily, may increase to 15 mg/day if needed. For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, weight-based dosing.
250-500 mg orally twice daily; maximum 1500 mg/day. For extended-release: 750-1000 mg orally once daily.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 15–20 hours. Clinical context: Allows once-daily dosing; steady-state achieved in 3–5 days.
Clinical Note
moderateMeloxicam + Gatifloxacin
"Meloxicam may increase the neuroexcitatory activities of Gatifloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateMeloxicam + Rosoxacin
"Meloxicam may increase the neuroexcitatory activities of Rosoxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateMeloxicam + Levofloxacin
"Meloxicam may increase the neuroexcitatory activities of Levofloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateMeloxicam + Trovafloxacin
"Meloxicam may increase the neuroexcitatory activities of Trovafloxacin."
Terminal elimination half-life is 12-17 hours. This long half-life allows twice-daily dosing, but may lead to drug accumulation in elderly or renally impaired patients.
Approximately 50% renal excretion of unchanged drug and metabolites; 50% fecal excretion via bile. Renal elimination accounts for ~5% unchanged meloxicam; the remainder as metabolites (primarily oxidative and glucuronide conjugates).
Renal excretion of conjugated metabolites accounts for approximately 95% of a dose, with 1-2% as unchanged naproxen. Fecal excretion is minimal (<5%).
Category D/X
Category C
NSAID
NSAID