[Meloxicam clinical effects]

Pain syndromes, acute and chronic, against the background of inflammatory diseases (such as osteoarthritis (OA)), degenerative-dystrophic changes (involutive process, trauma) or systemic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) dictate a steady increase in the intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The choice of the most «safe NSAID» is based on the assessment of the toxicity index (the ratio when blocking cyclooxygenase (COX)) and the development of relative risks (the benefit/risk ratio). As well as those adverse events that can be detected with individual sensitivity to a specific NSAIDs, taking into account the anamnesis of previous diseases and intolerance to NSAIDs, existing chronic diseases (gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, type 2 diabetes mellitus), limiting the appointment of NSAIDs. Considering these circumstances, the NSAID meloxicam (Amelotex) can be recommended for the treatment of various genesis pain syndromes. A number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of meloxicam with different methods of its administration (per oral (p/o), intramuscularly (i/m)) in the treatment of pain syndrome in the lower back, with OA, etc. Recent studies concern intravenous (i/v) meloxicam (30 mg) administration with moderate and severe postoperative pain syndrome. Today, the most commonly pain therapy scheme using meloxicam includes step-by-step administration of injectable and oral forms: meloxicam i/m (1.5 ml) for 3-5 days, followed by a transition to p/o (7.5-15 mg) intake for 14 days, or complex therapy with meloxicam (Amelotex), with muscle relaxant and B vitamins.