Drugs Q & A

Can I Drink Coffee While Taking Meloxicam?

Around 64% of American adults currently consume coffee every day. According to a study conducted by the NCA, this is the highest rate since 2012. Worldwide, experts estimate that people consume around 2.25 billion cups of coffee per day. Researchers have looked at the benefits of drinking coffee for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease. There is evidence to support some, but not all, of these claims.

Coffee contains a number of useful nutrients, including riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), magnesium, potassium, and various phenolic compounds, or antioxidants. Some experts suggest that these and other ingredients in coffee can benefit the human body in various ways.

Recent studies found that coffee drinkers are less likely to die from some of the leading causes of death in women: coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease. Your body may process glucose (or sugar) better. Drinking one to two cups of coffee a day may help ward off heart failure when a weakened heart has difficulty pumping enough blood to the body. Caffeine is not only linked to a lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease, but it may also help those with the condition better control their movements.

Scientific evidence has shown that coffee is beneficial for health. However, drinking this popular beverage may not be safe for everyone especially if you’re taking certain medications.

What is meloxicam?         

Meloxicam is a prescription drug. It comes in three forms: an oral tablet, an injection, and an oral capsule. Meloxicam oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Mobic. Meloxicam oral tablet is also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug.

Meloxicam decreases inflammation and pain. It’s approved to treat:

•          osteoarthritis

•          rheumatoid arthritis

•          juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children ages 2 years and older.

How it works

Meloxicam belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs help reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.

It isn’t known how this medication works to decrease pain. It may help reduce swelling by lowering levels of prostaglandin, a hormone-like substance that usually causes inflammation.

How should I take meloxicam?

Meloxicam comes as a tablet and suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take meloxicam at the same time every day.

Tablets

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: Take 7.5 mg to 15 mg by mouth once a day. Do not take more than 15 mg a day.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Take 7.5 mg by mouth once a day. Do not take more than 7.5 mg a day.

Capsules

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: Take 5 mg to 10 mg by mouth once a day. Do not take more than 10 mg a day.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take meloxicam exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly. The maximum recommended daily oral dose of meloxicam is 15 mg. Meloxicam may be taken without regard to the timing of meals.

Can I drink coffee while taking meloxicam?

No, drinking coffee while taking meloxicam increases the risk of high blood pressure, having a heart attack, blood clot, or stroke. Health experts advise caution when combining them with coffee, which can also slow blood clotting. Coffee contains caffeine and mixing it with meloxicam can also increase the chances of excessive bleeding and bruising.

If you must drink coffee while taking meloxicam, discuss with your doctor or healthcare provider on how soon you can take coffee while on Meloxicam. Most doctors warn against consuming coffee within 1-2 hours of taking the meloxicam.

The use of NSAIDs like meloxicam has been associated with a risk of serious and life-threatening gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, such as perforation and bleeding.  Although these events are of great concern, they are uncommon.

What are the side effects of meloxicam?

Meloxicam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

•          constipation

•          diarrhea

•          gas

•          sore throat

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more meloxicam until you speak to your doctor:

•          back pain

•          blisters

•          cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine

•          difficult or painful urination

•          difficulty breathing or swallowing

•          excessive tiredness

•          fast heartbeat

•          fever

•          flu-like symptoms

•          hives

•          hoarseness

•          itching

•          lack of energy

•          nausea

•          pain in the right upper part of the stomach

•          pale skin

•          rash

•          shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

•          skin blisters or peeling

•          swelling in the abdomen, ankles, feet, or legs

•          swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, or throat

•          unexplained weight gain,

•          yellowing of the skin or eyes

Meloxicam may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

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Dr. Oche Otorkpa PG Cert, MPH, PhD

Dr. Oche is a seasoned Public Health specialist who holds a post graduate certificate in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, an MPH, and a PhD both from Texila American University. He is a member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK. He authored two books: "The Unseen Terrorist," published by AuthorHouse UK, and "The Night Before I Killed Addiction."
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