What are bowel problems?
Bowel problems comprise a number of different illnesses or abnormalities that affect the gastrointestinal tract. These include intestinal obstruction, structural abnormalities of the bowel, celiac disease, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), infections, tumors, and irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms of bowel problems include abdominal pain and spasms, gas, bloating, inability to defecate or pass gas, rectal bleeding, loose and watery stools, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
The passage of food residue and waste products through the intestines can be interrupted or halted by the presence of a bowel obstruction. The cause of the blockage can be mechanical, meaning that there is a physical obstruction. Sources of mechanical obstruction include scar tissue, adhesions, foreign bodies, gallstones, entrapment through a hernia, tumors, fecal impaction, and volvulus (twisting of the intestines). Ileus, a malfunctioning of the bowel’s motility, is another type of obstruction. Causes of ileus include electrolyte imbalances, gastroenteritis (inflammation or infection of the stomach and intestines), appendicitis, surgical complications, and obstruction of the mesenteric artery, which supplies blood to the abdomen.
Bowel problems may also occur as a result of problems during fetal development in the womb. Other conditions affecting the intestine are a result of inflammation, tearing or ulceration, and infection. These include diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
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.
Why it’s used
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 meloxicam be used?
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.
Typical dosing for meloxicam (Mobic)
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 Meloxicam Cause Bowel Problems?
Yes, NSAIDs like meloxicam can cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. These problems may develop at any time during treatment, may happen without warning signs or symptoms, and may cause death.
Meloxicam can also affect bowel movements and cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea. Pain, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur more often in children than adults. Sometimes these side effects can cause more serious stomach problems.
Studies have reported Meloxicam-induced enteropathy of the small bowel characterized by abdominal pain, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity of the symptoms depends on the site and the layer of the GI tract involved.
What are the possible 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
• 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).
