What Is Meloxicam (Mobic)? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Meloxicam is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States. Originally marketed under the brand name Mobic (now discontinued), meloxicam is used to treat pain and inflammation associated with several types of arthritis. Here's everything you need to know about meloxicam in 2026.

What Is Meloxicam Used For?

The FDA has approved meloxicam for three conditions:

Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form of arthritis, caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints (knees, hips, hands, spine).

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the joint lining, leading to pain, swelling, and potential joint damage.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA/JIA): Arthritis occurring in children 2 years and older; meloxicam oral suspension is used for pediatric patients.

Meloxicam reduces pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness from these conditions. It does not cure arthritis — it manages symptoms as long as you continue taking it.

How Does Meloxicam Work?

Meloxicam works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes — specifically, it preferentially inhibits COX-2 more than COX-1. COX-2 is responsible for producing prostaglandins that trigger pain, inflammation, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, meloxicam decreases swelling and discomfort in arthritic joints.

Its partial selectivity for COX-2 is why meloxicam can be taken once daily (its half-life is approximately 20 hours) and why it may cause slightly fewer stomach-related side effects than older, fully non-selective NSAIDs like ibuprofen. However, serious GI and cardiovascular risks still apply.

Meloxicam Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablets: 7.5 mg and 15 mg (most commonly prescribed)

Oral Suspension: 7.5 mg per 5 mL (for children with JIA)

Capsules: 5 mg and 10 mg (available as generic and brand Vivlodex)

Intravenous: 30 mg/mL (Anjeso, Qamzova, Xifyrm — hospital-use for moderate-to-severe acute pain)

How to Take Meloxicam

Adult dose (OA/RA): Start with 7.5 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase to 15 mg/day if needed. Maximum is 15 mg/day for tablets.

Pediatric dose (JIA, age ≥2): 0.125 mg/kg once daily (max 7.5 mg/day)

With or without food: Meloxicam can be taken with or without food. Taking with food or a full glass of water may reduce stomach upset.

Timing: Take at the same time each day. Morning or evening both work — whichever is easier to remember.

Is Meloxicam a Controlled Substance?

No. Meloxicam is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It does not have abuse potential and is not considered addictive. However, it is a prescription-only medication — you cannot purchase it over the counter.

Key Safety Warnings

Avoid in pregnancy ≥20 weeks (risk of fetal kidney problems); especially avoid from 30 weeks onward (risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus).

Contraindicated after CABG surgery: Do not take meloxicam around the time of coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Different formulations are NOT interchangeable: The FDA has stated that meloxicam tablets, capsules, suspensions, and IV forms have different systemic exposures and should not be swapped without prescriber guidance.

Finding Meloxicam If Your Pharmacy Is Out of Stock

Generic meloxicam is not in a national shortage, but individual pharmacies can temporarily run out. If your pharmacy doesn't have it, medfinder can contact nearby pharmacies on your behalf and text you back with which ones can fill it. See also: How to Find Meloxicam In Stock Near You.