Pharmacodynamic properties
Meloxicam is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam class which acts by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-exudative and antipyretic effects. It reduces leukocyte infiltration into the inflamed tissue. To a minor extent it also inhibits collagen-induced thrombocyte aggregation. Meloxicam also has anti-endotoxic properties because it has been shown to inhibit production of thromboxane B2 induced by intravenous E. coli endotoxin administration in pigs.
Pharmacokinetic particulars
Absorption
After a single oral dose of 0.4 mg meloxicam/kg a Cmax value of 0.81 µg/ml was reached after 2 hours.
Distribution
More than 98 % of meloxicam is bound to plasma proteins. The highest meloxicam concentrations are to be found in liver and kidney. Comparatively low concentrations are detectable in skeletal muscle and fat.
Metabolism
Meloxicam is predominantly found in plasma. Bile and urine contain only traces of the parent compound. Meloxicam is metabolised to an alcohol, an acid derivative and to several polar metabolites. All major metabolites have been shown to be pharmacologically inactive.
Elimination
After oral administration the mean plasma elimination half-life is approximately 2.3 hours. Approximately 50 % of the administered dose is eliminated via urine and the remainder via faeces.