Meloxicam, known by the brand name Mobic, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to manage conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While it’s an effective prescription drug for pain and inflammation, meloxicam can interact with medications such as blood thinners, certain antidepressants, and other NSAIDs, which could lead to increased side effects. Meloxicam can also interact with alcohol, increasing the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers. Being aware of potential drug interactions may help you prevent serious side effects and make sure your medication works as well as it should.
Meloxicam drug interactions
Some meloxicam interactions may lead to an increased risk of side effects such as bleeding or kidney problems, while others may lead to reduced effectiveness of certain medications. If you take other prescriptions regularly, consider the following interactions while taking meloxicam.
| Drug class or group name | Drug name | Interactions/side effects |
| Other NSAIDs |
|
Increased risk of stomach problems like ulcers or bleeding without improving pain relief |
| Corticosteroids |
|
Increased risk of stomach problems like ulcers or bleeding |
| Blood thinners, including anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents |
|
Increased risk of serious bleeding when taken with meloxicam |
| Certain antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) |
|
Increased risk of serious bleeding when taken with meloxicam |
| Blood pressure medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and beta-blockers |
|
Reduced effectiveness of blood pressure medications and potential kidney problems |
| Diuretics |
|
Reduced diuretic effect and increased risk of kidney problems |
| Mood stabilizers |
|
Increased risk of lithium buildup and toxicity |
| Chemotherapy drugs |
|
Increased risk of toxicity, including kidney damage and low blood counts |
| Immunosuppressants |
|
Increased risk of kidney toxicity |
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and allergic reactions. However, taking them with meloxicam can greatly increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding. Both medications can irritate the stomach lining and decrease the production of protective substances, making it more difficult for the body to heal any damage. The risk of an interaction mainly applies to corticosteroids taken as pills or injections, not topical forms, such as creams or ointments.
Blood thinners
Meloxicam can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinning drugs like antiplatelets and anticoagulants, which are often used to prevent stroke and heart attacks or treat blood clots. These medications can affect how blood clots form, so combining them with meloxicam may lead to even greater blood-thinning effects. The risk of bleeding depends on different factors such as the dose and duration of treatment with blood thinners. Always talk to a doctor before using these together.
Certain antidepressants
Taking meloxicam with certain antidepressants—like SSRIs or SNRIs—can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. These medications can disrupt the stomach lining and increase acid, though the exact reason isn’t fully understood. If both drugs are needed, doctors may add a medication to protect the stomach, such as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to help reduce stomach acid. Still, the combination of SSRIs or SNRIs and meloxicam should be avoided or used with caution.
Blood pressure medications
Meloxicam can interfere with blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors and ARBs, making them less effective and increasing the risk of kidney problems. This is because meloxicam reduces certain protective substances in the kidneys that help maintain healthy blood flow and blood pressure. These effects can happen quickly, even after just one dose, especially in people with heart failure or kidney disease. In these cases, it’s best to consider alternative pain relievers to avoid complications.
Diuretics
Taking meloxicam with diuretics, such as loop diuretics or thiazide diuretics, can reduce how well these medications work and lead to a higher risk of kidney problems. This is especially concerning for people with conditions like heart failure or liver disease, in which fluid balance is important. Meloxicam may block certain kidney processes that diuretics rely on, leading to higher blood pressure or fluid buildup. If both drugs are needed, they should be used with caution and under close medical supervision.
Methotrexate
Meloxicam can increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity, especially when methotrexate is used in higher doses for cancer treatment. This interaction occurs because meloxicam can reduce the body’s ability to eliminate methotrexate, leading to dangerous side effects like severe stomach problems, blood disorders, or kidney damage. Lower doses of methotrexate, often used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, may be safer to combine but should still be used cautiously and for a short time. Severe or unusual symptoms may warrant medical attention.
Lithium
Meloxicam can raise lithium levels in the blood, increasing the risk of possible side effects like blurred vision, seizures, kidney problems, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. Lithium is only safe within a small dosage range—too much or too little can cause problems—so its levels need to be checked regularly. Not everyone is affected the same way, so if you start or stop meloxicam while taking lithium, your lithium levels should be monitored closely and your dose may need to be adjusted. Only use this combination under your doctor’s supervision.
Cyclosporine
Meloxicam and cyclosporine both affect kidney function by narrowing blood vessels in the kidneys, which can reduce blood flow and lead to kidney damage. When used together, they significantly increase the risk of nephrotoxicity, especially in people with existing kidney problems or other risk factors. This effect is typically reversible if the medications are stopped early. Because of the high risk, combining the two should be done only when absolutely necessary and under close medical supervision.
Meloxicam food interactions
Meloxicam can affect how your body handles sodium and fluids, leading to fluid retention, weight gain, and increased blood pressure. Therefore, paying attention to your diet while taking meloxicam is important, especially if you use it long-term. High-salt foods can worsen these side effects, so limit foods like processed snacks, canned soups, deli meats, and salty condiments.
People with heart disease or high blood pressure need to be especially careful, as meloxicam may worsen these conditions. Let your doctor know if you experience swelling or unexpected weight gain. Eating a balanced diet low in sodium and staying hydrated may help reduce the risk of complications while taking meloxicam.
Other meloxicam interactions
Meloxicam can interact with nonprescription medicines, including many dietary supplements, which may raise the risk of adverse events or reduce the effectiveness of your treatment. Some supplements, especially those with blood-thinning properties, can increase the chances of bleeding when taken with meloxicam.
Supplements with blood-thinning effects that may interact with meloxicam include:
- Ginkgo biloba
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Ginseng
- Turmeric
In addition to supplement interactions, smoking while taking meloxicam can further increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Both smoking and meloxicam can irritate the stomach lining, so combining them increases the chances of serious stomach or intestinal problems.
Meloxicam and alcohol
It’s best to avoid alcohol while taking meloxicam, as the combination can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. This risk is especially high for people who drink heavily or use NSAIDs regularly. Even light drinkers may want to wait a day or two between taking meloxicam and consuming alcohol to help protect the stomach and liver. Always check with your doctor if you’re unsure about mixing the two.
Meloxicam and caffeine
Moderate caffeine intake may help meloxicam work better for pain relief based on a study that showed that combining caffeine with meloxicam can boost its ability to reduce pain. However, it’s important not to drink too much caffeine, especially if you notice stomach problems like heartburn or an upset stomach when taking meloxicam. Both caffeine and meloxicam can worsen potential side effects.
Meloxicam and medical conditions
Those with certain health conditions, including liver disease, kidney problems, high blood pressure, or asthma, may need to avoid meloxicam or use it with caution. In addition, if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking meloxicam.
Taking NSAIDs, such as meloxicam, at around 20 weeks of pregnancy or later may harm your unborn baby. If you need to take NSAIDs for more than 2 days between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider may need to monitor the amount of fluid around your baby. You should not take NSAIDs after about 30 weeks of pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, discuss with your provider whether meloxicam is safe for you and your baby.
RELATED: Meloxicam alternatives
How to minimize meloxicam interactions
Keeping your risk low starts with good communication. Always carry an up‑to‑date list of everything you take—including vitamins and herbal products—and share it whenever you see a doctor, dentist, or pharmacist. If you notice any new symptoms, even mild stomach discomfort or a headache, you may want to mention them, as subtle changes could be an early sign of a drug interaction.
Because medication routines can get complicated, it may help to build a few habits that can help reduce the risk of interactions:
- Use one pharmacy for all prescriptions so the pharmacist can spot problems quickly
- Read the labels of OTC medicines for cough or cold symptoms before you buy, as they may contain NSAIDs.
- Limit or avoid alcohol, which can increase the risk of stomach bleeding
- Keep an updated medication list on your phone or in your wallet for emergencies
- Ask your healthcare provider about smartphone apps or pill organizers that track dose times and send reminders
- Schedule a yearly “brown‑bag” review—bring every medicine and supplement you use to a pharmacist for a full check‑up
Taking these steps can give you more control and peace of mind as you manage your medications. Never stop or change how you take meloxicam without first talking to your healthcare provider.
When to talk to a healthcare provider about meloxicam interactions
This article can’t cover every possible interaction, and the risk of an interaction may increase when it’s taken alongside many common prescription or store‑bought drugs. Consult a healthcare professional any time you’ll be using meloxicam long-term so they can review your full medication list and watch for potential problems.
Before taking meloxicam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Plan to start, stop, or change the dose of any prescription, over‑the‑counter drug, or supplement
- Have a history of stomach ulcers, heart problems, kidney disease, or high blood pressure
- Notice black or tarry stools, unusual bleeding or bruising, shortness of breath, swelling in your legs, or sudden changes in blood pressure readings
- Need dental work or surgery where bleeding risk is a concern
- Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
- Feel that meloxicam isn’t relieving pain as expected or seems to make other symptoms worse
Early conversations can help your care team adjust doses, order lab tests when needed, and recommend the safest treatment options available.
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