A REVIEW OF THE CLINICAL PHARMACOKINETICS OF MELOXICAM

Meloxicam is a new preferential cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor cur rently for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. I ts pharmacokinetic profile is characterized by a prolonged and almost complete absorption and the drug is >99.5% bound to plasma proteins. M eloxicam is metabolized to four biologically inactive main metabolites , which are excreted in both urine and faeces. The elimination half-li fe (t 1/2) of meloxicam is similar to 20 h. This is reflected in a tot al plasma clearance (CL) of 0.42-0.48 l/h. Steady-state plasma concent rations are achieved within 3-5 days. The pharmacokinetic parameters o f meloxicam are linear over the dose range 7.5-30 mg and bioequivalenc e has been shown for a number of different formulations. No interactio ns were observed following the concomitant administration of food, cim etidine, antacid, aspirin, beta-acetyldigoxin, methotrexate, warfarin or furosemide. Neither hepatic insufficiency nor moderate renal dysfun ction have any relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam a nd dosage adjustments in the elderly are not required.