GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY OF MELOXICAM .1. EFFECTS ON CNS, GASTRIC-EMPTYING, INTESTINAL TRANSPORT, WATER, ELECTROLYTE AND CREATININE EXCRETION

The general pharmacodynamic properties of meloxicam, a new nonsteroida l anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), were examined. Characteristics that distinguish meloxicam from conventional NSAIDs were investigated. No c entral nervous-system effects were observed in the mouse at oral doses up to 100 mg/kg. In vitro studies showed meloxicam had no antagonisti c properties against mediators such as histamine, PGE(2) and angiotens in II. The rate of gastric emptying or intestinal transport in the rat was not influenced by therapeutic doses of meloxicam and, of all the NSAIDs investigated, meloxicam showed the mildest effect on gastric ac idity. In doses well above those required for anti-inflammatory action , meloxicam had no influence on water, electrolyte or creatinine excre tion.