Is Mericam a NSAID?

Can Mericam be used in hypertension?

No. Mericam is not a medication to control hypertension. It is important to note that Mericam decreases the effectiveness of the antihypertensive medication when given together. Inform your doctor if you are taking antihypertensive medications before starting Mericam.

Why is beta cyclodextrin added to Mericam?

Yes. Mericam can be combined with beta-cyclodextrin. Research has shown that combining Mericam with beta-cyclodextrin leads to faster onset of action of piroxicam and reduced gastric side effects.

What is the difference between Mericam and ketoprofen?

Both Mericam and ketoprofen are pain killers. Both are non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain). Research studies have shown ketoprofen topical gel is better and effective as compared to Mericam. Ketoprofen gel also showed excellent tolerability.

What increases the chances of getting a gastric ulcer when I am already taking Mericam?

The chances of gastric ulceration increases if you take medicines like corticosteroids and anticoagulants. Long term use, alcohol, smoking and old age are few other factors which can increase the chances of ulceration.

Can Mericam be used along with Losartan?

No. Mericam should not be combined with Losartan. It is important to note that Mericam decreases the effectiveness of the antihypertensive medication like losartan when given together leading to failure of antihypertensive therapy. Inform your doctor if you are taking antihypertensive medications before starting Mericam.

Can Mericam be used in the treatment of chikungunya?

Usually, the platelet count does not dip in cases of chikungunya and painkillers like piroxicam can lead to the risk of increased bleeding tendency. So refrain from taking Mericam or any painkiller in the case of any fever with joint pain. Consult your doctor before starting Mericam.

Can Mericam be used along with dexamethasone?

No. Mericam should not be used with dexamethasone. They both increase each others toxicity. There is an increased risk of GI ulceration.

Can Mericam be used along with paracetamol?

Yes. Paracetamol can be used with Mericam as no serious side effects are known. Inform your doctor before starting any of the medication.

Can Mericam be used with methocarbamol?

Yes. Methocarbamol can be used with Mericam as no serious side effects are known. Inform your doctor before starting any of the medication.

Is Mericam a muscle relaxant?

No. Mericam is not a muscle relaxant. It is a pain killer which acts on COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) enzyme.

Can Mericam be used in the treatment of allergy?

No. Mericam is not a drug to treat allergy. It is a pain killer.

What is the difference between Mericam and meloxicam?

Both Mericam and meloxicam are pain killers. Both are non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase - an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain). Research studies have shown both are equally effective. However, acute gastric side effects are lesser with meloxicam as compared to Mericam.

Can Mericam be used with warfarin?

No. Mericam should be avoided with warfarin as they both lead to increase in bleeding tendencies. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications. If given together then the therapy should be monitored closely.

Is Mericam a narcotic?

No. Mericam is not a narcotic. It is a pain killer which acts on COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) enzyme to decrease the pain and inflammation.

Can you donate blood when on the medication with Mericam?

Yes. You can donate blood when on Mericam. Do inform your doctor before donating blood.

How long does Mericam work?

Mericam is a long acting drug. Once the daily dose is enough for the relief of pain but it depends from person to person as the effectiveness of piroxicam increases when given for few weeks.

Can I use Mericam if I have asthma?

Some patients with asthma are hypersensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like aspirin which can lead to acute attacks of asthma. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.

Can Mericam be used with lithium?

No. Mericam should not be used with lithium. Mericam leads to an elevation of plasma lithium levels and a reduction in renal lithium clearance. This is because of inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis by the NSAID. Consult and inform your doctor before starting this medication.

Can I use Mericam if I have peptic ulcer disease?

No. Mericam is contraindicated in cases of active peptic ulcer disease. Mericam is known to cause gastric ulceration and bleeding.

Can Mericam be used with Tizanidine?

Yes, Mericam can be combined with tizanidine. Piroxicam is a pain killer and tizanidine is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is used in the condition like a backache.

Can Mericam be used with diuretics?

No. Mericam should not be used with diuretics. Mericam reduces the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides diuretics in some patients. This response has been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis.

Can I use Mericam if I am a diabetic?

Mericam in a diabetic patient can only be taken only by consulting a doctor because these medicines have the propensity to cause renal failure when taken for a long period. Diabetes itself causes renal Mericam so taking piroxicam can lead to increased risk of renal failure by many folds.

Can I use Mericam if I have a deranged renal function?

No. Mericam should not be taken if you have a abnormal renal function because long-term administration of NSAIDs has resulted in renal papillary necrosis and another renal injury.

Is Mericam affective in gout management?

Yes. Mericam can be given for the treatment of acute gout. Research studies have shown Mericam to be highly effective in the treatment of acute gout.

Can you get high by using Mericam?

No. Mericam is not known to cause high. It is a non-narcotic painkiller.

Can I use Mericam for a migraine?

Mericam is not approved for the treatment of migraine. Research studies have shown that Mericam is effective in significantly decreasing the pain associated with migraine without aura.

Are Mericam and aspirin same?

No. Mericam and aspirin are not same. They belong to the same class of drugs known as COX (cyclooxygenase) inhibitors. They both are anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

What is the difference between Mericam and nimesulide?

Both Mericam and nimesulide are pain killers. However, Mericam is a non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) inhibitor whereas nimesulide is selective to the COX-2 enzyme. This selectivity of nimesulide is supposed to decrease the side effects as compared to piroxicam. It should not be used in children below 12 years of age.