[Meloxicam]

Abstract

NSAID's are currently medications widely prescribed. Meloxicam is a new oxicam which has a low COX-2/COX-1 ratio, i.e. it has an inhibitory effect focused on the inflammatory proteins (COX-2) with relative saving of the homeostatic proteins (COX-1). This molecule has been studied in three rheumatic diseases, the acute flare-up of osteoarthritis, rheumatoïd arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The results show that meloxicam is as effective as comparative NSAID's. A global analysis of the data from more than 5000 patients included in clinical trials showed that gastro-intestinal tolerance of meloxicam was better than that of comparative NSAID'S. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of the anti-COX-2 selectivity concept is currently debated.