Why Can’t You Lie Down After Taking Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is quite effective in relieving the uncomfortable symptoms of osteoarthritis. However, a handful of precautions are to be taken to ensure its effective use and maximum benefits. One such precaution is that you shouldn’t lie down after taking the drug. 

This might sound a bit odd to you, especially if this warning has never been given while taking other drugs. I assure you that there is absolutely nothing to worry about as this warning is more of a safety precaution than any other thing you might be thinking. 

The pharmacist will let you know through this article, why you shouldn’t lie down after taking Meloxicam.

Why Can’t You Lie Down After Taking Meloxicam?

It is recommended that you do not lie down for 10 to 30 minutes after taking Meloxicam because doing so can allow the stomach content to flow back to the esophagus, thereby causing irritation and heartburn.

Meloxicam belongs to a class of drugs called Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other popular drugs in this class include diclofenac (voltaren), Ibuprofen (advil), Naproxen (Aleve), etc. Drugs in this class share a common mode of action. 

They all have the potential risk of causing gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding. As such, to prevent gastrointestinal irritation, it is often advised that you take Meloxicam with food. 

How Long After Taking Meloxicam Can I Lay Down?

After taking Meloxicam, you can lie down after at least 30 minutes. This is because the standard disintegration time for tablets varies between 5 to 30 minutes.

So if the drug dissolved early and was absorbed into the blood within 30 minutes. Then you can safely lie down as there is no more risk of the drug flowing up into the esophagus to cause irritation or heartburn.

This disintegration time can vary or be even longer if the tablet is coated or modified. But after 30 minutes, it should be safe to lie down.

Can I Eat After Taking Meloxicam?

Yes, you can eat after taking meloxicam. In fact, it is recommended that you take the drug with food as it reduces the risk of gastric irritation. 

Meloxicam, just like every other NSAIDs is known to cause stomach irritation, bleeding, and other side effects like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. 

You can prevent the stomach irritation it causes by either pausing your meal to swallow the capsule before finishing your meal or by taking it after you’ve finished eating.

Other Things You Shouldn’t Do While Taking Meloxicam

• Do not take meloxicam if you’ve drunk alcohol as it can cause severe stomach irritation
• Do not take the drug if you’re allergic to it
• Do not also take meloxicam if you’re currently taking anticoagulants like warfarin; aspirin, or other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc.

Final Thoughts

It is often advised not to lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking Meloxicam to prevent the flow of the drug back into the esophagus. If this happens, irritation and symptoms of heartburn can occur which can be very painful. However, you can lie down 30 minutes after taking the drug.

References

• Khalil NY, Aldosari KF. Meloxicam. Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. 2020;45:159-197. doi: 10.1016/bs.podrm.2019.10.006. Epub 2019 Dec 12. PMID: 32164967.
• MedlinePlus: Meloxicam