Can You Mix Meloxicam and Alcohol? Dangers and Precautions with Drug Interactions

Meloxicam is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. While effective for pain management, meloxicam has some risks and possible interactions, including dangerous interactions with alcohol.

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and lowers fever. Unlike other NSAIDs, it’s only available with a prescription and sold under the brands Mobic and Vivlodex. It’s taken once daily because of its long half-life and is often prescribed for chronic conditions instead of acute pain.

NSAIDs work by blocking specific enzymes in the body that produce prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that influence inflammation, pain, and fever. Meloxicam and some other NSAIDs are cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, which play a role in producing prostaglandins. Unlike traditional NSAIDs, meloxicam is a COX-2 inhibitor, or a selective inhibitor that targets pain and inflammation while reducing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects like ulcers and bleeding.[1]

Dangers of Mixing Meloxicam and Alcohol

Alcohol affects nearly every organ in the body and can have short- and long-term health effects.[2] Moderate alcohol consumption isn’t harmful for many people, but excessive or chronic use can impair liver function, increase blood pressure, and damage the gastrointestinal lining.

If alcohol is combined with certain medications like NSAIDs, the results can be catastrophic:

Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Ulcers

Though meloxicam has a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding than other NSAIDs, it still reduces the production of the protective mucus in the GI tract.[3] This makes the stomach more vulnerable to damage from acid, which is exacerbated by alcohol.

If you combine alcohol and meloxicam, you’re at an increased risk of gastric ulcers, GI bleeding, and esophageal irritation.[4] It’s best to avoid this combination altogether, but if you do have a drink on meloxicam, look for symptoms like black or tarry stools, stomach pain, and vomiting blood or a substance that resembles coffee grounds.

Liver Damage

Meloxicam is not as hepatotoxic (damaging to the liver) as drugs like acetaminophen, but the liver still metabolizes it.[5] Combining meloxicam and alcohol, which also puts stress on the liver, can increase the risk of liver inflammation or damage.[6]

Chronic alcohol use already damages the liver. If you add meloxicam to the mix, you could end up with hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes, or liver disease. Look for symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, digestive issues, or loss of appetite.

Kidney Damage

Meloxicam can reduce blood flow to the kidneys.[7] When combined with alcohol’s diuretic properties, this can lead to dehydration and acute kidney injury. You’re at a much higher risk of dangerous interactions if you have existing kidney problems, take diuretics or nephrotoxic (kidney-damaging) drugs, or are over 65.[8]

Signs of possible kidney injury include changes in urinary frequency or volume. Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands, unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, or foamy urine.

Cardiovascular Issues

While the risk is relatively low, NSAIDs like meloxicam can cause cardiovascular problems like increased blood pressure, fluid retention, and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.[9] Alcohol is damaging to the cardiovascular system and can cause arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and more, so combining them significantly increases your cardiovascular risks.[10]

Impaired Cognitive and Motor Function

Meloxicam doesn’t commonly cause sedation, but it can cause dizziness. Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, reduced motor coordination, and impaired judgment.[11] Combining the two can increase the risk of falls or accidents, especially during activities that require alertness, such as driving a car.

Who’s at Risk of Alcohol and Meloxicam Interactions?

Though anyone should avoid alcohol and meloxicam interactions, some people are more vulnerable to adverse effects. Older adults with age-related decline in liver and kidney function, people with existing liver or kidney conditions, or people on medications that impact the liver or kidneys should avoid alcohol while taking meloxicam. You’re also at an increased risk of adverse effects if you have a history of GI bleeding or ulcers or take medications that affect the GI tract.

Precautions for Taking Meloxicam

If you are prescribed meloxicam, it’s important to understand the possible side effects and interactions to take this medication safely:

• Take meloxicam with food or milk to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
• Use the lowest effective dose and never exceed your prescribed dosage. You won’t get better pain relief, but you will increase the risk of side effects.
• Talk to your doctor about alcohol use. If you drink alcohol regularly, let them know how much and how often you drink. You may need an alternative pain medication to avoid adverse effects.
• Pay attention to your health. If you mix alcohol and meloxicam, watch for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, dark urine, and blood in stool or vomit.

Can You Ever Drink Alcohol While Taking Meloxicam?

It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking meloxicam. However, people at a low risk for side effects of complications may be able to have a drink or two on occasion without problems. You should always talk to your doctor about the risks of meloxicam and alcohol.

Binge drinking or chronic alcohol use is not safe with meloxicam under any circumstances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate alcohol use is:[12]

• Two drinks or fewer in a day for men
• One drink or less per day for women

A standard drink is:[13]

• 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol
• 8 ounces of malt liquor with 7% alcohol
• 5 ounces of wine with 12% alcohol
• A shot or 1.5 ounces of liquor or distilled spirits

Exceeding these amounts or binge drinking, which is a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08%, is no longer considered moderate drinking.[14] For a typical adult, binge drinking is five or more drinks in about two hours for men and four or more drinks in about two hours for women. If you or a loved one is binge drinking or showing any other signs of alcoholism, please reach out to us for help.

Meloxicam and Alcohol Can Be a Dangerous Interaction

Meloxicam is a generally safe and well-tolerated drug for treating chronic pain and inflammation, but it can have dangerous interactions with alcohol. Whether you drink alcohol occasionally or heavily, taking meloxicam could have serious consequences. Talk to your doctor about your alcohol use and ensure that meloxicam is a safe medication for you.