Meloxicam and Alcohol: Is It Safe to Drink While Taking Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a commonly prescribed medication for pain and inflammation, especially for conditions like arthritis or musculoskeletal injuries. Because it’s often taken daily, many people wonder whether it’s safe to drink alcohol while using meloxicam.

The short answer: mixing meloxicam and alcohol can increase health risks, particularly for the stomach, kidneys, and overall safety.

At Portland Treatment in Biddeford, Maine, we help clients understand medication interactions clearly, especially when pain medications, alcohol use, or substance use concerns overlap.

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

It’s commonly prescribed for:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Joint or muscle pain
• Chronic inflammatory conditions

Meloxicam is usually taken once daily, which makes interactions with alcohol especially important to understand.

Meloxicam vs. Ibuprofen: Key Differences

Feature	Meloxicam	Ibuprofen
Drug class	NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)	NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
Prescription status	Prescription only (U.S.)	Over-the-counter and prescription
Typical use	Chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis	Acute pain, inflammation, fever
Dosing frequency	Once daily	Every 4–6 hours
Onset of action	Slower, builds over time	Faster onset
Duration of effect	Long-acting	Short-acting
Best for	Long-term inflammation and joint pain	Short-term pain, headaches, injuries
GI bleeding risk	Moderate (lower than some NSAIDs, still present)	Dose-dependent, higher with frequent use
Kidney risk	Present, especially with dehydration or long-term use	Present, increases with high doses
Cardiovascular risk	Slightly increased with long-term use	Increased with high doses or long-term use
Alcohol interaction	Increased risk of stomach bleeding	Increased risk of stomach bleeding
Daily max dose	Usually 7.5–15 mg	Up to 1,200 mg OTC, higher by prescription

Bottom line:

• Meloxicam is better suited for chronic, daily inflammation where once-daily dosing is helpful.
• Ibuprofen is better for short-term pain relief and situations where flexible dosing is needed.

Does Meloxicam Cause Weight Gain?

Weight gain is not considered a common side effect of meloxicam, but some people do report changes in weight while taking it. When weight changes occur, they are usually indirect, not caused by fat gain from the medication itself.

Possible reasons weight gain may happen

1. Fluid retention
Meloxicam can cause the body to retain fluid in some people. This may show up as:

• Mild weight gain
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or hands
• Puffiness rather than true fat gain

This type of weight change is usually temporary and related to fluid balance.

2. Reduced pain leading to appetite changes
When inflammation and pain improve, people may:

• Move less cautiously
• Eat more normally again
• Regain weight lost during periods of chronic pain

This can feel like “weight gain,” but it’s often a return to baseline.

3. Reduced activity due to underlying condition
The condition being treated (such as arthritis), not the medication, may limit movement, contributing to gradual weight gain over time.

When weight gain could be a concern

Contact a healthcare provider if weight gain is:

• Rapid
• Accompanied by swelling or shortness of breath
• Occurring with decreased urination
• Combined with fatigue or abdominal bloating

These may be signs of fluid retention or kidney stress, which require medical evaluation.

Does ibuprofen cause weight gain?

Ibuprofen is also not associated with direct weight gain, but like meloxicam, it can cause:

• Temporary water retention
• Swelling with frequent or high-dose use

Neither medication is known to cause metabolic weight gain the way some antidepressants or steroids can.

How Alcohol Interacts With Meloxicam

Alcohol and meloxicam affect similar systems in the body. When combined, they can compound side effects rather than cancel each other out.

Increased Risk of Stomach Bleeding

Both alcohol and NSAIDs irritate the stomach lining. Together, they significantly raise the risk of:

• Gastritis
• Stomach ulcers
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

This risk increases with higher alcohol intake, longer meloxicam use, or a history of ulcers.

Higher Risk of Kidney Damage

Meloxicam can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Alcohol, especially in large amounts, can dehydrate the body and strain kidney function.

Combining the two may increase the risk of:

• Acute kidney injury
• Worsening kidney disease
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalance

This is especially concerning for older adults or people with existing kidney conditions.

Cardiovascular and Blood Pressure Concerns

NSAIDs like meloxicam can increase blood pressure and raise cardiovascular risk. Alcohol may further affect heart rate and blood pressure, making side effects more pronounced in some individuals.

Is Any Amount of Alcohol Safe With Meloxicam?

There is no universally “safe” amount of alcohol when taking meloxicam.

Some healthcare providers may say that very occasional, light drinking may be tolerated in otherwise healthy individuals, but this depends on:

• Dose of meloxicam
• Length of treatment
• Personal health history
• Alcohol consumption patterns

Daily drinking or binge drinking significantly increases risk and should be avoided while taking meloxicam.

If alcohol use is regular or difficult to stop, it’s important to tell your provider, this isn’t about judgment, it’s about safety.

Why This Matters for People With Substance Use Concerns

For individuals in recovery or those managing alcohol use disorder, mixing alcohol with medications like meloxicam can:

• Increase relapse risk
• Mask warning signs of internal bleeding
• Lead to accidental overdose of pain medications
• Delay recognition of serious side effects

At Portland Treatment, medication safety is always considered within the context of a person’s full health picture.

Signs of a Dangerous Interaction

Seek medical help immediately if you experience:

• Severe stomach pain
• Black or bloody stools
• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
• Sudden swelling or reduced urination
• Dizziness, fainting, or weakness

These may indicate internal bleeding or kidney injury.

Safer Alternatives to Manage Pain

If alcohol use is part of your life, or if you’re working toward sobriety, your provider may suggest:

• Non-NSAID pain relievers when appropriate
• Physical therapy or movement-based pain management
• Non-pharmacologic inflammation strategies
• Adjusted dosing or alternative medications

Never stop or change medication without talking to your provider first.

How Portland Treatment Supports Medication Safety

At Portland Treatment in Biddeford, Maine, we help clients:

• Understand medication interactions clearly
• Address pain management without increasing substance-related risk
• Coordinate care between medical and behavioral health providers
• Build safer routines that support recovery and overall wellness

Medication safety is part of long-term health, not just symptom relief.

Takeaway

Mixing meloxicam and alcohol increases the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney damage, and other serious side effects.
If you’re taking meloxicam, it’s safest to avoid alcohol, or speak with your provider about your individual risk.

Clear communication saves lives. You deserve accurate information and care that meets you where you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic. (2024). Meloxicam (oral route). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/meloxicam-oral-route/description/drg-20066928
2. MedlinePlus. (2024). Meloxicam. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601242.html
3. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2023). Harmful interactions: Mixing alcohol with medicines. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/medication-interactions
4. Drugs.com. (2024). Meloxicam and alcohol / food interactions. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/meloxicam.html
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). NSAIDs and risk of stomach bleeding. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-nsaids