Can Meloxicam Cause Mouth Ulcers? Understanding the Risk and What to Do

October 8, 2025 •

2 min read

While not among the most common side effects, research confirms that meloxicam can potentially cause mouth ulcers in some individuals. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), meloxicam works by inhibiting certain enzymes, which can sometimes reduce the protective factors in the oral mucosa and increase the risk of ulceration.

Quick Summary

Meloxicam can potentially cause mouth ulcers by reducing protective factors in the oral mucosa. While this is not a universal side effect, certain factors like dosage, duration, and underlying health issues can increase risk. Understanding the mechanism and proper management strategies can help minimize adverse effects.

Key Points

Meloxicam can cause mouth ulcers: While less common than stomach issues, oral ulcers are a potential side effect of meloxicam.
NSAIDs reduce mucosal protection: The drug's mechanism of inhibiting prostaglandins can weaken the protective mucosal lining in the mouth, leading to ulcer formation.
Higher doses and longer use increase risk: The likelihood of developing mouth ulcers and other adverse GI effects rises with increased dosage and duration of meloxicam use.
Certain conditions heighten susceptibility: Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal problems, advanced age, or those taking other interacting medications are at higher risk.
Taking with food helps minimize risk: To reduce gastrointestinal and oral irritation, it is often recommended to take meloxicam with food or milk.
Consult a doctor if symptoms persist: If oral ulcers develop, consult your healthcare provider to discuss dosage adjustments or potential alternative medications.

The Link Between Meloxicam and Mouth Ulcers

Meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause mouth ulcers, although this is a less common side effect. This is related to the drug's action on the body's protective systems.

The Mechanism Behind NSAID-Induced Oral Ulcers

NSAIDs, including meloxicam, reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes produce prostaglandins, which protect mucous membranes in the digestive tract and mouth. By reducing prostaglandins, meloxicam can weaken the oral mucosal layer, making it prone to ulcers. While meloxicam has a better GI safety profile than some older NSAIDs, the risk of oral and GI issues remains.

Identifying Risk Factors for Developing Oral Sores

Factors that increase the risk of developing mouth ulcers while taking meloxicam include higher doses and longer use, a history of gastrointestinal issues, combination with other medications like other NSAIDs or corticosteroids, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and older age.

Management and Minimizing Risk

If you are concerned about or experience mouth ulcers while on meloxicam, consult your doctor before changing your medication. Strategies to potentially minimize risk include taking the medication with food or milk, using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, maintaining good oral hygiene, and discussing alternative treatments with your doctor if ulcers persist.

Comparing Meloxicam with Other NSAIDs

Comparing meloxicam to other NSAIDs can highlight the importance of medical guidance regarding side effects like mouth ulcers.


Feature	Meloxicam	Ibuprofen	Naproxen
Mechanism	Preferential COX-2 inhibitor, with some COX-1 inhibition.	Non-selective COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor.	Non-selective COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor.
Gastrointestinal Risk	Lower risk of severe GI events compared to non-selective NSAIDs.	Higher risk of GI irritation and bleeding.	Higher risk of GI irritation and bleeding.
Typical Duration	Once-daily dosing, often used for chronic conditions.	Multiple daily doses, commonly used for short-term pain.	Twice-daily dosing, used for both short- and long-term pain.
Potential for Oral Ulcers	Possible, though considered a less common side effect.	Can cause mouth ulcers.	Can cause mouth ulcers.
Associated Oral Health Issues	Primarily linked to ulceration via mucosal irritation.	Linked to gingival bleeding, swelling, and ulceration.	Linked to gingival bleeding, swelling, and ulceration.

Conclusion

While not common, meloxicam can cause mouth ulcers by affecting the protective oral mucous membranes through reduced prostaglandin production. Risk factors include higher doses, longer use, and a history of GI issues. Taking the medication with food, using the lowest effective dose, and good oral hygiene can help manage this side effect. If persistent oral sores occur, consult your doctor to discuss alternatives or dosage changes. You can find more information on meloxicam's side effects from resources like {Link: Dr.Oracle AI https://www.droracle.ai/articles/12730/does-meloxicam-cause-oral-ulcers} and {Link: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601242.html}.

For more information, visit the MedlinePlus drug information page for meloxicam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mouth ulcers are considered a known but less common side effect of meloxicam. While not as frequently reported as gastrointestinal issues like stomach upset, the potential for oral sores exists, particularly in high-risk individuals.

The primary cause is the drug's inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are critical for protecting the mucous membranes, and their reduction can leave the oral lining vulnerable to irritation and ulceration.

Risk factors include higher doses, longer duration of use, a history of gastrointestinal disorders, advanced age, smoking, and concurrent use of other medications like corticosteroids or blood thinners.

You should consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend taking the medication with food, adjusting the dose, or switching to an alternative pain reliever. Saltwater rinses can also provide temporary relief.

Yes, meloxicam is often considered to have a better gastrointestinal safety profile compared to older, non-selective NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. However, it can still cause oral ulcers, and other NSAIDs are also known to cause this side effect.

Taking meloxicam with food or milk is a common strategy to help minimize gastrointestinal irritation and may also provide some protection against oral sores. It helps buffer the medication's effect on the digestive tract.

The duration can vary. If the ulcer is a direct result of meloxicam and the medication is discontinued or the dosage is lowered, the sore may improve within one to two weeks, similar to other forms of drug-induced stomatitis.