Cipla manufactures the Cipla 159 pill. It contains a single active ingredient, meloxicam 15 mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Key Points

• The Cipla 159 pill is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug created to help with various forms of arthritis.
• Typical dosages for Cipla 159 are between 7.5mg and 15mg, taken as a tablet once daily, usually with food.
• Individuals taking Cipla 159 should expect side effects that include heartburn, increased blood pressure, rash, and potential kidney or liver issues.
• When taking Cipla 159, don’t take NSAIDs, anticoagulants, SSRIs, lithium, methotrexate, unless under explicit direction from your doctor, and avoid alcohol.

What Is the Cipla 159 Pill?

The Cipla 159 pill is a round, white or yellow tablet with a C159 stamped on one side and the Cipla logo on the other. It contains 15 mg of meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 

The Cipla 159 pill is manufactured by Cipla Ltd. It contains 15 mg of meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action

Meloxicam: A Selective NSAID

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved by the FDA under brand names such as Mobic and Vivlodex.[1] It selectively inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme more than COX-1, reducing prostaglandin synthesis that drives joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Compared with ibuprofen and naproxen, meloxicam’s COX-2 selectivity lowers the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and blood clotting disturbances, though serious side effects can still occur.[2]

After oral administration of a meloxicam tablet, peak blood concentrations occur in five to six hours. The long half-life of roughly 15–20 hours supports once-daily dosing for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Meloxicam is metabolized by liver enzymes and excreted primarily in the urine. Therefore, patients with liver disease or kidney problems require careful dose adjustments and regular monitoring of liver function tests.

Drug Interactions & Supplements

Meloxicam often interacts with other classes of drugs and many supplements. Using SSRIs or corticosteroids can dramatically increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, and combining them with lithium can raise lithium levels to dangerous levels. At the same time, methotrexate toxicity can also become possible.[3] Individuals taking the Cipla 159 pill should avoid drinking alcohol and report all use of OTC NSAIDs and herbal supplements to their healthcare team to avoid adverse effects proactively. 

Uses and Indications

The Cipla 159 pill is designed for several musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions. 

FDA-Approved Indications

• Osteoarthritis: Once-daily dosing can reduce pain and improve function in individuals with degenerative joint diseases, easing stiffness and joint pain.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: It can help manage the chronic inflammation and joint swelling common in RA patients. This means it can help slow the progression of the disease when used with other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like methotrexate.
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: In children equal to or greater than 60 kg, the Cipla 159 pill can help control fever, tenderness, and mobility limits that JRA can create.[4]

Off-Label and Adjunctive Uses

• Gout Flare-Ups: It can be used in short-term applications to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with gout.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: It can provide symptomatic relief of back pain and lingering stiffness in conditions that cause spine or spinal cord inflammation. 
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Pain: Despite not being a first-line treatment, meloxicam may be prescribed cautiously in the post-CABG environment to help control pain without leaving any significant impact on the ability of the blood to clot, though this use has declined in recent years.[5]

Clinicians and other providers should always weigh the benefits against the risks of things like high blood pressure, heart attack, or any allergic reaction, including skin reactions like hives, and dark “coffee grounds” vomit. 

If serious side effects occur, like stomach ulcers, liver failure, or shortness of breath, patients should seek emergency medical attention. Since meloxicam targets COX-2 specifically, it can effectively relieve joint pain while minimizing the chances of many common side effects. 

Dosage and Administration

The standard adult dosage of the Cipla 159 pill (meloxicam 15 mg) is one tablet once daily, taken with water and preferably with food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Do not exceed one tablet (15 mg) in 24 hours unless directed by a physician. For acute musculoskeletal pain, initial dosing may begin at one tablet every twelve hours on the first day, increasing to every eight hours as tolerated.

Special Populations

• Elderly Patients: Kidney and liver function decline with age. A lower starting dose of one tablet every twelve to sixteen hours is recommended, with close monitoring for drowsiness or dizziness.
• Renal Impairment: Reduce dose by half and extend dosing interval to every twelve hours. Periodic assessment of renal function is essential to avoid accumulation.
• Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution. Initiate at half the usual dose and monitor liver enzymes routinely.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within two hours of your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up doses to make up for a missed tablet.

Administration Tips

Swallow tablets whole without crushing or chewing to ensure proper release of both active ingredients. Maintain a dosing diary or use a pill organizer to track doses and enhance adherence. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them before making any changes to your regimen.

Potential Side Effects & Precautions

Cipla 159 is well-tolerated, but there are some potential side effects that patients should be aware of, both common and serious. 

Common Side Effects

• Nausea, indigestion, or mild stomachaches will occur in some users. To counter this, take the pill with food to enhance digestion and reduce discomfort.[6] 
• Drowsiness or dizziness can affect coordination, so avoid driving or operating equipment until you know how the medication will impact you.[7]
• It’s not uncommon to experience some degree of skin rash or itching, which can typically be treated with hypoallergenic lotions formulated to combat dryness.[8] 

Serious Adverse Effects

• Allergic Reactions: Though rare, signs include hives, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention.[9]
• Renal and Hepatic: Monitor kidney and liver function tests in long-term use or patients with preexisting impairment.[10]
• Cardiovascular: It may cause hypotension in sensitive individuals. Report chest pain or palpitations promptly.[11]

Tips for Using Cipla 159 Safely

1. Take only the dosage prescribed, and only at the times or intervals advised.
2. Use a pill organizer to keep track of when you’ve taken your pill, to reduce the risk of unintentional missed or extra doses. 
3. Track your emotional and physical state to monitor and report on side effects accurately. 
4. Have frequent conversations with your provider about your prescriptions, OTC drugs, and supplements to avoid potential interactions.
5. If the cost of your lifesaving medication ever becomes a concern, ask about manufacturer samples, rebates, or even pharmacy discount cards to ensure you get the medication you need without missing a dose. 
6. If you are part of a special population, like the elderly or those with impaired kidney or liver function, be sure to discuss appropriate changes to the dosage with your medication team.

Get Help For Prescription Medication Misuse

The Cipla 159 pill contains meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to manage inflammation and pain. By closely following dosing guidelines, watching for potentially dangerous side effects, and speaking with your healthcare provider about specific individual risk factors, you’ll take proactive steps to get relief safely and effectively. If you are struggling with medication misuse, there is help available for you. Call today to learn more about treatment.