The CIPLA 159 pill is meloxicam 15 mg, a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for relief of pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, with boxed warnings for serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.
It is a yellow, round tablet debossed “CIPLA” on one side and “159” on the other, supplied in the U.S. by Cipla USA (NDC 69097-0159) and classified as not a controlled substance.
What is CIPLA 159 pill?
CIPLA 159 identifies meloxicam 15 mg, part of the NSAID class that reduces hormones involved in pain, fever, and inflammation.
Meloxicam is available by prescription only and is not scheduled as a controlled drug under the CSA.
Pill identification
The CIPLA 159 tablet is yellow, round, flat-beveled, debossed “CIPLA” on one side and “159” on the other, with a typical diameter around 10 mm.
The labeler is Cipla USA, with product identification NDC 69097-0159 for the CIPLA 159 marking.
Appearance by strength
| Strength | Imprint | Color/Shape | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 mg | “C” on one side, “158” on the other | Yellow, round, biconvex | Meloxicam tablets, USP 7.5 mg are debossed “158”/“C”. |
| 15 mg | “CIPLA” on one side, “159” on the other | Yellow, round, flat-beveled | Meloxicam tablets, USP 15 mg; size about 10 mm; not controlled. |
Approved uses
Meloxicam is indicated for relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
It is also indicated for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (pauciarticular/polyarticular) in patients who weigh at least 60 kg.
How it works?
As an NSAID, meloxicam inhibits production of inflammatory mediators that cause pain, swelling, and fever.
This mechanism alleviates joint tenderness and stiffness associated with arthritic conditions.
Dosage and directions
For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended oral dose is 7.5 mg once daily, with some patients benefiting from an increase to a maximum of 15 mg once daily.
For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients weighing ≥60 kg, the recommended oral dose is 7.5 mg once daily, with no added benefit above 7.5 mg in trials; tablets should not be used in children <60 kg.
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals; maximum adult oral dose is 15 mg/day, and in hemodialysis the maximum is 7.5 mg/day.
Meloxicam tablets may be taken without regard to meals, and oral formulations are not interchangeable across different meloxicam products.
Boxed safety warnings
Non-aspirin NSAIDs, including meloxicam, increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal, and the risk may begin early and rise with duration
NSAIDs also increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, which can occur without warning; risk is higher in older adults and those with prior ulcers or GI bleeding.
Meloxicam is contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery for perioperative pain.
Key contraindications and cautions
Avoid meloxicam in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma or prior severe hypersensitivity to NSAIDs due to risk of anaphylaxis and bronchospasm.
Use caution or avoid in severe heart failure, advanced renal disease, or severe hepatic impairment due to risks of fluid retention, renal toxicity, and hepatotoxicity
Common and serious side effects
- Common effects include dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, and upper respiratory symptoms.
- Serious risks include GI bleeding, cardiovascular events, renal injury, hepatotoxicity, hypertension, edema, severe skin reactions (SJS/TEN), anaphylaxis, DRESS, and hematologic effects (e.g., anemia)
Drug and substance interactions
- Anticoagulants/antiplatelets/SSRIs/SNRIs: synergistic bleeding risk; monitor closely.
- Aspirin: increases GI risk without added benefit; not a substitute for cardioprotective aspirin.
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs/beta-blockers/diuretics: may blunt antihypertensive effect and worsen renal function; monitor BP and renal function.
- Lithium: raises lithium levels; monitor for toxicity.
- Methotrexate: increases toxicity risk; monitor counts and renal function.
- Cyclosporine: increases nephrotoxicity; monitor renal function.
- Other NSAIDs/salicylates: additive GI toxicity; avoid combination.
- Pemetrexed: increases myelosuppression/renal/GI toxicity in moderate renal impairment; follow hold parameters.
- Alcohol and smoking further elevate GI bleeding risk and should be avoided with NSAIDs.
Pregnancy, lactation, and fertility
Avoid meloxicam at about 30 weeks’ gestation and later due to risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
Between about 20–30 weeks, limit dose/duration because of fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and possible neonatal renal impairment; discontinue if oligohydramnios occurs.
There are no adequate data on meloxicam in human milk; weigh maternal need against potential risk, and note possible reversible ovulation delay with NSAIDs in those trying to conceive.
Special populations
In hemodialysis, do not exceed 7.5 mg/day; severe renal impairment is not recommended for use.
Elderly patients have higher risks of CV, GI, and renal adverse effects; start at the low end of the dosing range and monitor closely.
Practical use tips
Follow the prescribed dose and do not exceed 15 mg/day in adults; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat, and keep the bottle tightly closed.
Inactive ingredients
CIPLA 159 listings may include excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and sodium stearate, though inactive ingredients can vary by lot.
FAQs
- Is CIPLA 159 a narcotic? No, meloxicam is an NSAID and not a controlled substance.
- Can it be used with food? Yes, meloxicam tablets may be taken without regard to meals.
- Is the 7.5 mg tablet different? The 7.5 mg strength is debossed “C”/“158” and differs in shape profile (biconvex) versus the 15 mg “CIPLA 159” flat-beveled tablet.
Summary of identification
The CIPLA 159 pill is meloxicam 15 mg, yellow, round, flat-beveled, debossed “CIPLA”/“159,” supplied by Cipla USA (NDC 69097-0159), indicated for OA, RA, and JRA ≥60 kg, with boxed warnings for CV and GI risks, prescription-only status, and notable interactions that require monitoring.