Meloxicam drug molecule. Computer model of a molecule of the drug meloxicam. Atoms are colour- coded: carbon (green), hydrogen (white), oxygen (red), nitrogen (blue) and sulphur (yellow). Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is taken as an analgesic (painkiller) and an antipyretic (fever reducing drug) as well as an anti-inflammatory drug. It is thought to work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclo- oxygenase, which synthesises prostaglandin, the molecule that transmits pain signals to the brain. Meloxicam is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and pain caused by heavy periods.