Abstract: AIM　To study the electrochemical behavior and reduction mechanism of meloxicam (MLX) in acetate buffer solution. A new method for the determination of MLX was established by adsorptive stripping voltammetry. METHODS　Linear-sweep polarography, cyclic voltammetry and pulse polarography were used in the present research. RESULTS　In a supporting electrolyte containing HAc-NaAc (pH 4.76), a reduction peak of MLX was observed by linear-sweep voltammetry at Hg electrode. The peak showed a potential of -1.19 V (vs Ag/AgCl) and adsorptive characteristics. The adsorbed species is most probably the neutral molecule of MLX. The saturated adsorption of MLX at Hg electrode is 1.53×10^-10 mol.cm^-2 and every MLX molecule occupied an area of 1.08 nm². On the surface of the hanging mercury drop electrode, the adsorption of MLX obeys Frumkin adsorption isotherm. The adsorption coefficient (β) is 1.65×10⁶. The number of electrons transferred per MLX molecule (n) is 2 and the transfer coefficient (α) of the irreversible adsorptive system of MLX is 0.84. The rate constant of surface electrode reaction (k_s) is 0.19.s^-1. The mechanism of electrochemical reduction of MLX at Hg electrode has been explored. The detection limit of the adsorptive stripping voltammetry of MLX is 1.0×10^-9 mol.L^-1 under optimized conditions. CONCLUSION　This indicates an irreversible process with adsorption.