What are the Similarities Between Meloxicam and Ibuprofin?

Meloxicam, sold as “Mobic,” and ibuprofen, sold as “Advil” and “Motrin,” are commonly used medications for mild to moderate pain and inflammation relief. Unlike ibuprofen, Meloxicam is a prescription-only medication for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Both drugs have certain similarities:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)—Both meloxicam and ibuprofen are considered NSAIDs.1,2 This means both medications actively lower inflammation levels and effectively reduce pain and fever.

• Mechanism of Action: The primary mechanism of action used by meloxicam and ibuprofen involves blocking the production of prostaglandins. These are the chemicals that cause inflammation in the body. Blocking these chemicals can reduce the body’s natural response when fighting infection or repairing muscles, lowering the associated aches and pain.

• Usage—Both drugs are commonly prescribed to treat various conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of musculoskeletal pain. They can also be used to treat mild symptoms such as headaches or menstrual cramps.

• Available Forms—Meloxicam and ibuprofen are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids.

What are the Differences Between Meloxicam and Ibuprofen?

While both meloxicam and ibuprofen may be used to treat similar symptoms, this doesn’t mean they are treated the same way as an NSAID. Below are some of the key differences of each drug:

• Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter: Meloxicam is only available as a prescription medication, unlike ibuprofen, which can be purchased over the counter.

• Potency—Meloxicam is considered a more potent NSAID than ibuprofen.3 This means it can be more effective when treating inflammation in chronic conditions like arthritis, where ibuprofen is often preferred to treat mild to moderate pain.

• Dosage Frequency – Meloxicam is usually taken once daily, while ibuprofen may be taken multiple times daily, depending on the dosage required.

• Duration of Use – Meloxicam is usually prescribed for the long-term management of chronic conditions. At the same time, ibuprofen is more commonly used for shorter periods to manage acute pain or flare-ups.

• Specific Indications—Although both drugs treat similar conditions, meloxicam may be preferred for specific types of arthritis due to its longer-lasting effects compared to ibuprofen.

Can You Mix Meloxicam With Ibuprofin?

In general, mixing meloxicam and ibuprofen is NOT recommended.4 Although both drugs work in similar ways to reduce pain and inflammation, combining them can increase the risk of side effects without making significant improvements in pain management.

Both meloxicam and ibuprofen are known to irritate the stomach lining. Taking the medications together can increase the risk of problems associated with this issue, especially if you are already prone to certain stomach issues.

NSAIDs also have an impact on kidney function. Combining both medications can put extra stress on these vital organs and can potentially lead to complications. Doctors will typically thoroughly examine your kidneys before prescribing meloxicam as an extra precaution before beginning treatment.

Some studies also suggest that NSAIDs could increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack or stroke. While this is a relatively small risk for healthy individuals, taking too many NSAIDs in a short time could theoretically increase this risk.

What are the Potential Side Effects When Taking Meloxicam and Ibuprofen Together?

Below are some of the potential side effects that can be experienced when combining the use of meloxicam and ibuprofen:5

Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal issues are a common concern when taking NSAIDs for an extended period or in large doses. Combining medications like meloxicam and ibuprofen can lead to:

• Stomach pains
• Cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Prolonged use of multiple NSAIDs can also lead to the development of ulcers in the stomach lining or intestines. Ulcers can lead to severe pain, bleeding, or, in rare cases, perforation, which can be a very serious health issue.

Kidney Problems

Kidney issues are another potential side effect of combining meloxicam and ibuprofen. NSAIDs reduce the blood flow to the kidneys, which can potentially impair their function. This effect can be even more pronounced when multiple NSAIDs are taken together. This could lead to acute kidney damage, especially in individuals who already have compromised kidney function.

Cardiovascular Issues

Cardiovascular issues are another important consideration when taking NSAIDs together. Both meloxicam and ibuprofen can elevate blood pressure, which can be particularly concerning with individuals who already have a history of hypertension or a history of heart-related health issues. Both medications can also lead to fluid retention, usually shown by swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs. This can exacerbate existing heart conditions.

Other Side Effects

Combining meloxicam and ibuprofen could increase the feeling of being dizzy or lightheaded, especially when standing up too quickly. This can be caused by changes in blood pressure caused by NSAIDs.

Although it is less common, individuals can have certain allergic reactions when taking NSAIDs. These reactions can appear as skin rashes, hives, or itching sensations. In rare cases, these allergic reactions could become more serious and cause the face, lips, or tongue to swell.

Can You Become Addicted to Meloxicam?

Meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, is not considered to be a physically addictive substance. Because it doesn’t produce the same type of euphoria that opioids and other pain-relieving substances have, its impact on the brain’s reward system is considerably less pronounced.

That being, while a physical addition is highly unlikely when taking meloxicam, long-term use of the drug can form a certain level of dependence where the body begins to rely on the drug to manage pain or inflammation.

In this case, if you abruptly stop taking meloxicam after prolonged use, you may experience a temporary worsening of your symptoms – often referred to as a “rebound” effect. This is in response to the body’s adjustment to the medication.

To help prevent these issues, it’s important to gradually taper off meloxicam with the guidance of a trained healthcare provider. They can help create a safe and effective plan to reduce dosage while still helping manage pain symptoms gradually.

Does Taking Meloxicam or Ibuprofin Have a Risk of Overdose?

Yes, both meloxicam and ibuprofen carry with them a risk of overdose. While the severity of an overdose will vary considerably depending on the amount taken, they can present various overdose symptoms. This can include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe stomach pain
• Drowsiness or lethargy
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness and blurred vision
• Difficulty breathing
• Slowed or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures or loss of consciousness

It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a potential overdose of either medication. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional or poison control center.

To prevent the likelihood of an accidental overdose, be sure to take all medications exactly as prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. Never exceed the recommended dose, and be sure to store medications safely out of the reach of children and pets.