Ibuprofen vs. Meloxicam

See how Ibuprofen and Meloxicam compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Ibuprofen and meloxicam are both NSAIDs that carry the same FDA boxed warnings for heart attack, stroke, and serious GI bleeding risk.

  • Ibuprofen is taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed, while meloxicam is a once-daily dose that some people find easier to stick with.

  • Ibuprofen is sold over the counter and typically costs less, while meloxicam is prescription-only and can cost significantly more per month.

Ibuprofen vs. Meloxicam Drug Summary

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever from conditions like arthritis and menstrual cramps. It comes as tablets, capsules, or liquid, and is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed, either over the counter or by prescription at higher doses.

Meloxicam

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It comes as a tablet, capsule, or liquid taken once a day, and is available only by prescription.

Ibuprofen vs. Meloxicam Side Effects

Ibuprofen

Most common
Dyspepsia (3-9%)
Nausea (3-9%)
Epigastric pain (1-3%)
Heartburn (1-3%)

Meloxicam

Most common
Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 6.3%)
Headache (5.5% to 8.3%)
Dyspepsia (upset stomach) (up to 4.9%)
Diarrhea (up to 4.4%)

Ibuprofen vs. Meloxicam Dosage

Ibuprofen

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 400 mg every 4-6 hours At the start
Maximum dose 300-800 mg 3-4x daily If needed
Dose changes 1 increase As tolerated

Meloxicam

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 7.5 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 0.125 mg/kg once daily If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Ibuprofen vs. Meloxicam Indications

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is FDA-approved for several types of arthritis pain, mild to moderate pain, menstrual cramps, and fever. It works quickly, which makes it a common choice for short-term or as-needed pain relief.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Mild to moderate pain

  • Primary dysmenorrhea

  • Fever reduction

Meloxicam

Meloxicam is FDA-approved for the ongoing management of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults, as well as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 and older. Its once-daily dosing makes it a common option for long-term joint pain rather than short-term flare-ups.

  • Osteoarthritis (adults)

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (adults)

  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (children 2+)

  • Off-label: ankylosing spondylitis

  • Off-label: general musculoskeletal pain

Ibuprofen vs. Meloxicam Pros and Cons

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen has decades of use, is sold over the counter, and can be dosed flexibly throughout the day for acute pain. It carries the same NSAID boxed warnings as meloxicam for cardiovascular and GI risk, so it is more accessible but not inherently safer.

Pros

  • Available over the counter without a prescription

  • Flexible dosing lets you adjust for breakthrough pain

  • Long history of use dating back to 1974

  • Roughly $4 to $25 per month without insurance, generally less than meloxicam

Cons

  • Needs dosing every 4 to 6 hours to stay effective

  • Higher pill burden with multiple daily doses

  • Not approved for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Meloxicam

Meloxicam's once-daily dosing and lower-dose COX-2 selectivity make it a common choice for chronic joint conditions. It requires a prescription and, like ibuprofen, carries boxed warnings for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risk.

Pros

  • Once-daily dosing simplifies long-term treatment

  • Preferential COX-2 selectivity at lower doses may mean less stomach irritation

  • Approved for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 and up

  • Available as an IV formulation for hospital pain management

Cons

  • Requires a prescription, unlike ibuprofen

  • Roughly $10 to $150 per month without insurance, can cost more than ibuprofen

  • Once-daily dosing offers less flexibility for as-needed pain

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.