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
Meloxicam
Ibuprofen vs. Meloxicam Dosage
Ibuprofen
Meloxicam
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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
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