Meloxicam vs. Aspirin
See how Meloxicam and Aspirin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Meloxicam is a prescription NSAID taken once daily for arthritis pain, while aspirin is an OTC option used for both pain relief and long-term heart protection.
Both carry boxed warnings for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, but aspirin's low-dose form is the only OTC option with an FDA-recognized cardiovascular prevention use.
Meloxicam's once-daily dosing may suit chronic arthritis better, whereas aspirin needs to be taken every 4 hours for acute pain relief at higher doses.
Meloxicam vs. Aspirin Drug Summary
Meloxicam
Meloxicam is a prescription NSAID in the oxicam class, used to relieve pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It comes in tablets, capsules, oral suspension, and IV forms, and is typically taken once a day at a steady dose.
Aspirin
Aspirin is an NSAID and salicylate used for temporary pain and fever relief, as well as long-term prevention of heart attack and stroke. It is taken as needed for pain at higher doses, or once daily at a low dose for cardiovascular protection.
Meloxicam vs. Aspirin Side Effects
Meloxicam
Aspirin
Meloxicam vs. Aspirin Dosage
Meloxicam
Aspirin
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 325-650 mg every 4 hrs | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 75-325 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | 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 |
Aspirin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 325-650 mg every 4 hrs | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 75-325 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Meloxicam vs. Aspirin Indications
Meloxicam
Meloxicam is FDA-approved for the ongoing management of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 and older. It is not approved for acute pain and is specifically contraindicated for pain after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for ankylosing spondylitis or general musculoskeletal pain.
Osteoarthritis in adults
Rheumatoid arthritis in adults
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (age 2+)
Off-label: ankylosing spondylitis
Off-label: general musculoskeletal pain
Aspirin
Aspirin is FDA-approved for short-term pain and fever relief, and for reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease. It also has an approved use in rheumatologic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Off-label, it is sometimes used for primary prevention of heart disease or to lower colorectal cancer risk.
Minor aches, pains, and fever
Secondary prevention of heart attack/stroke
Unstable angina and acute MI risk reduction
Off-label: primary CV prevention
Off-label: colorectal cancer risk reduction
Meloxicam vs. Aspirin Pros and Cons
Meloxicam
Meloxicam's once-daily dosing and COX-2 preference at lower doses make it convenient for long-term arthritis management. Like all NSAIDs, it carries boxed warnings for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, and it requires a prescription.
Pros
Once-daily dosing for consistent symptom control
Multiple forms including IV and oral suspension
Preferential COX-2 selectivity may lower GI risk at low doses
Approved for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children
Cons
Requires a prescription for any dose
Not approved for acute or as-needed pain relief
Contraindicated for pain after CABG surgery
Costs more than OTC aspirin, roughly $10 to $150 a month depending on form and coverage
Aspirin
Aspirin's decades of use and low cost make it one of the most accessible NSAIDs, and it is the only OTC option with a recognized cardiovascular prevention role. It still carries real bleeding and stomach risks, and dosing for pain requires more frequent dosing than meloxicam.
Pros
Available over the counter without a prescription
Only OTC analgesic with an FDA-recognized cardiovascular use
Decades of established safety data
Costs roughly $2 to $15 a month, far less than many prescription NSAIDs
Cons
Requires dosing every 4 hours for pain relief
Higher bleeding risk from its antiplatelet effect
Not safe for children or teens with viral illness
Tinnitus and other side effects increase at higher doses
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