Naproxen vs. Meloxicam
See how Naproxen and Meloxicam compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Naproxen is usually taken twice a day, while meloxicam is taken once a day, so daily dosing convenience is a real difference between them.
Both drugs carry FDA boxed warnings for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks because they belong to the same NSAID class.
Naproxen covers a wider range of approved uses, including gout and menstrual cramps, while meloxicam is approved only for arthritis conditions.
Naproxen vs. Meloxicam Drug Summary
Naproxen
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and menstrual cramps. It is typically taken as a tablet or liquid twice a day, with the dose adjusted based on the condition being treated.
Meloxicam
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve the pain, swelling, and stiffness of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults, as well as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 and older. It is taken as a tablet, capsule, or liquid once a day.
Naproxen vs. Meloxicam Side Effects
Naproxen
Meloxicam
Naproxen vs. Meloxicam Dosage
Naproxen
Meloxicam
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250-500 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg/kg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | 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 |
Naproxen
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250-500 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg/kg twice 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 |
Naproxen vs. Meloxicam Indications
Naproxen
Naproxen is FDA-approved to relieve the pain, swelling, and stiffness of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also approved for acute gout attacks, tendonitis, bursitis, and primary dysmenorrhea, and for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children 2 and older. Its multiple formulations allow dosing to be tailored to how quickly relief is needed.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children 2 and older
Acute gout attacks
Tendonitis and bursitis
Meloxicam
Meloxicam is FDA-approved to relieve the pain, swelling, and stiffness of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 and older. Doctors also prescribe it off label for ankylosing spondylitis and general musculoskeletal pain. Because it is taken once a day, it offers a simpler routine than NSAIDs dosed more often.
Osteoarthritis in adults
Rheumatoid arthritis in adults
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 and older
Off-label: ankylosing spondylitis and general musculoskeletal pain
Naproxen vs. Meloxicam Pros and Cons
Naproxen
Naproxen is a nonselective NSAID with decades of real-world use and an over-the-counter option for mild pain. It requires twice-daily dosing but covers a wider range of approved uses, from arthritis to gout to menstrual cramps. Most pharmacies stock it as a low-cost generic, whether by prescription or over the counter.
Pros
Available over the counter at lower doses for easy access
FDA-approved for gout, tendonitis, bursitis, and menstrual pain
Long clinical history with a well-understood safety profile
Cons
Requires twice-daily dosing to maintain steady relief
Nonselective COX inhibition may carry relatively higher GI irritation risk at typical doses
Multiple strengths and salt forms (naproxen vs. naproxen sodium) can complicate dosing
Meloxicam
Meloxicam is dosed only once a day, and its COX-2 preference at lower doses may ease gastrointestinal irritation compared with older NSAIDs. Its FDA-approved uses are limited to arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, so pain from injuries or gout is treated off label. It is prescription-only, and coverage and cost vary by plan and formulation.
Pros
Once-daily dosing simplifies adherence
Preferential COX-2 activity at lower doses may reduce GI irritation versus older NSAIDs
Available in extended forms, including orally disintegrating tablets and IV injection
Cons
Limited to arthritis indications; other pain is treated off label
Not available over the counter, unlike naproxen's OTC option
Once-daily dosing offers less flexibility to adjust for breakthrough pain in a day
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