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Reviewed by Pain from chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be debilitating, significantly impairing an individual’s quality of life leading to physical limitations, emotional distress, and social isolation.
Failure to effectively manage these chronic pain scenarios can contribute to opioid use disorders and increase morbidity and mortality rates among affected individuals. To avoid opioids, many healthcare professionals turn to Meloxicam. This analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory medication is popular as it can significantly reduce pain intensity and offer substantial relief within the first 24 hours after administration.
However, Meloxicam isnโt without its drawbacks. Side effects like gastrointestinal issues and hypertension can make it less appealing for some patients. If you think Meloxicam isn’t the right fit for you, keep reading to find your alternative to Meloxicam to help you safely manage your pain.
Table Of Contents:
Meloxicam Overview
Meloxicam, marketed under the brand name Mobic, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to treat pain and inflammation associated with chronic conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: To relieve symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: To reduce inflammation and pain in joints.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: In children aged 2 years and older to relieve symptoms.
Meloxicam mechanism of action works by blocking the activity of certain enzymes in your body, specifically COX-2 enzymes. These enzymes produce substances called prostaglandins, which cause inflammation, pain, and fever. By blocking COX-2, Meloxicam reduces the production of these substances, helping to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Meloxicam is available by prescription only in various administration forms, including tablets, capsules, and oral suspensions. The recommended dose is 7.5 to 15 mg, taken once daily.
Alternatives to Meloxicam
When administered orally, Meloxicam is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it has a delayed time to onset, requiring several days to achieve its full effect. This makes it ill-suited for treating acute pain but more appropriate for chronic use, such as in chronic arthritis.
Yet, this delayed therapeutic effect may lead patients to find a Meloxicam substitute. Other reasons include:
Why Do Patients Look For Mobic Alternatives?
Studies suggest that Meloxicam is a safe and effective medication. The recommended dosage of 7.5 to 15 mg once daily can effectively reduce pain and stiffness associated with the conditions. However, patients may seek alternatives due to the following Meloxicam side effects, particularly in the first month of use:
- Respiratory tract infection
- Nausea/vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache/migraine
- Edema (swelling)
- Dizziness
- General gastrointestinal issues
- Malaise (general discomfort)
- Lassitude (lack of energy)
- Intolerance
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
- Cardiac failure (heart failure)
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeats)
Prescription Meloxicam Alternatives
Apart from Mobic, there are other prescription drugs in the same class that share similar mechanisms of action and treatment benefits. However, there are also important differences among them. Some drugs may have a higher likelihood of causing specific side effects, while others may be more suitable for patients with certain health conditions.
Below, we explore some common prescription alternatives to Meloxicam:
Meloxicam vs Celebrex
Meloxicam and Celebrex are two commonly prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that offer relief but have slight differences in their usage, effectiveness, and particularly time of action.
If you are wondering: Which is better for arthritis Meloxicam or Celebrex? Consult the following comparison chart:
| Criteria | Meloxicam (Mobic) | Celebrex (Celecoxib) |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Approved Use | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Acute pain, Primary dysmenorrhea |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits COX-2 enzyme to reduce prostaglandin synthesis | Selectively inhibits COX-2 enzyme to reduce prostaglandin synthesis |
| Time to Effect | Delayed onset; several days for full effect | Faster onset; typically within hours |
| Cost | Around $11 for thirty Meloxicam pills (15 mg) | Around $18 for 14 tablets 200 mg, (for the generic version) |
| Common Side Effects | Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, somnolence, itching, peripheral edema, hypertension | Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, hypertension, respiratory infections |
| Risk of Dependence | Low | Low |
| Contraindications | History of gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver problems, hypersensitivity to NSAIDs | History of gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver problems, hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or NSAIDs |
When choosing between Meloxicam and Celebrex, consider the following:
- Meloxicam is suitable for chronic conditions where a delayed onset is acceptable.
- Celebrex is preferred for conditions requiring faster relief, such as acute pain or primary dysmenorrhea.
- Celebrex can be used for children as young as two, regardless of weight.
- Switching Meloxicam for Celecoxib results in an average savings of $183 per prescription.
Meloxicam vs Nabumetone
Relafen DS (Nabumetone) is another alternative for Meloxicam. In this case, Meloxicam can act faster than Relafen, but both are considered long-acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). The following comparison chart highlights these differences:
| Criteria | Meloxicam (Mobic) | Relafen (Nabumetone) |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Approved Use | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits COX-2 enzyme to reduce prostaglandin synthesis | Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis |
| Time to Effect | Delayed onset; several days for full effect | Long acting onset; generally effective within 1 to 2 weeks |
| Cost | Around $11 for thirty Meloxicam pills (15 mg) | Around $16 for 20 tablets of 500 mg (for the generic version) |
| Common Side Effects | Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, somnolence, itching, peripheral edema, hypertension | Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, rash, edema |
| Risk of Dependence | Low | Low |
| Contraindications | History of gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver problems, hypersensitivity to NSAIDs | Same as Meloxicam |
When choosing between Meloxicam and Relafen, consider the following:
- Both are not recommended if you are pregnant.
- Nabumetone is not recommended if you have severe heart failure.
- Safety and tolerability profiles of both drugs are similar in patients NSAIDs intolerant.
- Nabumetone reduces thromboxane levels (linked to inflammation and blood clotting) more effectively than Meloxicam at its maximum dose.
- Nabumetone may have a stronger effect in managing inflammation and blood clotting.
Is Diclofenac Stronger Than Meloxicam?
Meloxicam vs diclofenac is another common comparison when looking for Meloxicam replacement. Diclofenac often provides quicker relief, while Meloxicam offers longer-lasting effects. Letโs review them in depth:
| Criteria | Meloxicam (Mobic) | Diclofenac Potassium (Cambia) |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Approved Use | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis | Migraine episodes in adults, acute pain |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits COX-2 enzyme to reduce prostaglandin synthesis | Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis |
| Time to Effect | Delayed onset; several days for full effect | Faster onset; generally effective within hours |
| Cost | Around $11 for thirty Meloxicam pills (15 mg) | From 100, 120, 180, and 1000 quantities, with prices ranging from $18.33โ$380.45 |
| Common Side Effects | Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, somnolence, itching, peripheral edema, hypertension | Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, rash, gastrointestinal bleeding |
| Risk of Dependence | Low | Low |
| Contraindications | History of gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver problems, hypersensitivity to NSAIDs | Same as Meloxicam |
Choosing between Meloxicam vs diclofenac depends on your individual needs and medical history. Take into consideration that:
- Choose Diclofenac if you need faster relief, as it typically acts within hours.
- Both Meloxicam and Diclofenac are effective in relieving acute pain from spine osteoarthritis.
- Meloxicam is generally better tolerated than Diclofenac, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
- Meloxicam is typically more affordable, especially in generic form.
Best Meloxicam Over the Counter Equivalent
Meloxicam is not available over-the-counter; it requires a prescription. However, itโs worth considering over-the-counter (OTC) options before opting for prescription medications. OTC drugs can be effective for managing pain and are available without a prescription.
Trying an OTC alternative to Meloxicam might provide the relief you need and is a worthwhile option to explore first.
Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen vs Meloxicam OTC Alternatives
Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Tylenol are commonly used options that can be found in your nearest pharmacy. However, can they replace Meloxicam?
Consult an overview of Meloxicam vs ibuprofen and other OTC options:
| Criteria | Meloxicam | Ibuprofen | Naproxen | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDA Approved Use | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Acute pain, Fever, Menstrual cramps | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Acute pain, Menstrual cramps | Pain relief (mild to moderate), Fever reduction |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits COX-2 enzyme to reduce prostaglandin synthesis | Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis | Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis | Blocks pain signals in the brain, reduces fever |
| Time to Effect | Delayed onset; several days for full effect | Rapid onset; effective within 1-2 hours | Rapid onset; effective within 1-2 hours | Rapid onset; effective within 30 minutes |
| Duration of Action | Long-lasting; typically once daily | Short to moderate duration; every 4-6 hours | Long-lasting; typically every 8-12 hours | Short to moderate duration; every 4-6 hours |
| Cost | Around $11 for thirty Meloxicam pills (15 mg) | Around $11 for 6 pills (800 mg) | Around $11 for 4 pills (500 mg) | Around $11 for 100 pills (500 mg) |
| Common Side Effects | Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, hypertension | Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, dizziness | Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, dizziness | Liver damage (with overdose), nausea, rash |
| Risk of Dependence | Low | Low | Low | Very low |
| Contraindications | History of gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver problems, hypersensitivity to NSAIDs | History of gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver problems | History of gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver problems | Liver disease, excessive alcohol use |
When choosing an over the counter equivalent to Meloxicam, consider the following:
- Tylenol is a good option if you experience gastrointestinal issues with NSAIDs.
- A similar dosage of Naproxen will offer the same Meloxicam pain alleviation effects.
- Unlike other NSAIDs, Naproxen effects last longer, meaning patients don’t need to take it as often.
- Both ibuprofen and naproxen provide rapid relief and are suitable for short-term use.
- Meloxicam is considered a stronger medicine than most Meloxicam OTC alternatives.
What Is A Natural Alternative To Meloxicam?
While NSAIDs like Meloxicam are commonly used for pain and inflammation, natural alternatives are also available. One popular option is acupuncture, a traditional Chinese practice that some find effective, though it lacks scientific backing.
Meloxicam natural alternatives include:
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Different foods and fruits are classified as anti-inflammatory remedies. Eating these foods and fruits might not completely curb inflammation, but maintaining a proper diet while always incorporating these foods will help reduce inflammation.
- Tomatoes
- Leafy greens (kale, spinach, collards)
- Olive oil
- Fatty fish (mackerel, sardines, salmon)
- Nuts (walnuts, almonds)
- Berries
Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Roots
In addition to foods and fruits that help to reduce inflammation, some herbs and roots are also natural alternatives to Meloxicam:
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Ginger: Offers similar anti-inflammatory benefits.
What Is Equivalent To Meloxicam? โ Final Thoughts
Choosing the most effective pain-relieving medication involves careful consideration of your medical condition, history, and individual needs. Meloxicam may be the best option for some patients, but it’s essential to consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment.
While Meloxicam, when taken as prescribed, poses a low risk of addiction, long-term use may lead to issues. Exploring natural alternatives, such as integrating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet or trying acupuncture and massages, can be beneficial.
Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your options and develop a personalized treatment to manage your pain effectively.
People Also Ask
15 mg Meloxicam equals how much ibuprofen?
15 mg of Meloxicam is a typical daily dose, while ibuprofen is usually taken in 400-800 mg up to three times daily. This difference highlights variations in their dosing and pharmacokinetics.
Is there an over the counter substitute for Meloxicam?
Over-the-counter alternatives include ibuprofen and naproxen. These NSAIDs can manage pain and inflammation, but they may require more frequent dosing and higher amounts compared to Meloxicamโs once-daily dosing.
Can you buy Meloxicam over the counter?
No, Meloxicam is available only by prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter. It requires a doctorโs prescription due to its potential side effects and specific use.
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