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Compare Baclofen vs. Meloxicam

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Baclofen (Ozobax DS, Fleqsuvy, Lyvispah) and meloxicam (Mobic, Anjeso) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, while meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain from arthritis. Baclofen is taken orally in various forms, such as tablets, oral solutions, and dissolvable granules, typically three times a day. In contrast, meloxicam is available as capsules, tablets, oral suspension, and an injection, and is usually taken once daily. Baclofen can cause side effects like sleepiness and dizziness and should not be stopped suddenly due to the risk of withdrawal. Meloxicam, on the other hand, can cause stomach bleeding and heart issues, especially if taken with alcohol or other NSAIDs. Both medications are not recommended during pregnancy.

  • Baclofen
    Meloxicam
  • Baclofen
    Meloxicam

  • Summary of Baclofen vs. Meloxicam

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Baclofen is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries in adults and children ages 12 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Baclofen comes as tablets, as well as oral solutions (including brand names Ozobax DS and Fleqsuvy) and dissolvable granules (brand name Lyvispah) for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Side effects of baclofen include sleepiness, dizziness, and nausea. If you stop this medication too suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms.

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Meloxicam is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for different types of arthritis pain. It comes as a capsule, tablet, or liquid that you take by mouth. It's also available as an injection that's given by a healthcare provider in a hospital setting. Common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. Like all NSAIDs, meloxicam can raise the risk for stomach bleeds.

  • Indications of Baclofen vs. Meloxicam

    Indications for
    •Muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries in people ages 12 years and older
    Indications for
    •Pain from osteoarthritis (capsules, tablets, and oral suspension)
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) (tablets and oral suspension)
    •Moderate-to-severe pain (Anjeso injection)

  • Pros and Cons of Baclofen vs. Meloxicam

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Starts to work quickly
    •Can take with or without food
    •Tablets and some liquid formulations are available as lower-cost generics
    •Can crush or cut tablets
    Cons
    •Sleepiness is a common side effect
    •Oral granules are available as a brand-name only
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped too quickly
    •Might not be safe while pregnant
    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Causes less stomach upset than some other NSAIDs
    •Works well to treat pain caused by different types of arthritis
    Cons
    •Available only by prescription
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Different formulations (e.g., capsules, liquid) might not be able to be substituted for one another

  • Common Side Effects of Baclofen vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 63%)
    •Dizziness (up to 15%)
    •Weakness (up to 15%)
    •Nausea (up to 12%)
    •Confusion (up to 11%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Meloxicam capsules, tablets, and oral solution:

    •Headache (up to 8%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 8%)
    •Joint pain (up to 6%)
    •Urinary tract infections (up to 6%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (up to 6%)
    •Upset stomach (up to 5%)
    •Swelling (up to 5%)

    Meloxicam (Anjeso) injection:

    •Constipation (8%)
    •Liver damage (3%)
    •Low red blood cells (2%)

  • Warnings of Baclofen vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Extreme sleepiness or dizziness
    •Worsening of other health conditions
    •Don't take during pregnancy
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Baclofen vs. Meloxicam

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