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Compare Baclofen vs. Meloxicam

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

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

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