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Compare Etodolac vs. Meloxicam

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

Key takeaways

Etodolac and meloxicam are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and inflammation from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, they have some differences. Etodolac is available only as an oral medication, while meloxicam comes in oral forms and as an injection (for administration by a healthcare professional only). Etodolac is available as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet, with the extended-release form indicated for children as young as 6 years old. Etodolac is typically taken multiple times a day, while meloxicam is usually taken once daily. Both medications can cause side effects like stomach pain and bleeding. It's important to avoid taking either medication with other NSAIDs or alcohol, as this can increase the risk of serious side effects. Both medications are not safe to use during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks.

  • Etodolac
    Meloxicam
  • Etodolac
    Meloxicam

  • Summary of Etodolac vs. Meloxicam

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Etodolac, also known by its brand name Lodine, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The immediate-release pills are taken throughout the day; they're approved for adults with sudden, short-term pain; rheumatoid arthritis; or osteoarthritis. There's also an extended-release tablet for people ages 6 years and older that's taken once per day for the same types of arthritis. Side effects can include stomach pain, dizziness, and rash. Etodolac is currently available by prescription as generic only; the brand name has been discontinued.

    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 Etodolac vs. Meloxicam

    Indications for
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - extended-release only
    •Short-term pain - immediate-release only
    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 Etodolac vs. Meloxicam

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well to treat pain and inflammation
    •Extended-release tablets can be used for children as young as 6 years old
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only available as pills that can't be split, open, or crushed
    •Not safe to take after 20 weeks of pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    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 Etodolac vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in 1% to 10% of people who took etodolac:

    •Stomach pain
    •Indigestion or heartburn
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea
    •Passing gas
    •Stomach ulcer
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Swelling
    •Headache
    •Ringing in the ears
    •Itching
    •Rash
    •Anemia (low red blood cell count)
    •Elevated liver enzymes
    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 Etodolac vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Not safe to take while pregnant
    •Risk for bleeding
    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 Etodolac vs. Meloxicam

    Learn more about Etodolac
    Learn more about Meloxicam

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