Key takeaways
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and meloxicam (Mobic) are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and inflammation, but they have some key differences. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, while meloxicam is only available by prescription. Ibuprofen is taken multiple times a day, typically every 4 to 8 hours, whereas meloxicam is usually taken once daily. Meloxicam tends to cause less stomach upset compared to ibuprofen because it blocks COX-2 more than COX-1. Both medications can raise the risk of stomach bleeding, heart attack, and stroke, but meloxicam is often preferred for long-term use in arthritis due to its once-daily dosing and potentially fewer stomach side effects. Additionally, neither medications is recommended during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks.
