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Compare Ibuprofen vs. Mobic

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

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and meloxicam are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and inflammation. They are similar in that they both treat conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and they may also be used for short-term relief of minor aches, pains, and fever, though this use is more common with ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, while meloxicam is prescription-only. Ibuprofen is typically taken multiple times a day, whereas meloxicam is usually taken once daily. Ibuprofen comes in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids, and meloxicam is available as tablets, capsules, oral suspension, and an injection (for administration by a healthcare professional only). Common side effects of ibuprofen and meloxicam include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Both medications can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and should not be taken with other NSAIDs.

Ibuprofen
Meloxicam
Ibuprofen
Meloxicam
Summary of Ibuprofen vs. Mobic
Summary for NSAID
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.
Summary for NSAID
Prescription only
Meloxicam is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It's used for different types of arthritis pain. It comes as capsules, tablets and a liquid. All forms are for adults, but some are also for children of certain age and weight. Meloxicam is taken by mouth once a day. The dosage depends on your arthritis type, the form of meloxicam you're using, and age and weight for children. Common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. Like all NSAIDs, it can raise the risk of stomach bleeds. Meloxicam is a generic medication; its brand name Mobic is no longer available.
Indications of Ibuprofen vs. Mobic
Indications for
Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

•Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps

•Fever

Prescription ibuprofen:

•Mild-to-moderate pain

•Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)

•Pain from menstrual cramps

Indications for

•Osteoarthritis (OA) - capsules, tablets, and oral liquid

•Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - tablets and oral liquid

•Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) - tablets and oral liquid
Pros and Cons of Ibuprofen vs. Mobic
Pros and Const for NSAID
Pros

•Works well for fever, pain, and swelling

•Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics

•Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid

•Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children

Cons

•Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day

•Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems

•Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems

•Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects

Pros and Const for NSAID
Pros

•Only taken once a day

•Might cause less stomach upset and other stomach problems than some other NSAIDs

•Also available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills

Cons

•Available by prescription only

•Might not be the best option for older adults or people with kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems

•Can't switch easily between capsules, tablets, and liquid (can't be substituted for one another)
Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen vs. Mobic
Common Side Effects for
The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

•Nausea

•Stomach pain

•Heartburn

•Dizziness

•Rash

Common Side Effects for

•Headache

•Diarrhea

•Indigestion

•Nausea

•Stomach pain

•Joint pain

•Flu-like symptoms
Warnings of Ibuprofen vs. Mobic
Common Side Effects for

•Stomach bleeding and ulcers

•Heart attack and stroke

•High blood pressure and heart failure

•Kidney damage

•Liver problems

•Severe allergic reactions

•Harm to unborn babies

•Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

Common Side Effects for

•Risk of stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding

•Risk of heart attack and stroke

•High blood pressure

•Swelling and risk of heart failure

•Liver problems

•Kidney damage

•High potassium levels

•Risk of general bleeding and anemia

•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Worsening asthma in certain people

•Harm to an unborn baby
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Compare Ibuprofen vs. Mobic

Key takeaways

Summary of Ibuprofen vs. Mobic

Indications of Ibuprofen vs. Mobic

Pros and Cons of Ibuprofen vs. Mobic

Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen vs. Mobic

Warnings of Ibuprofen vs. Mobic

Prices with our coupons for Ibuprofen vs. Mobic

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