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Compare Meloxicam vs. Tylenol With Codeine

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

Key takeaways

Meloxicam (Mobic) and Tylenol with Codeine (acetaminophen/codeine) are both prescription medications used to treat pain, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of pain. Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats pain from arthritis by blocking proteins that cause inflammation. It is taken once daily and is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and injections. Common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. On the other hand, Tylenol with Codeine is a combination of acetaminophen and codeine, an opioid, used for mild-to-moderate pain that non-opioid medications can't relieve. It is taken every 4 hours as needed and can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation. Unlike meloxicam, Tylenol with Codeine has a risk of dependence and misuse. Both medications have additional risks during pregnancy, including potential harm to the unborn baby. Both medications have generic versions available, but Tylenol with Codeine is a controlled substance due to its opioid content, while meloxicam is not.

  • Meloxicam
    Tylenol with codeine
  • Meloxicam
    Tylenol with codeine

  • Summary of Meloxicam vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    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.

    Summary for Analgesic / Opioid
    Prescription only

    Tylenol with Codeine (acetaminophen / codeine), also known as Tylenol #3, is a combination opioid medication. Both acetaminophen and codeine treat mild-to-moderate pain by blocking pain signals in the body. This medication is taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours as needed. Tylenol with Codeine is available as a tablet and liquid. Like other opioids, Tylenol with Codeine can cause common side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. It also has a warning for dangerous breathing problems and risk of dependence and misuse.

  • Indications of Meloxicam vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    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)
    Indications for
    •Treatment of mild-to-moderate pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Meloxicam vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    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
    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Opioid
    Pros
    •Works well for treating mild-to-moderate pain
    •Combines 2 medications with different modes of pain relief into a single pill
    •Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    •Available as a generic medication
    Cons
    •For short-term pain relief only
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen, since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •Liquid solution contains alcohol

  • Common Side Effects of Meloxicam vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Trouble breathing
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sweating

  • Warnings of Meloxicam vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for dependence and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk of accidental overdose
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Serious medication interactions
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Seizures
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Caution in certain medical conditions
    •Withdrawal

  • Prices with our coupons for Meloxicam vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Learn more about Meloxicam
    Learn more about Tylenol with codeine

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