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Compare Meloxicam vs. Methocarbamol

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

Key takeaways

Meloxicam and methocarbamol are both prescription medications used to manage pain, but they belong to different medication classes and treat different types of pain. Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for arthritis pain, while methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer used for muscle pain and discomfort. Meloxicam is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, oral suspension, and injection, and is typically taken once daily. In contrast, methocarbamol is taken orally three to four times a day and is also available as an injection. The injection forms are only administered by a healthcare professional. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of meloxicam include diarrhea and stomach upset, while methocarbamol can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Meloxicam can interact with other NSAIDs and blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding, while methocarbamol can interact with medications that cause drowsiness, such as opioids. Both medications should be used with caution in older adults and those with certain health conditions.

  • Meloxicam
    Methocarbamol
  • Meloxicam
    Methocarbamol

  • Summary of Meloxicam vs. Methocarbamol

    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 Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Methocarbamol (Robaxin) is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort, like back pain, in people ages 16 years and older. It works best when used along with non-medication treatments, such as rest and physical therapy. Methocarbamol is taken by mouth, typically 3 or 4 times daily. It's also available as an injection that's given into the muscles or through the veins, typically in a hospital setting. Side effects of methocarbamol include dizziness, drowsiness, and blurry vision.

  • Indications of Meloxicam vs. Methocarbamol

    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
    •Muscle pain and discomfort caused by acute (short-term) conditions
    •Muscle problems due to tetanus - injection form only

  • Pros and Cons of Meloxicam vs. Methocarbamol

    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 Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Starts to work within 30 minutes to relieve muscle pain and discomfort
    •Less likely to cause drowsiness compared to some other muscle relaxers
    •Tablets can be cut in half
    Cons
    •Taken 3 to 4 times daily
    •Older adults at higher risk for side effects
    •Not safe to take either some other pain medications, such as opioid medications

  • Common Side Effects of Meloxicam vs. Methocarbamol

    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
    •Dizziness or lightheadedness
    •Drowsiness
    •Blurry vision
    •Headache
    •Nausea
    •Upset stomach

  • Warnings of Meloxicam vs. Methocarbamol

    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
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Meloxicam vs. Methocarbamol

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