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Compare Meloxicam vs. Tylenol

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

Key takeaways

Meloxicam (Mobic) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are both used to relieve pain, but they work differently and are used for different types of pain. Meloxicam is a prescription NSAID that treats arthritis pain by reducing inflammation, while acetaminophen is an over-the-counter analgesic that lowers fever and relieves mild pain without reducing inflammation. Meloxicam is taken once daily and is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and injections, whereas acetaminophen comes in many forms like tablets, liquids, and suppositories, and is taken multiple times a day. Meloxicam can cause serious side effects like stomach bleeding and heart problems, especially if taken with alcohol or other NSAIDs, while acetaminophen's main risk is liver damage, particularly if you drink alcohol or take too much. Meloxicam is not safe during late pregnancy, but acetaminophen is generally considered safe. Both medications have generic versions available.

  • Meloxicam
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Meloxicam
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • Summary of Meloxicam vs. Tylenol

    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

    Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to lower fever and relieve mild pain in adults and children. It's available in many strengths and formulations, such as tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid. In general, acetaminophen (Tylenol) works within 45 minutes when it's taken by mouth. This medication typically doesn't have many side effects. It's recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your risk for liver problems.

  • Indications of Meloxicam vs. Tylenol

    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
    •Mild pain
    •Fever

  • Pros and Cons of Meloxicam vs. Tylenol

    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
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve mild aches or pain and lower fever
    •Can use in adults and children
    •Available in a lower-cost generic and is available over the counter
    •Comes in many different strengths and forms (e.g., tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, powder, suppository)
    Cons
    •Doesn't help with inflammation and swelling
    •Might not work as well to treat moderate-to-severe pain
    •Not the best option for people who drink alcohol often because of the risk of liver damage

  • Common Side Effects of Meloxicam vs. Tylenol

    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

    Side effects typically aren't common with this medication.

  • Warnings of Meloxicam vs. Tylenol

    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
    •Liver damage
    •Accidental overdose
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Meloxicam vs. Tylenol

    Learn more about Meloxicam
    Learn more about Acetaminophen

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