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Compare Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

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

Key takeaways

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) and meloxicam (Mobic) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. Tizanidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist used as a muscle relaxer to treat muscle stiffness and rigidity, while meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain from arthritis. Tizanidine is taken orally, typically three times a day, and is available in both tablet and capsule forms, with a lower-cost generic option. Meloxicam can be taken as a capsule, tablet, liquid, or injection, is usually taken once daily, and also comes as a lower-cost generic. Some medications, like ciprofloxacin, can worsen low blood pressure and dizziness when taken with tizanidine. Meloxicam, on the other hand, can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and joint pain, and should not be taken with other NSAIDs. While tizanidine is not known to cause addiction, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Meloxicam is not safe during pregnancy and can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if taken for a long time.

  • Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    Meloxicam
  • Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    Meloxicam

  • Summary of Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

    Summary for Alpha-2 agonist
    Prescription only

    Tizanidine, also known by its brand name Zanaflex, is a muscle relaxer. It's FDA approved to treat stiff, rigid muscles in adults. This medication comes as tablets and capsules that you take by mouth. The usual dosage is taken as needed, up to 3 times a day. It has side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is available as a generic and brand-name medication.

    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 Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

    Indications for
    •Muscle stiffness and rigidity
    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 Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 agonist
    Pros
    •Taken as needed (up to 3 times a day) to help relax stiff or rigid muscles
    •Works within 1 to 2 hours
    •Also available as capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
    •Not a controlled substance
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure
    •Interacts with many other medications, like birth control pills, ciprofloxacin, and opioids
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you lower the dose or stop suddenly
    •Higher risk of side effects in older adults and people with kidney problems
    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 Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (49%)
    •Sleepiness (48%)
    •Weakness (41%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Urinary tract infection (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Diarrhea
    •Indigestion
    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Joint pain
    •Flu-like symptoms

  • Warnings of Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Possible hallucinations
    •Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Allergic reactions
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

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    Learn more about Meloxicam

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