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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 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a muscle relaxer used to treat stiff, rigid muscles. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) isn't a controlled substance, so it isn't known to cause an addiction. But it does have several risks and warnings for side effects such as low blood pressure, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) comes as both brand and generic name tablets and capsules.

    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.

  • Indications of Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

    Indications for
    •Muscle stiffness and rigidity
    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)

  • Pros and Cons of Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Works very quickly
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
    •Can be taken only as needed
    •Multiple strengths available, so you can customize your dose easier
    Cons
    •Taken multiple times a day
    •Stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle rigidity and high blood pressure
    •Food can affect how well your body absorbs tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    •Not a good option for people with liver and kidney problems
    •Can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and low blood pressure as side effects
    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

  • 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

    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%)

  • Warnings of Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening drowsiness (from medication interactions)
    •Higher risk of tizanidine side effects (in people with kidney problems)
    •Liver damage
    •Hallucinations
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Allergic reactions
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Tizanidine vs. Meloxicam

    Learn more about Tizanidine
    Learn more about Meloxicam

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