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Compare Toradol vs. Meloxicam

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

Key takeaways

Ketorolac and meloxicam are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain. They work by blocking proteins called cyclooxygenase (COX) that cause inflammation, pain, and swelling. However, they differ in several ways. Ketorolac is primarily used for short-term, moderate to severe pain in adults and is available as an oral tablet, injection, or nasal spray (Sprix). It also comes as eye drops (Acular, Acuvail) that may be used after corneal or cataract surgery. It is typically used for a maximum of 5 days due to the risk of severe side effects like heart attack and stomach ulcers. Meloxicam, on the other hand, is used for pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and is available as a capsule, tablet, liquid, or injection. It is usually taken once daily and can be used for longer periods. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of ketorolac include stomach pain, nausea, and headache, while meloxicam can cause diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. Both medications can interact with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood thinners, increasing the risk of serious side effects like stomach bleeding and heart problems.

  • Ketorolac (Toradol)
    Meloxicam
  • Ketorolac (Toradol)
    Meloxicam

  • Summary of Toradol vs. Meloxicam

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Ketorolac (Toradol) is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It provides pain relief by blocking certain chemicals in your body that cause pain and inflammation. But ketorolac (Toradol) is meant for short-term use only due to the risk for severe side effects, such as heart attack and stomach ulcers. Typically, ketorolac (Toradol) is first given as an injection in a hospital or clinic setting. After that, you'll likely continue treatment with the oral tablets, which are taken every 4 to 6 hours for a maximum of 5 days. Your care team will help you transition to a safer alternative pain medication as soon as possible.

    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 Toradol vs. Meloxicam

    Indications for
    •Short-term, moderate to severe pain in adults
    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 Toradol vs. Meloxicam

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well to treat short-term pain
    •Available as tablets and as an injection
    •Has been shown to work as well as morphine for treating pain due to certain conditions, so might be a good option for people who can't take opioid pain medications
    Cons
    •Not recommended during pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Can only use for up to 5 days
    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 Toradol vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects occurred in at least 10% of people during clinical studies:

    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Indigestion
    •Headache
    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 Toradol vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious bleeds
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Kidney damage
    •Don't take with other NSAIDs
    •Higher risk of serious side effects
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver damage
    •Severe 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 Toradol vs. Meloxicam

    Learn more about Ketorolac
    Learn more about Meloxicam

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