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Toradol vs. Mobic

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

Key takeaways

Toradol (ketorolac) and Mobic (meloxicam) are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are only available by prescription. They’re both used for pain, but Mobic is specifically FDA approved for arthritis-related pain. Toradol is one of the most potent NSAIDs. It’s been shown to work as well as morphine (an opioid medication) in some cases. But Toradol should only be used for up to 5 days. NSAIDs like Toradol and Mobic can cause stomach upset and swelling. More seriously, they can increase your risk of bleeding or ulcers. They also raise the risk of heart attack. You should avoid both medications with alcohol. They have similar drug interactions. Toradol is a brand-name of ketorolac that’s no longer available, but we’ll use the name here because it’s well-known.

Ketorolac

(Toradol)

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Meloxicam

 

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Summary for Toradol

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.

Indications for Toradol

  • Short-term, moderate to severe pain in adults

Pros and Cons for Toradol

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

Common Side Effects for Toradol

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

  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Indigestion
  • Headache

Warnings for Toradol

  • 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

Summary for Mobic

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 for Mobic

Pros and Cons for Mobic

Pros

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 for Mobic

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Joint pain
  • Flu-like symptoms

Warnings for Mobic

  • 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 Toradol vs. Mobic

Price Card Drug Icon
Ketorolac20 tablets / 10mg
$17.00-
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Meloxicam30 tablets / 15mg
$8.62$29.05
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