Comparison Table: Naproxen vs Meloxicam
| Category | Naproxen | Meloxicam |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drug Class | NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) | NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) |
| 2. Chemical Class | Propionic acid derivative | Enolic acid derivative |
| 3. Mechanism of Action | Non-selective COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor | Preferential COX-2 inhibitor (less GI toxicity) |
| 4. Anti-inflammatory strength | Moderate | Stronger than Naproxen in chronic inflammation |
| 5. Pain relief onset | Fast (within 1 hour) | Slower onset (1–2 hours) |
| 6. Half-life | 12–17 hours | 15–20 hours |
| 7. Dosing frequency | Twice daily | Once daily |
| 8. Available forms | Tablets, suspension, extended-release | Tablets, suspension |
| 9. Prescription status | OTC and prescription | Prescription only (in most countries) |
| 10. GI side effects risk | Higher due to COX-1 inhibition | Lower (due to selective COX-2 inhibition) |
| 11. Cardiovascular risk | Moderate | Slightly higher than Naproxen |
| 12. Kidney impact | Risk of nephrotoxicity | Similar risk |
| 13. Liver metabolism | Extensively via liver (CYP enzymes) | Metabolized in liver (CYP2C9 & CYP3A4) |
| 14. Use in pregnancy | Avoid in 3rd trimester | Avoid in 3rd trimester |
| 15. Use in breastfeeding | Use with caution | Use with caution |
| 16. Use in elderly | Caution: GI bleeding risk | Caution: renal and CV risk |
| 17. Duration of use | Short to medium-term | Often used long-term for chronic arthritis |
| 18. Effect on platelets | Inhibits platelet aggregation | Minimal effect on platelets |
| 19. Cost | Generally lower (more OTC options) | Slightly higher (brand vs generic) |
| 20. Drug interactions | Anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, SSRIs, diuretics | Similar interaction profile |
Indications
| Naproxen | Meloxicam |
|---|---|
| – Osteoarthritis | – Osteoarthritis |
| – Rheumatoid arthritis | – Rheumatoid arthritis |
| – Ankylosing spondylitis | – Ankylosing spondylitis |
| – Acute pain (e.g., back, dental, musculoskeletal) | – Chronic inflammatory pain |
| – Dysmenorrhea | – Juvenile idiopathic arthritis |
| – Fever | (Not usually used for acute conditions) |
Contraindications
| Naproxen | Meloxicam |
|---|---|
| – Active GI bleeding or peptic ulcer | – Active GI ulcer or bleeding |
| – Severe renal or hepatic impairment | – Severe renal or hepatic failure |
| – Allergy to NSAIDs or aspirin | – Allergy to NSAIDs or aspirin |
| – Pregnancy (3rd trimester) | – Pregnancy (3rd trimester) |
| – History of asthma triggered by NSAIDs | – History of asthma triggered by NSAIDs |
Dosage (Adults)
| Naproxen | Meloxicam |
|---|---|
| – 250–500 mg every 12 hours | – 7.5–15 mg once daily |
| – Max: 1000 mg/day (standard); up to 1500 mg short term | – Max: 15 mg/day |
Warning Signs (Stop & Seek Help If)
| Common Warning Signs for Both Drugs |
|---|
| – Black, tarry stools (GI bleeding) |
| – Severe stomach pain or vomiting blood |
| – Chest pain, shortness of breath, slurred speech (CV events) |
| – Unusual fatigue, yellowing of skin/eyes (liver toxicity) |
| – Swelling in legs or sudden weight gain (renal failure or fluid retention) |
| – Rash, itching, or facial swelling (allergic reaction or anaphylaxis) |
Which One Is Best and Safer?
| Aspect | Naproxen | Meloxicam |
|---|---|---|
| For short-term pain | Better due to faster onset | Less ideal for rapid relief |
| For long-term arthritis | Less GI safe, requires frequent dosing | Better for chronic use, once daily dosing |
| GI safety | Higher risk of ulcers and bleeding | Lower risk due to COX-2 selectivity |
| Heart safety | Lower cardiovascular risk | Slightly increased CV risk |
| Convenience | Multiple daily doses | Once daily dosing |
| Overall safety | Safer for occasional, acute use | Safer for long-term inflammatory disease |
Verdict:
-
Naproxen is best for short-term, occasional pain, and has a better cardiovascular safety profile.
-
Meloxicam is preferred for long-term management of chronic inflammatory conditions due to lower GI risk and convenient dosing.
