Can You Take Ibuprofen with Meloxicam? Understanding the Interactions and Safe Usage

What you will learn

• Meloxicam and ibuprofen are two NSAIDs that can be used to treat pain and inflammation.
• Meloxicam and ibuprofen have similar side effects, including stomach pain, diarrhea, and liver or kidney damage.
• Mixing NSAIDs like meloxicam and ibuprofen can cause serious side effects, including stomach bleeding and organ damage.

Ibuprofen and meloxicam are two commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can treat pain and inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Meloxicam and ibuprofen belong to the same drug class, so they shouldn’t be taken together, or adverse effects may occur.

Learn more about ibuprofen and meloxicam combination safety, possible drug interactions, and safe usage for these NSAIDs.

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam, sold under the brand Mobic, is a prescription NSAID used to treat pain and reduce inflammation. It’s widely prescribed, with over 9 million people taking Meloxicam each year.[1]

Meloxicam is a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor that interferes with COX enzymes to reduce the production of prostaglandins or lipid compounds that cause pain and inflammation. Blocking the production of prostaglandins can provide short-term pain relief from conditions like juvenile arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Meloxicam is available only with a prescription. It is available in tablet or oral suspension forms, and it is not available over the counter.

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is an NSAID pain reliever available over the counter under brand names like Motrin or as a prescription. It may also be used as an active ingredient in combination medications that provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, such as menstrual or cold and flu medications. Some opioid painkillers also contain ibuprofen.

As a COX inhibitor, ibuprofen works similarly to meloxicam and reduces the production of prostaglandins to relieve pain and inflammation. It’s also used to reduce fever. People may use over-the-counter ibuprofen to treat muscle aches, minor joint pain, menstrual cramps, headaches, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or similar conditions.

Ibuprofen is widely available and generally well tolerated. It’s often prescribed as a pain medication instead of other drugs. The prescription version of ibuprofen has been around since 1974, but OTC forms became available in pharmacies about 10 years later. It’s available in capsules, tablets, and liquid suspensions.

Side Effects of Meloxicam and Ibuprofen

Meloxicam and ibuprofen are NSAID pain relievers and COX inhibitors, so they have similar side effects:[2]

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Drowsiness
• Heartburn
• Itching

Both drugs have a risk of serious side effects, including:[3]

• Allergic reaction
• Liver damage
• Cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
• Fluid buildup in the extremities (edema)
• Flu-like symptoms
• Impaired kidney function, particularly in people with kidney problems
• Back pain

Both meloxicam and ibuprofen can carry a risk of chest pain, heart attack, blood clots, stroke, and stomach ulcers.

Long-Term Risks of Taking Meloxicam and Ibuprofen

Meloxicam and ibuprofen may be used as needed, but prolonged use of either drug can carry serious risks like ulcers and organ damage. There are some unique side effects to each, however.

Ibuprofen has a lower gastrointestinal bleeding risk, but both medications can cause this side effect.[4] Both drugs can damage the heart with long-term use and may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people with existing heart disease.

NSAIDs, in general, including ibuprofen and meloxicam, can damage the kidneys. This risk is increased if you have existing kidney problems. Neither drug poses a high risk of liver damage, though it can be a risk if you have liver problems.

Meloxicam and Ibuprofen Overdose

It’s possible to overdose on NSAIDs like meloxicam and ibuprofen. They have similar overdose symptoms:[5]

• Nausea and vomiting
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Blurred vision
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Cardiac arrest
• Coma

If you suspect someone is overdosing on ibuprofen or meloxicam, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible. NSAID overdoses aren’t usually fatal, but there can be a risk of irreversible damage to the liver or kidneys without medical help.

Can You Take Ibuprofen with Meloxicam?

You shouldn’t take meloxicam and ibuprofen – or any other NSAIDs – together unless your healthcare provider advises you to. This includes taking meloxicam and ibuprofen, as well as other NSAIDs like naproxen and aspirin.

Combining meloxicam and ibuprofen won’t help with pain any more than either drug on its own, but it does increase the risk of side effects.[6] Serious gastrointestinal side effects are more likely if you take these drugs together, including stomach bleeding and ulcers.

Some symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding include:[7]

• Black or tarry stools
• Bright red blood in vomit or stool
• Vomit-like coffee grounds
• Dark blood in stool

When Can I Take Ibuprofen After Taking Meloxicam?

If you’re taking meloxicam, it’s best to wait until the effects of ibuprofen wear off, which can take about 6 hours.[8] The same is true of taking ibuprofen after taking meloxicam. However, the time it takes for the drugs to wear off can vary. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Can Meloxicam and Ibuprofen Be Abused?

NSAIDs are not controlled substances and don’t have the same abuse potential as some other medications, such as prescription opioids like hydrocodone or stimulants like Adderall. They’re not controlled or addictive substances, but there have been cases of misuse.

Typically, misuse of meloxicam or ibuprofen isn’t intended to achieve euphoria. Instead, people may take high doses or frequent doses – or mix these medications – to get better relief from pain. This doesn’t help with pain, but it does increase the risks. You should take the lowest dose that’s effective for the shortest period.

On occasion, ibuprofen or meloxicam may be used for intentional overdoses. Ibuprofen is also used in combination with other drugs that have addiction potential, such as codeine.

Be Careful with Meloxicam and Ibuprofen

Meloxicam and ibuprofen are both used to treat pain and inflammation. While these drugs have many similarities, they are not interchangeable. They shouldn’t be mixed, either, as they’re in the same drug family with similar side effects. Doing so can put you at a higher risk of overdose or serious side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding or organ damage.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more