Can I Take Ibuprofen with Meloxicam? Drug Interactions and Risks

Ibuprofen and meloxicam are widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers that are used to treat pain associated with inflammatory conditions like minor injuries or arthritis. These drugs have the same mechanism of action to relieve pain, so they shouldn’t be combined. Taking ibuprofen with meloxicam can have serious drug interactions and side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding and organ damage.

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is an NSAID pain reliever that’s used to treat mild to moderate pain associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis, toothache, muscle aches, headache, and menstrual cramps. It’s available in prescription strength and over the counter (OTC) formulations and may be sold as a generic or under brand names like Motrin, Midol, or Advil. Ibuprofen was released in a prescription-only version in 1974, but it’s been available OTC since the 1980s and typically comes in tablets and capsules.

Some combination medications for cold or flu also contain ibuprofen to relieve aches and pain or reduce fever. A few prescription opioid painkillers contain ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and boost pain-relieving effects.

NSAIDs are a broad group of non-opioid analgesic (pain-relieving) drugs with different structures, but they work by slowing the formation of prostaglandins, which play a role in inflammatory response. They also block the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which supports the production of prostaglandins.

Ibuprofen is a non-selective COX inhibitor, meaning it inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. COX-1 is involved in maintaining the lining of the stomach and platelets, while COX-2 is involved in inflammation and pain. Ibuprofen inhibits both enzymes, leading to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It is a more potent inhibitor of COX-1, however, which can cause some side effects.

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is an NSAID that’s only available with a prescription. It’s sold under brands like Mobic. Over 9 million people are prescribed Meloxicam every year.[1] There are no OTC versions of meloxicam available. It’s sold as tablet or liquid suspension forms.

As an NSAID, meloxicam is also a COX inhibitor and blocks the production of prostaglandins to relieve pain, but it’s a selective COX-2 inhibitor that primarily inhibits the COX-2 enzyme with minimal effect on COX-1. In doing so, meloxicam reduces inflammation and pain without significantly altering the protective effects COX-1 has on the stomach and other organs, leading to fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

Ibuprofen and Meloxicam Side Effects

Meloxicam and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs and COX inhibitors that have similar side effects, including:[2]

• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Heartburn
• Ringing in the ears
• Itching

There are serious side effects associated with NSAIDs, including:[3]

• Life-threatening allergic reaction
• Flu-like symptoms
• Liver damage
• Back pain
• Impaired kidney function
• Edema in the extremities
• Urine discoloration
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Gastric ulcers and bleeding

What Are the Long-Term Risks of Ibuprofen and Meloxicam?

Both ibuprofen and meloxicam are generally safe and well tolerated when taken as directed, on an as-needed basis for pain. Neither drug is intended for long-term, daily use, as this can increase the risk of serious side effects like organ damage or gastric ulcers and bleeding.

While the risks are similar, each drug has specific risks to be aware of. Both drugs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, but ibuprofen has a lower risk of the two.[4] Long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen or meloxicam can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly if you have existing cardiovascular problems.

Both meloxicam and ibuprofen can cause kidney damage, especially in people who have existing kidney problems. Liver damage isn’t a serious risk with either drug, but it is possible.

Meloxicam and Ibuprofen Overdose Risk

You can overdose on ibuprofen or meloxicam if you take too much. NSAID overdose symptoms include:[5]

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Cardiac arrest
• Coma

An NSAID overdose is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone overdosed on an NSAID like meloxicam or ibuprofen, call 911. Getting rapid medical attention can reduce the risk of complications like permanent organ damage.

Can I Take Ibuprofen with Meloxicam?

Drugs in the same class shouldn’t be taken together without a doctor’s recommendation. These drugs are both NSAIDs, so taking ibuprofen with meloxicam can have potentially dangerous drug interactions.

People may combine ibuprofen and meloxicam to improve the pain-relieving effects of these drugs, but taking two COX inhibitors won’t provide better pain relief. However, it can increase the risk of side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding or organ damage.[6]

Some symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding include:[7]

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

How Long Should I Wait to Take Ibuprofen After Meloxicam?

If you’re taking meloxicam or ibuprofen, either prescription or OTC, it’s important to wait until one drug clears your system to take the other and avoid drug interactions. Both of these drugs take about 6 hours for the effects to wear off, but the drug can stay in your system for longer periods.[8] Ask your doctor when it’s safe for you to take ibuprofen after a dose of meloxicam to avoid any possible risks.

Ibuprofen and Meloxicam Abuse Risk

NSAIDs like ibuprofen and meloxicam aren’t considered drugs of abuse because they don’t produce euphoria like opioids or stimulants. They’re not controlled substances, and ibuprofen is available as an OTC medication.

However, a low potential for abuse doesn’t mean these drugs aren’t misused or abused by some people. Generally, people don’t misuse NSAIDs for euphoria. Instead, they’re taking higher doses, more frequent doses, or combining NSAIDs to gain more effective pain relief. Misusing ibuprofen or meloxicam won’t provide better analgesic effects, but it can increase the risk of side effects and complications. Though uncommon, NSAIDs may be used to intentionally overdose in attempted suicide.

Opioid painkillers that contain ibuprofen, such as hydrocodone with ibuprofen or combination cold and flu medications that contain codeine, are misused for the euphoric effects of the opioid. Taking more of the drug can lead to unintentional ibuprofen overdoses, increasing the risk of associated risks.

Never Take Ibuprofen and Meloxicam Together

Ibuprofen and meloxicam are similar medications that belong to the NSAID class and inhibit COX enzymes to relieve pain and inflammation. While it may seem like combining them would provide better pain relief, taking two drugs in the same class can increase the risk of serious side effects, overdose, and medical complications like organ damage or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ibuprofen and Meloxicam