Meloxicam vs. Naproxen

Main Difference

The main difference between Meloxicam and Naproxen is that Meloxicam is enolic acid derivative anti-inflammatory drug, and Naproxen is the propionic acid derivative anti-inflammatory drug.

Difference Between Meloxicam and Naproxen

Comparison Chart

Meloxicam v s. Naproxen

Meloxicam is enolic acid derivative NSAID, and Naproxen is propionic acid derivative NSAID. Meloxicam Naproxen Meloxicam is not drug of choice in menstrual cramps, although can relieve in menstrual cramps, and Naproxen is drug of choice in menstrual cramps. Meloxicam half-life is 20 hrs, and Naproxen half-life is 18 hrs. Meloxicam famous brand is Mobi, and Naproxen famous brand is Aleve.

Meloxicam is available as the oral suspension/ oral tablets, and Naproxen is available as the oral capsule/oral suspension/ oral delayed-release tablets/ oral tablets/ oral extended-release tablets. Meloxicam is used for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis/ rheumatoid arthritis/ osteoarthritis, and Naproxen is used for arthritis/ back pain/ menstrual cramp/tooth ache/fever/headache/muscle pain. Meloxicam can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, and Naproxen can increase the risk of MI/ stroke.Meloxicam available dosage form is pill/ suspension and Naproxen available dosage form is pill/ suspension/ extended-release pill/ delayed release pill.

Meloxicam does not show heart burn, itching and ringing in ear as adverse effects whereas Naproxen show heart burn, itching and ringing in ear as adverse effects. Meloxicam starts to show its therapeutic effects in 30 minutes, and Naproxen starts to show its therapeutic effects in 2 or more hrs. Meloxicam causes runny nose, sore throat and drowsiness as unwanted effects, and Naproxen does not cause such effects. Meloxicam is prescription-only drug, and Naproxen is both prescription and OTC drug.

What is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is the non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is classified as the enolic acid derivative. Enolic acid derivatives are called Oxicams. Meloxicam is used to treat different types of disorders, which include pain and inflammation in different diseases. Meloxicam treats rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. FDA proved Meloxicam for osteoarthritis and reviewed it in 2002. Meloxicam is used for short durations. Meloxicam is used in low doses. Meloxicam is effective for treating inflammations.

Meloxicam blocks cyclooxygenase, so indirectly it blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins. By inhibiting prostaglandins synthesis Meloxicam blocks the process of inflammation as the prostaglandins are the mediators of inflammation. Meloxicam has tenfold selectivity in blocking COX-2 over COX-1. Meloxicam is prescribed in 7.5-15 mg for osteoarthritis once in a day daily and 15mg daily once in a day for rheumatoid arthritis. Meloxicam causes less gastric injury as compared to prototype drug of oxicams. Meloxicam cannot be the alternative of celecoxib because of increased risk of the myocardial infarction and stroke. Meloxicam concentrates both in synovial fluid and plasma, but its concentration is 40-50 percent more in synovial fluid. Meloxicam free fraction is 2.5 times higher in synovial fluid than that of plasma. Meloxicam bioavailability is less in case of oral administration as compared to equal dose of IV bolus. Meloxicam intake with fatty foods increases its peak drug levels in blood. Meloxicam binds to plasma proteins in high proportion, especially to albumin. Meloxicam is metabolized in liver, and its metabolites and unchanged drug are excreted in urine and feces. The elimination half-life is 15-20hrs.

Meloxicam can cause a number of side effects, which include the bleeding in GIT, rashes, dark stools. Some other side effects include dizziness, swelling and headache. Meloxicam can cause kidney problems and stomach ulcers. Meloxicam increases the risk of cardiovascular events like stroke and MI. During third trimester of pregnancy Meloxicam is not prescribed.

What is Naproxen?

Naproxen is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is classified as the propionic acid derivative. Naproxen treats a number of disorders like menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, fever, and pain. Both immediate-release and delayed-release formulations of Naproxen are available. Naproxen starts to show its therapeutic effects in 1 hr. Duration of action of Naproxen is approximately 12 hrs. After oral administration Naproxen is fully absorbed. Presence of food in stomach delays the rate of absorption, but the extent of absorption remains the same. It takes 2-4 hrs to reach the peak plasma concentration of Naproxen. The rate of absorption of Naproxen can be increased by the administration of the sodium nitrate along with Naproxen. Magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide decrease rate of absorption of Naproxen.

Naproxen reversibly inhibits COX enzyme and acts anti-inflammatory drug by reducing the synthesis of the prostaglandins.The half-life of Naproxen varies in different age groups e.g in young ones, it is 14hrs and increases about 2 times in elderly due to decrease renal function in old age. Naproxen undergoes 6-demethylation, and its metabolites and drug itself is excreted as the glucoronide form or other conjugates forms. 99% of Naproxen is plasma protein bound. Naproxen can cross placenta and is excreted in milk of breast feeding mothers. Typical side effects of Naproxen are drowsiness, headache, sweating, dizziness, fatigue, ototoxicity, and depression. Less common side effects are pruritus and some dermatological problems. Rare side effects include the angioedema, impairment of renal function, agranulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Taking Naproxen in ist trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage. Take naproxen with plenty of water and do not lie immediately after taking this drug. Take atleast 20-30 minutes before you lie on bed after taking naproxen.

Conclusion

The main conclusion of the above discussion is that Meloxicam and Naproxen both are no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that belong to two different chemical classes and treat different inflammatory conditions.