Meloxicam vs. Naproxen: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 26, 2023
Meloxicam and naproxen are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but they differ in their specific uses, dosing, and side effects.

Key Differences
Meloxicam and naproxen belong to the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both are used to treat pain and inflammation stemming from various conditions. However, the specific ailments they treat may vary.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Meloxicam, often sold under the brand name Mobic, is generally prescribed for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Naproxen, on the other hand, which can be found under brand names like Aleve or Naprosyn, is used for a broader range of conditions, including arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, and menstrual pain.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Regarding their administration, meloxicam is usually taken once daily due to its longer half-life. Naproxen, conversely, might be taken more than once a day depending on the condition being treated and its formulation.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Both meloxicam and naproxen can offer relief from pain and reduce inflammation. But, like all NSAIDs, they come with potential side effects. Some common ones include gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers or bleeding. However, the specific risk profiles and side effect potentials differ between the two.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
When choosing between meloxicam and naproxen, physicians take into account the patient's specific condition, potential drug interactions, and the patient's overall health profile. Both are effective, but their suitability depends on individual circumstances.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Common Uses
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
Arthritis, tendinitis, menstrual pain, ankylosing spondylitis

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Dosing Frequency
Usually once daily
Depending on condition and formulation, possibly more frequent

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Potential Side Effects
Gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular risks
Gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular risks, kidney problems

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
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Meloxicam and Naproxen Definitions
Meloxicam
Used to treat pain and inflammation from specific joint diseases.
With meloxicam, he noticed a decrease in his joint inflammation.

Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Naproxen
An NSAID for a range of pain and inflammation conditions.
He used naproxen to alleviate his tendinitis symptoms.

Huma Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Meloxicam
A prescription NSAID primarily for arthritis-related pain.
She started taking meloxicam for her osteoarthritis pain.

Huma Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Naproxen
Effective against conditions like arthritis and menstrual cramps.
Her doctor recommended naproxen for her menstrual pain.

Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
Meloxicam
Often available under the brand name Mobic.
She refilled her Mobic prescription, which contains meloxicam.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
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Naproxen
Available both by prescription and over-the-counter.
For his mild pain, he bought over-the-counter naproxen.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Meloxicam
An anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic properties.
After the diagnosis, her doctor prescribed meloxicam for relief.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Naproxen
Known for its broad spectrum of pain-relieving properties.
For diverse pains, naproxen was her go-to choice.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Meloxicam
A once-daily medication due to its prolonged half-life.
She preferred meloxicam over others because of its once-a-day dosage.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Naproxen
Often sold under brands like Aleve or Naprosyn.
She found relief using Aleve, which contains naproxen.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Meloxicam
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, C14H13N3O4S, used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sumera Saeed
Sep 05, 2022
Naproxen
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, C14H14O3, used to treat fever and pain.

Sumera Saeed
Sep 05, 2022
Meloxicam
(pharmaceutical drug) A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug of the oxicam class (trademark Mobic), used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis and primary dysmenorrhea and as an analgesic.

Sumera Saeed
Sep 05, 2022
Naproxen
(pharmacology) A certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes and thereby reduces pain, fever, inflammation, and stiffness.

Sumera Saeed
Sep 05, 2022
Naproxen
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Naprosyn) used in the treatment of arthritis and musculoskeletal inflammation and moderate pain

Sumera Saeed
Sep 05, 2022
FAQs
What's the primary distinction between a phrase and a clause?
A phrase lacks a subject and verb pairing, while a clause has both.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Can a sentence be just a phrase?
No, a complete sentence requires at least one clause.

Huma Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Do all clauses convey complete thoughts?
No, only independent clauses do; dependent clauses don't stand alone.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Can a clause be part of a phrase?
Yes, a clause can be nested within a larger phrase.

Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
How is a noun phrase different from a noun clause?
A noun phrase centers around a noun, while a noun clause has a subject and verb but functions as a noun.

Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
Is "the quick brown fox" a clause or phrase?
It's a phrase, specifically a noun phrase.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
What differentiates an independent from a dependent clause?
An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause can't.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Can a sentence begin with a phrase?
Yes, for example, "In the garden, the flowers bloomed."

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Can a sentence have multiple phrases and clauses?
Absolutely, many complex sentences contain several of each.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Which is longer, a phrase or a clause?
Neither inherently; both can be short or long, depending on content.

Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
Why are understanding phrases and clauses important?
They're foundational to sentence structure, aiding in effective communication.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Is "in the morning" a phrase or a clause?
It's a phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase.

Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Can a phrase become a clause?
If you add a subject and verb, a phrase can be expanded into a clause.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Are idioms considered phrases?
Yes, idioms like "kick the bucket" are types of phrases.

Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Why are dependent clauses also called subordinate clauses?
They're "subordinate" because they rely on main clauses to make sense.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
How do adverbial clauses differ from adverbial phrases?
Adverbial clauses have a subject and verb; adverbial phrases don't.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
What's a relative clause?
A type of dependent clause introduced by relative pronouns, e.g., "who" or "which."

Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Can clauses and phrases be combined?
Yes, often a single sentence will contain multiple phrases and clauses.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
