indomethacin vs meloxicam
Side-by-side comparison of indomethacin and meloxicam. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
minor Known Drug Interaction
In the absence of data regarding potential interaction between pemetrexed and NSAIDs with longer half-lives (e.g., meloxicam, nabumetone), patients taking these NSAIDs should interrupt dosing for at least five days before, the day of, and two days following pemetrexed administration.
Recommendation: Avoid using these two medications at the same time.
Indocin
Mobic
Indomethacin is a drug that reduces pain and swelling. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs.
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It helps to reduce pain and swelling.
Indomethacin treats moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoarthritis. It can also help with acute painful shoulder (bursitis or tendinitis) and gouty arthritis. This medicine reduces pain and swelling in your joints.
Meloxicam treats the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children who weigh at least 132 pounds (60 kg). This medicine helps to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints.
Indomethacin works by blocking substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. These substances are called prostaglandins. By blocking them, indomethacin helps to reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Meloxicam works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. It blocks the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation and pain.
- • Headache
- • Dizziness
- • Upset stomach
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Upper respiratory infection
- • Upset stomach
- • Flu-like symptoms
- Feeling tired 1,102
- Joint pain 1,002
- Head pain 990
- Aches or soreness 921
- Feeling sick to your stomach 907
- Pain 4,669
- Tiredness 4,577
- Joint pain 4,222
- Feeling sick to your stomach 3,807
- Headache 3,323
Indomethacin may increase your risk of serious heart problems like heart attack or stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with longer use. You should not take this medicine before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG). Indomethacin can also increase your risk of serious stomach and intestine problems like bleeding, ulcers, and holes, which can be fatal. These problems can happen without warning. Elderly patients and those with a history of ulcers or GI bleeding are at higher risk.
Meloxicam may increase your risk of serious heart problems, including heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with longer use. You should not take meloxicam if you are having heart bypass surgery. Meloxicam can also increase your risk of serious stomach and intestinal problems, including bleeding, ulcers, and holes, which can be fatal. These problems can occur without warning. The elderly and those with a history of ulcers are at greater risk.
Using indomethacin during the later stages of pregnancy may harm your unborn baby. Limit use between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, and avoid use after 30 weeks. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Using meloxicam between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may cause kidney problems in the baby, leading to low amniotic fluid. Avoid using meloxicam after 30 weeks of pregnancy because it can cause heart problems in the baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
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How to Read This indomethacin vs meloxicam Comparison
indomethacin is classified in the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) drug class, while meloxicam sits within the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory, but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, indomethacin has 4,922 submissions while meloxicam has 20,598. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to both drugs are in the same family of pain relievers, so taking them together increases the risk of side effects without providing extra relief.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between indomethacin and meloxicam - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.