Meds belonging to a genre known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to manage pains of various kinds. These meds can handle discomforts such as back pains, toothaches, headaches / migraines, muscular pains as well as pain in joints. NSAIDs may also treat signs of infections like common cold / flu and increase in body temperature. In this light, what are the differences between ibuprofen and meloxicam? It is a wise thing to know the differences before you commence treatment.
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is an NSAID which is administered for the treatment of pains, inflammation, cold and fever. Active substances present in this drug control the quantity of enzymes your body makes. Such enzymes make way for healing through responses like swelling or internal inflammation. This anti-inflammatory capability helps treat autoimmune problems like pain of muscles or painful joints due to arthritis.
No two persons with pains or associated discomforts are administered the same doses of this NSAID. Your treatment is influenced by body weight, age, extent of pain and prior disorder, if any. For children between 4 – 22 months of age, less than 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight is considered. The maximum dose should not breach the 35 mg per kg mark per day.
On the other hand, relatively older children i.e., those of 2 to 11 years of age, dose hovers at 10 mg per kg of body weight. This strength is generally administered for treating fever. In case of adults, a typical dose hovers at 200 – 400 mg. Your treating doctor will advise you to keep dosage at less than 1,200 mg within a 24-hour timeline.
What is meloxicam?
Meloxicam is another form of NSAID which is mainly used for the treatment of joint pains – especially, those caused by arthritis. It is mostly available as an orally consumed pill –with strengths ranging from 7.5 milligrams (mg) to 10 mg. Its liquid form is also available whose dosage strength is 7.5 mg / 5 mL; this form is also taken orally.
Your physician may mostly administer a dosage of 7.5 mg; however, the dosage strength may vary based on the severity of discomforts. The highest concentration of this med is attained within 5 hours from the time of intake. The effects of a single dose of meloxicam can last for upto a day’s time. The key chemicals are processed in the liver and are discharged through kidneys.
Key differences between ibuprofen and meloxicam
Both these drugs are categorized under the NSAID genre of meds. These two meds may trigger (almost) the same types of side effects; common among such discomforts are pain in lower abdomen, difficulties to discharge stools, acid reflux, nausea and vomiting, In some cases, skin conditions such as itchiness, rashes or hives are reported.
NSAIDs may trigger bruising, internal bleeding and formation of ulcers in the gastric tract. In this vein, drugs like meloxicam are more likely to cause ulcers than its counterpart. Also, both drugs are likely to cause a few heart problems: this is because of the blockage of COX 2 enzymes which may trigger thrombosis or clotting of blood.
Due to these inherent risks, dosage strength of NSAIDs is maintained at safe level i.e., as advised by your treating doctor / pharmacist. In general, it is a safe practice to tell your physician of the drugs you are presently taking. It is required of you to make a list of drugs you are consuming now.
Last but not least, if you are witnessing side effects like gas formation, GERD or acid reflux, heartburns, etc., consult with your doctor immediately. Those who live in the US are advised to dial 911 and those who reside in Canada need to rush to a poison control unit as soon as you possibly can