Mobic (meloxicam) is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an over-the-counter (OTC) painkilling medication that belongs to a different drug class.
Usually, Meloxicam and Tylenol can be taken at the same time without a problem, if needed. This may be suggested when NSAIDs are not enough to get rid of pain.
This article explains how these two medications compare to one another, why they can be taken together, and what risks each drug poses individually.
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Meloxicam vs. Tylenol
Meloxicam and Tylenol are both used to treat pain, but they have a few differences. Meloxicam is an NSAID, while Tylenol belongs to a class of drugs known as analgesics. Tylenol doesn't reduce inflammation, but Meloxicam does.
Importantly, Tylenol is available over the counter without a prescription. Meloxicam is only available with a doctor's prescription.
Each medication also has different dosages. Meloxicam is given in doses of 7.5 milligrams (mg) or 15 mg.
Because it can last up to 24 hours, meloxicam is only taken once a day. Tylenol comes in a variety of strengths—from 325 mg for regular Tylenol up to 650 mg for Tylenol 8-Hour Arthritis Pain. The amount you take and how often you take Tylenol depends on the strength of the product.
The Most Effective Tylenol for Your Symptoms
How They Help You Manage Pain
NSAIDs and acetaminophen work by targeting an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX), which plays a role in inflammation. They differ in how and where they do this, however.
NSAIDs like Meloxicam relieve pain by blocking COX. By doing so, these drugs prevent inflammation and relieve some of the discomfort caused by arthritis.
Meloxicam and Tylenol work equally well on pain. But meloxicam reduces inflammation in the body, and Tylenol does not.
Side Effects of Meloxicam and Tylenol
Taking meloxicam with Tylenol is safe because there are no known drug interactions between the two medications. However, it’s important to remember to follow the recommended daily dosage for each medication. If you go over the dosage of one or the other, dangerous side effects can occur.
Some side effects that can occur if you take too much Tylenol include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Extreme tiredness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Flu-like symptoms
When it comes to meloxicam, taking too much can also cause some harmful health effects. They include:
- Lack of energy
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Bloody, black, or tarry stools
- Vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Coma
Too much of either medication can lead to liver damage. In the case of Tylenol, the liver breaks the drug down into separate parts. The parts that are used to help with pain are kept within the body.
Meanwhile, the parts that are not needed are excreted or passed out of the body in your urine. The unnecessary parts include toxic materials (known as N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine). If you consume too much Tylenol, the body cannot get rid of the toxic material fast enough. It builds up in the liver and causes liver damage.
When it comes to meloxicam, the cause of liver damage isn't clear, but it can still occur in very rare cases.
Pain Medications for Arthritis: Strongest to Weakest
NSAID Warnings
If prescribed for pain, NSAIDs like meloxicam are typically meant to be taken for short periods of time. In fact, it's usually not used for more than 10 days in a row. There are times when your doctor will prescribe an NSAID to be taken for longer periods, but those are special circumstances that your doctor will outline for you.
NSAIDs like meloxicam can cause an increase in blood pressure. Taking NSAIDs can increase the risk of both heart attacks and strokes. The risk is higher when the drug is taken at higher doses and over a long period of time. In some instances, there's also an increased risk of these problems when you first start taking the medication. The chances of a serious reaction are greater if you have a pre-existing heart condition. However, a heart attack or stroke can occur even if you have no history of heart disease.
NSAIDs may also cause stomach and bowel disorders such as ulcers or stomach bleeding. The risk of developing these problems is higher in older adults, people who have a history of stomach ulcers, people who take blood thinners, those who drink alcohol daily, and those who are taking more than one prescription or OTC NSAID at a time.
What You Should Know About NSAIDs for Arthritis
Serious Side Effects
In some cases, serious side effects can occur while taking your regular dosage of meloxicam. The following symptoms should be addressed by your healthcare provider immediately:
- Gastrointestinal issues such as black stools, bloody or cloudy urine, severe stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, changes in urination, unusual weight gain, or jaundice
- Head problems such as blurred vision, ringing ears, sensitivity to light, excruciating headache, trouble speaking or thinking, or a change in balance
- Fluid retention that appears as swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, ankles, feet, legs, or hands
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash or hives, red peeling skin, itching, or trouble breathing
- Bruises or bleeding that cannot be explained
- Chest issues such as pain, quickened or rapid heartbeat, and heart palpitations
- Flu-like symptoms with acute fatigue
- Excruciating back pain
Acetaminophen Warnings
Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to severe liver damage, especially if it is taken with other medications that can damage the liver. Consuming alcohol while taking acetaminophen also increases the risk of liver damage.
It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to Tylenol. Signs of an allergic reaction include skin reddening, blisters, and a rash. Avoid other medications containing acetaminophen when using Tylenol. You should also not take the medication for longer than 10 days for pain relief or three days for fever relief. Don't take more than 3g of acetaminophen per day (maximum recommended daily dose).
Before taking Tylenol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have liver disease or are taking Warfarin (blood-thinning medication). This drug should not be taken by children or teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms.
Giving Tylenol and Acetaminophen to Children
Tylenol Overdose
The symptoms of liver toxicity caused by a Tylenol overdose include jaundice or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, confusion, or liver failure. In some serious cases, liver damage can lead to death. Other symptoms that may be present if your liver is damaged from the overuse of acetaminophen are:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Excessive sweating
- Dark urine and stools
- Pale skin
If you experience any of these symptoms and believe you took too much Tylenol, seek medical care immediately.
Concerns About Tylenol Overdose or Poisoning
Summary
Tylenol, the brand name of acetaminophen, and meloxicam, a type of NSAID, can be taken together to relieve pain and other symptoms of arthritis. However, there are serious risks of liver damage, stomach disorders, kidney failure, and even death if you take too much of either medication.
Tylenol and meloxicam may seem harmless since they’re so commonly used. And, generally, they will only help if used appropriately, but it is possible to overdose. Problems are more likely if you take other forms of NSAIDs or acetaminophen with Tylenol and meloxicam. If you think you’ve taken too much of these drugs, call your doctor immediately.
A Word From Verywell
Pain relief is vital when it comes to living daily life as normal as possible with a chronic illness such as arthritis.
Although it is generally safe to take meloxicam and Tylenol together, always consult with your doctor before you start any new medication to ensure that it is safe for you given your health and medication history.
When used correctly, pain medications can help you get back to living your life as happily and healthily as possible.
What Is the Difference Between Mobic (Meloxicam) and Ibuprofen?
FAQs
Can You Take Tylenol and Meloxicam Together? ›
Usually, Meloxicam and Tylenol can be taken at the same time without a problem, if needed. This may be suggested when NSAIDs are not enough to get rid of pain.
Can meloxicam and Tylenol be taken at the same time? ›It's generally safe to also take acetaminophen (Tylenol) while taking meloxicam, if you don't have liver problems. Make sure to ask your provider if it's safe for you, and how much acetaminophen (Tylenol) you can take. However, don't take other over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).
Can I take another pain reliever with meloxicam? ›Don't take meloxicam with other NSAIDs unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and aspirin. Taking more than one NSAID doesn't provide more pain relief.
Does meloxicam help with pain or just inflammation? ›In summary, meloxicam works well for pain and swelling. The higher doses do decrease pain more than the 7.5mg dosage, and the medication is comparable to the NSAID diclofenac for both pain relief and decreasing inflammation.
When is the best time to take meloxicam? ›Bottom Line. You can take meloxicam at any time of the day, but try to take it as the same time each day consistently. Only take this drug as directed by your doctor. It may be best to take it with food or a meal to help prevent stomach upset, but the manufacturer states you can take it with or without food.
How many hours after taking meloxicam can I take Tylenol? ›No interactions were found between meloxicam and Tylenol.
What not to take with meloxicam? ›Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking meloxicam, unless your doctor tells you to. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to meloxicam (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).
How far apart should I take meloxicam and Tylenol? ›Usually, Meloxicam and Tylenol can be taken at the same time without a problem, if needed. This may be suggested when NSAIDs are not enough to get rid of pain.
How long does it take for meloxicam to start working? ›Meloxicam can start working within a few days, but it might take about 2 weeks for you to feel its full benefits. If you're not feeling any improvement after a few weeks, check in with your healthcare provider.
Why can't I drink coffee with meloxicam? ›The pharmaceutical combination of meloxicam and caffeine showed analgesic potential of 76.4%. Thus, caffeine potentiates the analgesic activity of meloxicam.
Is meloxicam stronger than Tylenol for pain? ›
NSAIDs like Meloxicam relieve pain by blocking COX. By doing so, these drugs prevent inflammation and relieve some of the discomfort caused by arthritis. Meloxicam and Tylenol work equally well on pain. But meloxicam reduces inflammation in the body, and Tylenol does not.
What kind of pain is meloxicam good for? ›Meloxicam is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints).
What happens if I take 2 meloxicam 7.5 mg? ›Taking too much meloxicam can cause serious problems, like tears and bleeding in your stomach or gut and damage to your kidneys. Common signs of an NSAID overdose include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Drowsiness and lack of energy are also possible.
How long does it take for meloxicam to reduce inflammation? ›It's a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. Meloxicam usually begins working within one hour of taking it and will last up to 12 hours with proper dosing.
Should you drink water with meloxicam? ›Take each dose with a snack or just after eating a meal and drink plenty of water whilst on meloxicam. If your doctor has prescribed melt-in-the-mouth (orodispersible) tablets: Moisten your mouth first, taking a sip of water if needed.
Should you lay down after taking meloxicam? ›Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking the tablet or capsule form of this medication. If you are taking the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle gently before each dose.
Can you take meloxicam 15 mg and Tylenol PM together? ›Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between meloxicam and Tylenol PM. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication? Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.
Can I take meloxicam on an as needed basis? ›Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of side effects. This medicine should come with a Medication Guide.
Do you have to take meloxicam for a while before it works? ›How long does it take to work? Meloxicam may improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis within two or three weeks. Those on higher doses of this NSAID may experience more relief during that time. The full effects of meloxicam may take six months to fully kick in.
What happens if you take meloxicam everyday? ›
Long-term use of NSAIDs may increase the risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding, ulcers, or holes. Long-term use of non-aspirin NSAIDs may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Bleeding, ulcers, or holes in the stomach or intestines can develop at any time during use of NSAIDs and can be fatal if untreated.
Is meloxicam a painkiller or muscle relaxer? ›Is Meloxicam a muscle relaxer? Meloxicam is an NSAID that treats inflammation of the joints. It is not a muscle relaxer. However, Meloxicam has been reported to be effective as an analgesic to treat non-specific back pain in low doses.
What is stronger than meloxicam? ›Celebrex is FDA-approved for more health conditions than meloxicam: OA. RA. JRA for children ages 2 and older.
Does meloxicam raise blood pressure? ›Blood pressure warning
This medication may increase or worsen your blood pressure. This can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may check your blood pressure while you're taking meloxicam. Some medicines for high blood pressure may not work as well as they should when you're taking meloxicam.
by Drugs.com
Meloxicam is considered a stronger medicine than ibuprofen. Meloxicam is only available on prescription and ibuprofen is available over the counter as well as on prescription. Meloxicam is a long-acting medicine that only needs to be given once a day.
Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort, nausea or vomiting, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, slurred speech, or weakness. Meloxicam may cause bleeding in your stomach or bowels.
Can I take a sleep aid with meloxicam? ›Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between meloxicam and Simply Sleep.
This medicine may increase your risk of having a heart attack, blood clot, or stroke. This is more likely to occur in people who already have heart and blood vessel disease and who are using this medicine for a long time.
What is the best Tylenol for extreme pain? ›What is the strongest type of Tylenol? The strongest forms of over-the-counter Tylenol are Tylenol 8-Hour Aches and Pain and 8-Hour Arthritis Pain. These products have 650 mg acetaminophen.
Which is better for pain meloxicam or gabapentin? ›Results: On the day of surgery, 60-min rest pain (0-10 numerical rating scale +/- sd) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) with gabapentin alone (2.0 +/- 1.6) versus meloxicam alone (3.6 +/- 2.1).
What is the best pain medication for severe arthritis? ›
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
What happens when you stop taking meloxicam? ›However, those who have chronic pain conditions may abuse meloxicam to manage uncontrolled pain. For these individuals, stopping use of the drug can result in an increase in unmanaged, severe pain.
What is the maximum meloxicam per day? ›In adults, the maximum recommended daily oral dose of meloxicam is 15 mg regardless of formulation. In patients with hemodialysis, a maximum daily dosage of 7.5 mg is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Is 7.5 mg of meloxicam very strong? ›Though 7.5 mg is enough to manage pain in many patients, it may take time to feel the full effects of meloxicam. Research shows that those with RA may begin to feel relief as early as three weeks into treatment on either 7.5 mg or 15 mg dosages (Reginster, 1996).
How many times a day can you take meloxicam for pain? ›Adults—At first, 7.5 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 15 mg once a day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Does meloxicam help with nerve pain? ›Meloxicam works by blocking the effects of the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 which prevents prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins elevate body temperature and make nerve endings more sensitive to pain transmission.
Is meloxicam good for sciatic nerve pain? ›Oral meloxicam is effective in acute sciatica: two randomised, double-blind trials versus placebo or diclofenac. Inflamm Res 2001;50:S17-23.
Does meloxicam make you pee at night? ›Bladder symptoms: This medication can cause bladder symptoms such as frequent or painful urination and blood in urine. If you develop these symptoms, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Why can't you drink coffee while taking meloxicam? ›The pharmaceutical combination of meloxicam and caffeine showed analgesic potential of 76.4%. Thus, caffeine potentiates the analgesic activity of meloxicam.
Can you take Tylenol with anti-inflammatory medication? ›Yes, you can safely take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together. And it may surprise you that taking these two medications together actually works better to relieve pain than taking them separately.
Is it better to take meloxicam once a day or twice a day? ›
Meloxicam is typically taken once a day because it lasts a long time in your body. Taking two doses too close together could lead to too much medication in your body and more side effects. For your safety, never double up on your meloxicam dose to make up for any missed doses.
Do you have to drink a lot of water with meloxicam? ›Drink plenty of fluids while taking Mobic, as dehydration can worsen side effects. The drug works best when taken with food. If you are having trouble swallowing Mobic tablets, you can dissolve them in water before drinking.
Can I sleep after taking meloxicam? ›In studies of meloxicam, sleepiness wasn't a reported side effect. But drowsiness is a known symptom of overdose from NSAIDs, the group of drugs meloxicam belongs to. Taking more meloxicam than prescribed could lead to overdose, which may cause drowsiness.
When can you lay down after taking meloxicam? ›Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after you have taken this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Is it OK to take Tylenol every day for arthritis? ›Can I take Tylenol Arthritis every day? Yes, but you should be cautious. Acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol Arthritis, can cause liver damage if taken in large doses.
Does Tylenol help with inflammation or just pain? ›What is acetaminophen? This OTC medicine is not an NSAID; it can ease mild-to-moderate pain and bring down a fever, and it tends to cause fewer stomach problems than other OTC pain relievers. But, unlike NSAIDs, it does not treat inflammation.
Which Tylenol is best for inflammation? ›As you may have guessed from the descriptions above, acetaminophen is best used for fever, aches and pains, but will not be very helpful if the pain is due to inflammation. Ibuprofen is more helpful for these symptoms when inflammation is the cause.
How long should you stay on meloxicam? ›How Long Should You Take Meloxicam for Pain Relief? Doctors typically recommend taking this medication for at least one week, up to a month.
Does meloxicam eventually stop working? ›There is no known “rebound” worsening of symptoms after stopping meloxicam, so the only effect of stopping meloxicam will be the unmasking of symptoms that were suppressed by the drug. The return of any symptoms will last as long as the condition causing them is active and does not depend on the medication itself.
Can you take meloxicam daily for years? ›Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of side effects.