Can You Take Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) with Meloxicam (Mobic)? Risks and Side Effects

Ibuprofen (Advil, Mortin) and meloxicam (Mobic) are two commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating the pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis or minor muscle aches. Ibuprofen and meloxicam are both NSAIDs and COX inhibitor drugs. Taking higher doses of either or combining the two is unlikely to provide more pain relief, and in doing so you increase the chance of serious side effects including liver damage, decreased kidney function, and blood clots.

What Is Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)?

Ibuprofen is an NSAID used to treat pain and inflammation. It is commonly used to as pain relief for conditions such as menstrual cramps, muscle aches, headaches, and arthritis. Ibuprofen is a COX cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor. COX inhibitors interfer with COX enzymes to reduce the production of prostaglandins or lipid compounds that cause pain and inflammation.

Ibuprofen is widely available in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) version. It is sold both as a generic medicine and also under brand names like Motrin and Advil. Many combination cold and flu medications will often contain ibuprofen as an ingredient to treat pain and fever. Some opioid pain medications include ibuprofen as an active ingredient to help relieve inflammation.

When taken as intended, Ibuprofen is generally safe and well-tolerated. It was released in 1974 in prescription-only versions, but it’s since been available OTC in pharmacies. Most ibuprofen comes in the form of tablets or capsules, but liquid suspensions are also available.

What Is Meloxicam (Mobic)?

Meloxicam is a prescription-only NSAID that’s sold under brand names such as Mobic and Vivlodex Over 9 million people take Meloxicam each year.[1]

Like ibuprofen, meloxicam is a COX inhibitor that blocks the production of prostaglandins to relieve pain.

There are no generic versions of meloxicam on the market. It comes in tablet and liquid suspension forms.

What are the differences between Meloxicam and Ibuprofen?

While both are NSAIDs, there are several significant differences between meloxicam and ibuprofen. These includes:

• Ibuprofen is generally obtained an over the counter, readily available medication. Meloxicam on the other hand required a prescription from a doctor.
• Meloxicam is most commonly prescribed to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Ibuprofen can also help with these ailments, however it is more commonly recommended for short term conditions like headaches, menstrual pain, colds, sore throats, and sprains.
• Meloxicam is designed as a long acting drug, providing pain relief for up to 24 hours. By contrast, Ibuprofens effects will usually wear off within 6 hours.

Ibuprofen and Meloxicam Side Effects

Because meloxicam and ibuprofen are in the same drug class, they utilize similar mechanisms for pain relieve and can also produce similar side effects[2]. Mild to moderate side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Itching
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Drowsiness
• Heartburn

Both drugs carry the risk of serious side effects, including:[3]

• Serious allergic reaction
• Fluid buildup in the extremities
• Flu-like symptoms
• Liver damage
• Back pain
• Impaired kidney function
• Cloudy or discolored urine
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Heart attack
• Gastric ulcers

The serious side effects of both medications are not common. However, the risk of these is increased with higher doses, long term use, preexisting conditions, and using both medications together.

Can I Take Meloxicam (Mobic) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Together?

In general it is NOT recommended to combine Meloxicam and Ibuprofen. You should wait until one has worth off before taking the other.

Meloxicam and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs which means they can have dangerous interactions if you take them together. Combining meloxicam and ibuprofen will not provide you with more effective pain relief, but you will increase the risk of serious side effects. As a rule of thumb, drugs in the same class should not be combined without a doctor’s express recommendation.

Adverse Side Effects from Combining Ibuprofen and Meloxicam

Taking a combination of both ibuprofen and meloxicam can increase the risk of the side effects of both drugs. These include:

Gastrointestinal Issues & Bleeding

Gastrointestinal issues including stomach pains, cramps, nausea, and vomiting are a common concern when ibuprofen and meloxicam are taking for extended periods or at a higher dose. More severe gastrointestinal side effects can including gastrointestinal bleeding.[6]

Some symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding include:[7]

• Black or tarry stools
• Bright red blood in vomit or stool
• Vomit like coffee grounds
• Dark blood in stool

Extended use of ibuprofen and meloxicam can also lead to an increased risk of stomach ulters.

Kidney Problems

NSAIDs can often reduce the amount of blood flow to the kidneys which can lower their short term function or cause long term damage. Taking too much of either drug, or a combination of the two, can increase this risk and lead to acute kidney damage especially for those with pre-existing kidney conditions.

Cardiovascular Issues & Stroke Risk

Meloxicam and ibuprofen can elevate your blood pressure and lead to increased fluid retention, which can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems and stroke. This can be compounded by a pre-existing heart condition.

Other Side Effects

Taking a combination of ibuprofen and meloxicam also increases the risk of both the medications side effects. Allergic reactions, while uncommon, are also possible with both drugs.

When Can I Take Meloxicam (Mobic) After Taking Ibuprofen?

If you’re taking ibuprofen, it’s best to wait until it is out of your system before taking meloxicam. This usually takes about 6 hours, but drug elimination times can vary. [8]

When Can I Take Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) After Taking Meloxicam?

You should wait until meloxicam is out of your system before taking Ibuprofen. Meloxicam is a once a day, 24 hour pain medication. As such, you should wait at least 24 hours after taking meloxicam to take Ibuprofen.

We recommend talking to your doctor about when it’s safe for you to take ibuprofen before or after taking meloxicam when you get your meloxicam prescription. In general, you should also avoid using Ibuprofen for pain relief for more than 10 days in a row unless specifically recommended by your doctor.

Long-Term Risks of taking Meloxicam and Ibuprofen

Meloxicam and ibuprofen are pain medications that should only be taken as needed. Neither drug is intended for long-term us. Long term use can increase the risk of adverse side effects like gastric ulcers or organ damage.

While Ibuprofen has a lower gastrointestinal bleeding risk, both meloxicam and ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.[4] Using either drug when used long-term can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with existing pre-existing heart conditions.

All NSAIDs, including meloxicam and ibuprofen, carry the potential for kidney damage. The risk is increased if you have pre-existing kidney problems already. Liver damage isn’t considered a significant risk with either drug, but it is noted as a possible side effect.

Meloxicam and Ibuprofen Overdose Risk

If you take too much of either meloxicam or ibuprofen, you can experience an overdose effect. Symptoms of Ibuprofen or Meloxican overdose symptoms include:[5]

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Cardiac arrest
• Coma

A NSAID overdoses require immediate medical attention. While these aren’t usually life-threatening, there can be complications like permanent organ damage from taking high doses of either

Is there a risk of abuse or addiction with Ibuprofen or Meloxicam?

NSAIDs like meloxicam and ibuprofen don’t cause the “euphoric” sensations associated with addictive drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Neither are  considered an addictive substance. As such, both ibruprofen and meloxcam are not considered to have a high risk of abuse and or addiction. Neither are considered controlled substances.

However, that doesn’t mean either drug can’t be misused. It’s possible for people to misuse NSAIDs, primarily by taking higher doses in an effort to get increased pain relief.

Sadly higher doses, more frequent doses, or combinations of meloxicam and ibuprofen does not provide better pain relief. While taking more or a combination of either will increase the risk of adverse effects.

Moreover, some drugs that contain ibuprofen may be abused. This includes narcotic pain relievers that include ibuprofen as an active ingredient or cold and flu medication that contain codeine. Taking high doses of these medications will increase the risk of their adverse effects.

Do not Combine Ibuprofen and Meloxicam

Ibuprofen and meloxicam are NSAID pain relievers that are usually well tolerated and safe for pain as needed, but they’re in the same drug class and can have serious side effects if you combine them – including organ damage or gastrointestinal bleeding.