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.
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. It is also available as a topical gel, Voltaren, which is available over the counter.
Naproxen. Naproxen (Aleve) is the most powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever available without a prescription. It is especially effective for sprains, sunburns and arthritis and other conditions.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve).
“In general, pain that is associated with inflammation, like swelling or acute injury, is better treated with ibuprofen or naproxen,” says Matthew Sutton, MD, a Family Medicine physician at The Iowa Clinic's West Des Moines campus.
Acetaminophen is a safe alternative to NSAIDs for people who are allergic or hypersensitive to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. In addition, certain supplements can help provide relief from inflammation and pain. Common alternatives to NSAIDs include arnica, curcumin, and bromelain.
Acetaminophen or aspirin
Unlike ibuprofen, over-the-counter acetaminophen has not been linked to heart problems. Nagda recommends it to some of her patients—especially elderly ones—who aren't good candidates for anti-inflammatory medicines. Still, the drug is not without its own risks.
If ibuprofen doesn't give enough relief from pain, or if you need pain relief over a long period of time, then you should speak to your doctor, who may be able to prescribe a stronger type of NSAID or a combination of drugs that will be more effective.
Results indicate that both medications tend to be similarly effective for many types of pain. Studies of people with ankle sprains, pain after surgery, and pain from knee osteoarthritis showed that both medications work about the same for pain control.
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can reduce pain, fever and other types of inflammation. Common over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Healthcare providers can also prescribe stronger NSAIDs when appropriate.
Naproxen stays active in your body for longer than ibuprofen. This is because it is longer acting. Naproxen can last up to 12 hours. So, to get full 24-hour coverage, you'd only need to take naproxen twice a day (about every 12 hours).
Simply put, Meloxicam is much stronger than Ibuprofen. Since it is stronger, it may come with more intense risks. For example, Meloxicam comes with a higher risk of gastrointestinal problems, heart attack, or stroke than Ibuprofen.
Methylprednisolone and prednisone are corticosteroids that can have a significant impact on the body. They are effective medications for reducing inflammation. Both medications can produce a range of side effects and complications. Methylprednisolone is more potent than prednisone.
The bottom line
Many studies have shown meloxicam and Celebrex to be as effective as other NSAIDs for pain and inflammation. But some studies show Celebrex might work better than other NSAIDs in some cases. Tell your healthcare provider about other medications you're taking and other health conditions you have.
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate pain and help relieve symptoms of arthritis (eg, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.
Celecoxib was allowed to remain on the market; however, the wording on the label was strengthened to say it had increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The FDA ordered Pfizer to conduct a post-market study of its safety.
Ibuprofen is a painkiller available over the counter without a prescription. It's one of a group of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and can be used to: ease mild to moderate pain – such as toothache, migraine and period pain.
Ibuprofen can cause ulcers in your stomach or gut, especially if you take it as tablets, capsules, granules or liquid for a long time or in big doses.
Food can increase the time it takes for ibuprofen to be absorbed, although it won't affect how much is absorbed. Taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach may give you faster symptom relief, although it may increase the risk of stomach-related side effects, such as indigestion.