Celebrex vs meloxicam: arthritis anti-inflammatories compared
Celebrex (celecoxib) and meloxicam (Mobic) are prescription anti-inflammatories for arthritis. Celecoxib targets the inflammation enzyme selectively, which means fewer stomach ulcers than older anti-inflammatories; meloxicam is partly selective and taken once a day. Both carry the same heart and kidney warnings.
Updated October 4, 2026
At a glance
- Enzyme selectivity
- Celebrex
- Selective for COX-2
- Meloxicam
- Partly selective at lower doses
- How often
- Celebrex
- Once or twice a day
- Meloxicam
- Once a day
- Stomach ulcers
- Celebrex
- Less likely than with older anti-inflammatories
- Meloxicam
- Somewhat less likely at lower doses
- Sulfa allergy
- Celebrex
- Tell your prescriber
- Meloxicam
- Not a sulfonamide
- Generic
- Celebrex
- Yes
- Meloxicam
- Yes
Celebrex celecoxib | Meloxicam Mobic | |
|---|---|---|
| Enzyme selectivity | Selective for COX-2 | Partly selective at lower doses |
| How often | Once or twice a day | Once a day |
| Stomach ulcers | Less likely than with older anti-inflammatories | Somewhat less likely at lower doses |
| Sulfa allergy | Tell your prescriber | Not a sulfonamide |
| Generic | Yes | Yes |
Stomach and heart
Celecoxib’s selectivity means fewer stomach ulcers and bleeds than non-selective anti-inflammatories, which can matter for people with a history of stomach problems. A large trial found that celecoxib at moderate doses carried no greater heart risk than ibuprofen or naproxen. Even so, all anti-inflammatories carry warnings for heart attack, stroke and stomach bleeding.
Shared risks
Both can strain the kidneys, especially with blood pressure medicines or diuretics, raise lithium and methotrexate levels, and add to bleeding risk with blood thinners and SSRIs. Both are avoided from about 20 weeks of pregnancy and are not combined with another anti-inflammatory.
Taking them
Celecoxib capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce if swallowing is difficult, and higher doses are taken with food. Meloxicam is taken once a day with food or milk. Use the lowest dose that controls your pain.
Interactions
Fluconazole raises celecoxib levels. Tell your prescriber about any sulfa allergy before taking celecoxib.
Cost
Both are generics. Meloxicam is usually the less expensive of the two, but compare quotes for your dose.
Who should avoid them
Anti-inflammatories are generally avoided after heart surgery or a recent heart attack, with significant kidney disease, with a history of stomach bleeding, and late in pregnancy, and they need care with high blood pressure, heart failure and older age. Acetaminophen, exercise and weight management are part of most arthritis plans.
Missed doses
Take a missed dose when you remember unless the next one is near, and never take two doses together.
Questions for your prescriber
- Does my stomach history make a selective option safer?
- Is an anti-inflammatory safe for my heart and kidneys?
- Should I take something to protect my stomach?
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Sources
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for you or your pet; your prescriber decides which medicine is right.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.