Naproxen vs meloxicam: anti-inflammatories compared
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and meloxicam (Mobic) are anti-inflammatory pain relievers used for arthritis, back pain and injuries. Naproxen is taken twice a day and sold over the counter; meloxicam is a once-a-day prescription medicine.
Updated October 4, 2026
At a glance
- How often
- Naproxen
- Usually twice a day
- Meloxicam
- Once a day
- Availability
- Naproxen
- Prescription and over the counter
- Meloxicam
- Prescription only
- Speed
- Naproxen
- Works within an hour or so
- Meloxicam
- Slower to build up
- Typical use
- Naproxen
- Short-term pain, injuries, arthritis flares
- Meloxicam
- Ongoing arthritis
- Generic
- Naproxen
- Yes
- Meloxicam
- Yes
Naproxen Aleve, Naprosyn | Meloxicam Mobic | |
|---|---|---|
| How often | Usually twice a day | Once a day |
| Availability | Prescription and over the counter | Prescription only |
| Speed | Works within an hour or so | Slower to build up |
| Typical use | Short-term pain, injuries, arthritis flares | Ongoing arthritis |
| Generic | Yes | Yes |
Choosing between them
Naproxen works fairly quickly, which suits short-term pain such as a strain or menstrual cramps, and its over-the-counter strength is convenient for occasional use. Meloxicam’s once-daily dosing suits long-term arthritis, and at lower doses it acts somewhat more on the enzyme involved in inflammation than on the one that protects the stomach, though it still carries the same stomach warnings. How well each works varies from person to person.
Shared risks
Both carry the same class warnings for heart attack, stroke and stomach bleeding, can strain the kidneys, especially with blood pressure medicines or diuretics, and are avoided from about 20 weeks of pregnancy. Neither should be combined with another anti-inflammatory, and blood thinners and SSRIs raise bleeding risk with either.
Using them safely
Take either with food, use the lowest dose that controls the pain for the shortest time, and do not take over-the-counter naproxen alongside prescription meloxicam. Report black stools, vomiting blood, swelling, reduced urine or chest pain promptly.
Cost
Both are inexpensive generics, and store-brand naproxen is the same medicine as Aleve. For daily long-term use, compare the prescription price of each with your pharmacy.
Who should avoid them
Anti-inflammatories are generally avoided after a heart attack or heart surgery, 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 is often a safer first choice in these groups, though it eases pain rather than inflammation.
Questions for your prescriber
- Is an anti-inflammatory safe for my heart, kidneys and stomach?
- Should I take something to protect my stomach?
- How long should I take it?
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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.