Diclofenac vs Meloxicam: side-by-side comparison
Diclofenac (NSAID (phenylacetic acid)) and Meloxicam (NSAID (preferential COX-2 inhibitor)) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely substitutes for each other. The comparison is useful when a single patient is weighing both options for adjacent or overlapping needs.
| Property | Diclofenac | Meloxicam |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | NSAID (phenylacetic acid) | NSAID (preferential COX-2 inhibitor) |
| CAS | 15307-86-5 | 71125-38-7 |
| ATC | M01AB05 | M01AC06 |
| Molecular weight | 296.15 g/mol | 351.40 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Diclofenac and Meloxicam share the common regulatory framework for prescription active ingredients, bioequivalence standards for generics, and pharmacist oversight. Beyond that, points in common are limited.
Key differences
Diclofenac acts by a different mechanism than Meloxicam, with indications that barely overlap. Comparing the two is useful when a clinician has mentioned both in the same context or the patient wants to understand why one was prescribed instead of the other.
Mechanisms compared
Diclofenac: Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen. Meloxicam: Meloxicam inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes with a preference for COX-2 at low therapeutic doses.
Indications compared
Diclofenac: Diclofenac is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical pain, primary dysmenorrhoea, acute migraine and ureteric colic… Meloxicam: Meloxicam is approved in adults for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Safety profile
Diclofenac: Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness and elevated liver enzymes. Meloxicam: Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, peripheral oedema, hypertension and headache.
Frequently asked questions
Is Diclofenac better than Meloxicam? ▾
Diclofenac and Meloxicam are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Diclofenac and Meloxicam be combined? ▾
Whether they can be combined depends on the indications and the interaction profile of each. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it; in self-medication they should never be combined.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each has its own prescribing information.
Products with Diclofenac
Products with Meloxicam
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.