Overview
When experiencing extreme pain, one pain medication might not be enough to provide proper relief. A popular combination prescribed is Meloxicam and Tylenol; you might wonder if you can safely take them together. The short answer is yes. They can be combined, but both drugs carry a serious risk of damaging the GI Tract, liver, stomach, and kidneys if not taken in controlled dosages. Tylenol is a fast-acting pain reliever that can be obtained over the counter. Meloxicam is used to treat inflammation and joint pain during arthritis. The only way to get it is through a prescription. This blog explores how Tylenol and Meloxicam compare, their side effects, and the risks you need to consider when combining the two medications.
Can you take Tylenol with Meloxicam?
Tylenol and meloxicam can be safely taken together only after talking with a medical professional. Some existing health conditions, like gastric issues or allergies, can interfere with the treatment and have the opposite effect.
Both medications belong to different drug classes. Meloxicam, commonly known by the brand name Mobic, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis, joint pain, and inflammation. Acetaminophen, aka Tylenol, is an Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic (painkiller) and antipyretic (reduced fever) drug. Meloxicam and Tylenol can effectively work together to provide better pain relief.
Tylenol vs Meloxicam
Tylenol and Meloxicam can be taken together because their sites of metabolization are different. This allows them to work synergistically to provide better pain relief without affecting each other.
Tylenol or Acetaminophen provides relief for mild pain and reduces body temperature. As of yet, it is not known how it works. Research done in 2020 helps explain its mechanism of action. According to it, Tylenol relieves pain by reacting with pain modulation mediators in the spinal cord and brain.
Like many other NSAIDs, meloxicam inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. COX-2 is responsible for inflammation in the body. Inhibiting it lowers the swelling and redness associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
“ Tylenol and Meloxicam are often used separately, but combining the two medications can help ease multiple symptoms and provide better results,” says Dr. Richard Honaker
How much Tylenol and Meloxicam can you take?
Meloxicam is prescribed in low dosages, 7.5 mg to 15mg. It can take a couple of hours to start feeling the medication’s effect. Tylenol, comparatively, acts quickly and can take effect in under an hour. Depending on the patient’s health, a doctor will prescribe the regular 325 mg or the stronger 650 mg Tylenol.
While taking Tylenol and Meloxicam together is safe, it is important to take them in controlled dosages. Teenagers and adults should not take more than 4000 mg of Tylenol per dose or 1000 mg per day. Meloxicam’s dose should not exceed 15 mg per day. The dose for children is adjusted depending on their age, weight, and health.
Both of the drugs carry the risk of damaging the organs, like the stomach, liver, and GI Tract, and should only be combined at the doctor’s discretion.
How long after Meloxicam can I take Tylenol?
There is no standard dosing schedule for taking Tylenol and Meloxicam together. You can take them together or a couple of hours apart without problems. But remember, Meloxicam should be taken once daily, and the amount of Tylenol will vary depending on the strength of the prescription.
What are the Safety precautions before taking Tylenol and Meloxicam together?
People respond differently to different medications, and Tylenol and Meloxicam are no different. Keep reading to know what you need to do before
Tylenol or Meloxicam allergies
You can be allergic to both Tylenol and Meloxicam drugs. The allergic reaction is due to certain inactive compounds in the product that can manifest as blisters, rash, or redness on the skin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have experienced any reactions before taking Tylenol, Meloxicam, or other medication.
Existing health problems
Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems, liver diseases, blood disorders, kidney problems, diabetes, or any diet-sensitive conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. This will help your care provider to adjust the dosage or prescribe an alternative medication.
Avoid alcohol and attention-demanding tasks
Avoid alcohol when taking Tylenol and Meloxicam. Alcohol can irritate the stomach, and combining it with either drug can lead to severe liver damage and internal bleeding.
The combined effect of taking both drugs together is strong enough to cause dizziness. Do not perform tasks requiring alertness, like driving, after taking Meloxicam and Tylenol.
What are the Side effects of taking Tylenol and Meloxicam together?
Tylenol and Meloxicam do not have any reported drug interactions, but if you start to develop discomforting symptoms, talk to a doctor immediately.
Side effects of Tylenol
Tylenol is processed in the liver, so it is not advised to take it if you are suffering from liver disease. It releases N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine after being broken down. It is a toxic material that is excreted out of the body through urine. If you take too much Tylenol, your body will not be able to filter it fast enough, which can damage the liver. Other side effects of Tylenol include
Side effects of Meloxicam
Meloxicam is prescribed for short periods. Under normal circumstances, NSAIDs like Meloxicam are not recommended for more than 10 days. Unsupervised, long-term use can lead to fatal heart attacks, stroke, and bleeding in the stomach and intestines. You can also experience:
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Seizure
- Coma
- Drowsiness
When should I see a doctor?
If you have existing health conditions or are taking other medication, it is essential to talk to a doctor before taking Tylenol and Meloxicam together. Seek immediate medical help if you are experiencing side effects or discomfort after taking any medication.
FAQs about Tylenol with Meloxicam
Yes, Tylenol (Acetaminophen) can be taken with Meloxicam for headaches. However, depending on your condition, it is best to consult a doctor before combining the medications.
Tylenol has drug interactions with carbamazepine(Tegretol), ketoconazole, warfarin, levoketoconazole, rifampin, and isoniazid. It also interacts with alcohol and other drugs containing acetaminophen.
Meloxicam is stronger than Ibuprofen despite being lower in dose. It is a slow-acting drug used to treat arthritis-related inflammation and pain. It can only be obtained through prescription. You can get Ibuprofen over the counter or through a prescription. It is best used for short-term pain, fever, and inflammation treatment.
Do not lie down till at least 10 minutes after taking Meloxicam. You should take it orally with a full glass of water.
While both medications are used to treat pain, Tramadol and Meloxicam are not the same thing. Tramadol is an opioid analgesic (pain reliever) given after surgeries, serious injuries, or in case of severe pain. Meloxicam is an anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to provide relief against inflammation and mild discomfort, mostly related to arthritis.
