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Indocin vs Mobic
Introduction
For patients dealing with arthritis or other forms of inflammatory pain, certain drugs that inhibit the production of substances in the body causing inflammation can help manage persistent discomfort. Indocin and Mobic are two such medications often prescribed for conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They both work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes responsible for prostaglandins production which causes inflammation, but they have different effects on patients due to their unique properties. Indocin (Indomethacin) is a non-selective inhibitor, meaning it affects both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, potentially leading to more side-effects such as gastrointestinal issues. On the other hand, Mobic (Meloxicam) has a preferential inhibition towards COX-2 enzyme making it comparatively safer with fewer gastrointestinal side-effects.
Indocin vs Mobic Side By Side
| Attribute | Indocin | Mobic |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Indocin | Mobic |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken by individuals who have recently undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery or by those with a known hypersensitivity to the drug. Interaction risks with anticoagulants and corticosteroids. | Should not be taken by individuals who have recently undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery or by those with a known hypersensitivity to the drug. Interaction risks with anticoagulants and corticosteroids. |
| Cost | For brand name, around $100 for 30 capsules (50 mg). For generic indomethacin, costs range between $0.20-$1 per day. | For brand name, about $170 for 30 tablets (15 mg). For generic meloxicam, prices range from just over $0.01 per day to around $0.50 for typical doses. |
| Generic Name | Indomethacin | Meloxicam |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Symptoms of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit resembling coffee grounds. Liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes. | Signs indicative of an allergic reaction or severe skin response; symptoms such as chest pain indicating heart attack; sudden numbness or weakness signaling stroke. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. | Increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. |
| Typical Dose | Oral dosages range from 25–50 mg two or three times a day, up to a maximum of 200 mg/day. | Usually begins with a dosage of 7.5 mg/day, can be increased to 15 mg/day but should not exceed this amount. |
What is Indocin?
Indomethacin (the generic name for Indocin) was one of the first drugs from the NSAID class used to reduce inflammation and pain, which marked a significant advance over older anti-inflammatory drugs. Indomethacin was approved by the FDA in 1965. Indocin works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, substances that cause inflammation and increase pain signals in your body. It is prescribed for different forms of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis or gout.
Meloxicam (the generic name for Mobic), on the other hand, belongs to a newer generation of NSAIDs known as COX-2 inhibitors. Meloxicam also reduces levels of prostaglandins but does so more selectively than indomethacin, resulting in it having fewer gastrointestinal side effects than older NSAIDs like indomethacin that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.
What conditions is Indocin approved to treat?
Indocin is approved for the treatment of several conditions, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as chronic inflammatory disorder
- Osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
- Acute painful shoulder (bursitis and/or tendinitis)
- Acute gouty arthritis
And Mobic has been approved for:
- Relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
- Relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
- Relief of the signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients who are at least 2 years old.
How does Indocin help with these illnesses?
Indocin (indomethacin) and Mobic (meloxicam) are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. They do this by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), which play a crucial role in the production of prostaglandins. By decreasing the quantity of these chemicals, Indocin and Mobic can help manage conditions like arthritis where inflammation is a primary symptom. However, while they share similar mechanisms of action, there are differences between them such as potential side effects and contraindications which can affect prescribing decisions based on individual patient needs.
What is Mobic?
Mobic, also known by its generic name Meloxicam, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce the hormones causing inflammation and pain in the body. It was first approved for use by the FDA in 2000. This makes it effective for treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Unlike Indocin, which is an older NSAID associated with higher risks of gastrointestinal side effects like stomach ulcers and bleeding, Mobic has been shown to have a lower risk profile while still providing significant relief from inflammation and pain. Its specific inhibition of COX-2 over COX-1 enzymes leads to fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to other NSAIDs such as Indocin. However, it can still cause some side effects including potential heart problems or kidney damage if used long-term or in high doses.
What conditions is Mobic approved to treat?
Mobic, also known as Meloxicam, is approved for the treatment of:
- Osteoarthritis (OA), which is a type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. It typically results in warm, swollen, and painful joints.
How does Mobic help with these illnesses?
Mobic, also known as meloxicam, operates by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body responsible for causing inflammation and pain. Its primary role is to manage symptoms associated with arthritis such as joint pain and swelling. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Mobic is often prescribed when patients are not responding well to other similar medications like Indocin or have adverse reactions to them due to its better overall gastrointestinal safety profile. However, it's important to note that despite these advantages, Mobic should still be used cautiously since long-term use can potentially result in serious side effects such as increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
How effective are both Indocin and Mobic?
Both indomethacin (Indocin) and meloxicam (Mobic) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), approved by the FDA for managing various conditions involving inflammation, pain, and fever. Indomethacin was initially approved in 1965 and meloxicam in 2000. They function similarly by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes to reduce production of prostaglandins, which mediate inflammatory responses.
Indomethacin has been widely studied since its approval with a large body of research supporting its effectiveness in treating diverse clinical settings such as gout flares, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis among others. Mobic on the other hand is frequently prescribed for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis owing to its selectivity towards COX-2 inhibition which results comparatively fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional NSAIDs like Indocin.
In comparative studies between these two medications; both have demonstrated similar efficacy in relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis or rheumatic diseases but meloxicam tends to exhibit a more favorable safety profile particularly concerning gastrointestinal adverse events due to its COX-2 selectivity.
However it should be noted that while all NSAIDs carry risk of cardiovascular side effects; certain evidence suggests increased risks associated with high-dose use of selective COX-2 inhibitors including meloxicam hence they should be used at lowest effective dose for shortest duration possible. In summary, choice between Indocin and Mobic may largely depend upon individual patient's tolerance & susceptibility to specific adverse effects along with their therapeutic needs.
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At what dose is Indocin typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Indocin typically range from 25–50 mg two or three times a day, but studies have suggested that 75-150mg/day in divided doses is effective for treating various forms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Children aged over 14 years may be started on lower doses. For both populations, the dosage can be increased after a few weeks if there is no response. The maximum dosage that should not be exceeded under any circumstances is 200 mg/day. On the other hand, Mobic has a typical daily dose of 7.5 mg which may increase to a maximum of 15 mg per day based on patient's response and tolerance level.
At what dose is Mobic typically prescribed?
Mobic treatment usually begins with a dosage of 7.5 mg/day, taken orally. Based on the patient's response and tolerability, this dose can be increased to 15 mg/day but should not exceed this amount due to potential risks. The daily dose may be taken as one single or two divided doses depending on individual needs and doctor's recommendations. If there is no response or inadequate pain control at the starting dosage after several weeks, your healthcare professional might consider testing an increased dosage up to 15mg per day for optimal effectiveness while keeping safety in mind.
What are the most common side effects for Indocin?
Common mild side effects of Indocin include:
- Upset stomach, heartburn
- Headache and dizziness
- Drowsiness or tiredness
- Nervousness
- Decreased appetite
- Mild skin rash and sweating
On the other hand, Mobic may cause some similar but also different common side effects such as:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Gas, bloating or indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache, dizziness
-Dry mouth
-Rash
-Tremors (unintentional trembling) -Sleep problems (insomnia)
If you experience any severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of kidney problems such as change in the amount of urine then seek immediate medical help.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Indocin?
While Indocin (indomethacin) and Mobic (meloxicam) are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they may have different side effects. The following symptoms can occur when taking Indocin:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- A severe skin reaction like a sore throat, fever, burning eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling
- Symptoms of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit resembling coffee grounds
- Liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain with fatigue and loss of appetite alongside yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Low red blood cells (anemia) signs including pale skin feeling light-headedness or shortness of breath with rapid heart rate & trouble concentrating
- Kidney problems – little to no urination; painful/difficult urination accompanied by swollen feet/ankles & feelings tired/shortness-of-breath. If you experience any serious side effects from the usage Indocin do not hesitate to seek medical advice immediately.
What are the most common side effects for Mobic?
When taking Mobic, also known as Meloxicam, there are several potential side effects you should be aware of:
- Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting or gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dizziness or headache
- Dry mouth and increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Weight gain due to fluid retention and swelling (edema)
- High blood pressure which can cause a fast heartbeat
- Sleep problems like insomnia could occur -Anxiety or nervousness might increase in some patients. -More serious but less common side effects include confusion, rash and muscle pain.
Remember that everyone's response may vary so it's important to report any new symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Mobic?
While Mobic (meloxicam) is a widely prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to manage pain and inflammation, it carries a risk of potential side effects. Some serious adverse reactions to be aware of include:
- Signs indicative of an allergic reaction or severe skin response: hives, itching, fever, swollen glands, difficulty in breathing, swelling in your face or throat area.
- Experiencing symptoms such as chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder indicating heart attack; sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body which may signal stroke.
- Rapid weight gain with swelling hands, ankles and feet due to fluid retention.
- Liver problems represented by nausea, upper stomach pain leading up towards right shoulder blade area along with fatigue and loss of appetite.
- Severe skin reactions like red/purple rashes that spread causing blistering and peeling.
If you encounter any such signs while on Mobic therapy promptly discontinue usage and consult healthcare professional. It's important not just for managing immediate health risks but also for evaluating alternative treatment options.
Contraindications for Indocin and Mobic?
Both Indocin and Mobic, like other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. If you notice any unusual symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or weakness on one side of your body, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Indocin nor Mobic should be taken by individuals who have recently undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery or by those with a known hypersensitivity to either drug. Always inform your physician about all medications you are taking; certain drugs like anticoagulants and corticosteroids can lead to dangerous interactions with both Indocin and Mobic.
How much do Indocin and Mobic cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 30 capsules of Indocin (50 mg) averages around $100, which works out to $3.33/day, depending on your dose.
- The price of 30 tablets of Mobic (15 mg) is about $170, working out to approximately $5.67/day.
Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Indocin (i.e., 150 mg/day or higher), then brand-name Mobic can be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. However, cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which anti-inflammatory drug is right for you.
For the generic versions indomethacin and meloxicam respectively:
- Indomethacin (50mg capsules) is available in packs from 30 up to 90 with costs ranging between $0.20-$1 per day depending on the prescribed daily dosage.
- Meloxicam comes in different pack sizes as well starting from packs of 15 up to hundreds with prices covering a range from just over one cent ($0.01+) per day if buying larger quantities upfront and up to around half a dollar ($0.5) for smaller packs taken at typical doses like once daily.
Remember that choosing medication requires considering many factors including efficacy, side effects profile and more besides cost alone.
Popularity of Indocin and Mobic
Indomethacin, often known by the brand name Indocin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) generally used to treat moderate to severe pain, particularly associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. In 2020, indomethacin was estimated to have been prescribed to about 2 million people in the US.
Meloxicam, whose common brand name is Mobic, is another NSAID that's typically used for similar purposes but has gained popularity due to its lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects compared with other NSAIDs. Meloxicam accounted for roughly 18 million prescriptions in the USA during 2020.
While both medications can be effective at managing pain and inflammation from various causes, meloxicam tends to be more commonly prescribed likely due in part to its better tolerability profile. However it's important patients discuss their individual needs and potential risks with their healthcare provider before choosing an appropriate medication.
Conclusion
Both Indocin (indomethacin) and Mobic (meloxicam) have long-standing records of usage in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, both are backed by numerous clinical studies indicating their effectiveness over placebo treatments. They belong to the same class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which work by reducing substances in the body that cause inflammation and pain. The decision between these two medications often depends on individual patient factors, such as tolerability and cost.
Indocin is a potent NSAID available for oral or rectal administration, while Mobic comes only in an oral version but tends to be better tolerated than indomethacin due to its more selective action on COX-2 enzymes, leading to fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
Both drugs are available in generic form - a significant advantage for patients needing economical options. Patients may require an adjustment period when starting either drug before they notice notable improvements.
The side effect profile is similar between the two drugs, with common symptoms including stomach upset, heartburn, dizziness. However, because Mobic is considered more selective in its mechanism of action it generally has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than Indocin. As always with NSAIDs therapy monitoring for signs of bleeding complications like black stools or unusual bruising should be practiced.
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Refrences
- Yocum, D. (2000, October 23). Safety and Efficacy of Meloxicam in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Archives of Internal Medicine. American Medical Association (AMA).http://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.160.19.2947
- Nalamachu, S., & Wortmann, R. (2014, July). Role of Indomethacin in Acute Pain and Inflammation Management: A Review of the Literature. Postgraduate Medicine. Informa UK Limited.http://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2014.07.2787
- Fleischmann, R., Iqbal, I., & Slobodin, G. (2002, October). Meloxicam. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. Informa Healthcare.http://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.3.10.1501
- Engelhardt, G. (1996, April 1). Pharmacology of Meloxicam, A New Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug with an Improved Safety Profile Through Preferential Inhibition of COX-2. Rheumatology. Oxford University Press (OUP).http://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/35.suppl_1.4