Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAre They the Same?What Is Ibuprofen?Types of Motrin and AdvilRecommended DosePossible Side EffectsSevere Complications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Are They the Same?
What Is Ibuprofen?
Types of Motrin and Advil
Recommended Dose
Possible Side Effects
Severe Complications
Motrin and Advil are both brand-name products containingibuprofen, anonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Because they have the same active ingredient, there is no significant difference in Motrin vs. Advil. Both can temporarily relieve minor pain and reduce fever.
This article will discuss the similarities and differences between Motrin and Advil, how to use each product, and their side effects and safety information.
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Are Motrin and Advil the Same?
Motrin and Advil contain the same active ingredient (ibuprofen) in the same dose per tablet (200 milligrams). Regular-strength Motrin is called Motrin IB, while regular-strength Advil is simply called Advil.
The inactive ingredients of Motrin and Advil are largely the same (including silicon dioxide, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, stearic acid, and titanium). In short, Motrin and Advil are virtually identical.
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation.It was created in 1961 and has been available over the counter in the United States since 1984.
Ibuprofen is approved for use in reducing fever and/or relieving minor aches and pain associated with:
Motrin and Advil are available in tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and oral suspensions. There are also generic ibuprofen products, including store brands that usually cost less.
In addition to Motrin IB and regular Advil, there are different Motrin and Advil formulations, some of which are combined with other drugs to treat specific conditions.
Oral formulations of Motrin include:
Oral formulations of Advil include:
Because Advil and Motrin are both NSAIDs, you cannot use them simultaneously. Doing so can increase the risk of side effects and complications like stomach ulcers.
Can you Take Tylenol and Advil Together?
How to Take Motrin or Advil
There are no dosage differences between Motrin IB and Advil. Most OTC ibuprofen tablets contain 200 milligrams of ibuprofen in each tablet.
The recommended dosage of Motrin or Advil for adults and children 12 and over is two tablets (400 mg) every four to six hours, as needed.
Motrin and Advil can be taken with or without food. Swallow the pill or capsule whole with water. Do not chew, particularly film-coated tablets which are meant to be released gradually in the body.
Other formulations may have different dosing schedules, so read the package label to ensure you take the drug correctly or speak with your pharmacist. This is especially true when using Motrin or Advil in children under 12 years.
Side Effects of Motrin and Advil
Motrin and Advil are generally safe and well-tolerated when taken as directed. Side effects tend to be mild and may include:
When to Call 911On rare occasions, ibuprofen can trigger a severe, whole-body allergy calledanaphylaxis. Left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, and death.Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience the following after taking Motrin or Advil:Rash or hivesFacial swellingShortness of breathWheezingIrregular or rapid breathingSudden diarrheaShallow, rapid breathingSwelling of the face, tongue, or throatA feeling of impending doom
When to Call 911
On rare occasions, ibuprofen can trigger a severe, whole-body allergy calledanaphylaxis. Left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, and death.Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience the following after taking Motrin or Advil:Rash or hivesFacial swellingShortness of breathWheezingIrregular or rapid breathingSudden diarrheaShallow, rapid breathingSwelling of the face, tongue, or throatA feeling of impending doom
On rare occasions, ibuprofen can trigger a severe, whole-body allergy calledanaphylaxis. Left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, and death.
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience the following after taking Motrin or Advil:
Severe Complications of Motrin and Advil
Arguably the most serious side effect of Motrin and Advil is the risk ofpeptic ulcers. Severe cases have been known to cause internal bleeding and death.
All NSAIDs pose a risk of ulcers due to the suppression of prostaglandins. This is because, in addition to regulating inflammation, prostaglandins also help regulate blood clotting. By reducing prostaglandin levels, your body is less able to control bleeding.
Seek immediate care if you have signs or symptoms of NSAID-induce ulcers, including:
Who Is at Risk?
People who overuse ibuprofen are at greatest risk of peptic ulcers. In some cases, overdosing can be accidental if you take two or more products containing ibuprofen (like Sudafed PE).
Others may be at risk of ulcers due to underlying conditions, including:
Ibuprofen is not intended for ongoing use. If your symptoms do not respond to Motrin or Advil after 10 days or your fever does not subside after three days, contact your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Ibuprofen?
Do not take Advil or Motrin under these conditions:
Summary
Advil and Motrin are OTC medications commonly used to treat headaches, minor pain, and fevers. They are brand names of the NSAID ibuprofen. Although separate manufacturers produce them, both products contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective. They should not be taken together.
If taking several medications for fever, pain, allergy, or nasal congestion, read the product carefully to ensure you don’t accidentally double the ibuprofen dose. Doing so may lead to a peptic ulcer and bleeding.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Motrin IB- ibuprofen tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Advil- ibuprofen tablet, coated.Business Wire.Analgesics markets in the US, 2019 - Advil maintains its lead in systemic analgesics despite sales decline.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Rainsford KD.Ibuprofen: from invention to an OTC therapeutic mainstay.Int J Clin Pract Suppl. 2013;(178):9-20. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12055Brune K, Patrignani P.New insights into the use of currently available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.J Pain Res. 2015;8:105–118. doi:10.2147/JPR.S75160U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.National Health Service (UK).How and when to take or use ibuprofen.Bjarnason I, Scarpignato C, Holmgren E, Olszewski M, Rainsford KD, Lanas A.Mechanisms of damage to the gastrointestinal tract from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Gastroenterology. 2018;154(3):500-514. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.10.049MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen overdose.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Motrin IB- ibuprofen tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Advil- ibuprofen tablet, coated.Business Wire.Analgesics markets in the US, 2019 - Advil maintains its lead in systemic analgesics despite sales decline.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Rainsford KD.Ibuprofen: from invention to an OTC therapeutic mainstay.Int J Clin Pract Suppl. 2013;(178):9-20. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12055Brune K, Patrignani P.New insights into the use of currently available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.J Pain Res. 2015;8:105–118. doi:10.2147/JPR.S75160U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.National Health Service (UK).How and when to take or use ibuprofen.Bjarnason I, Scarpignato C, Holmgren E, Olszewski M, Rainsford KD, Lanas A.Mechanisms of damage to the gastrointestinal tract from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Gastroenterology. 2018;154(3):500-514. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.10.049MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen overdose.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Label: Motrin IB- ibuprofen tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Advil- ibuprofen tablet, coated.Business Wire.Analgesics markets in the US, 2019 - Advil maintains its lead in systemic analgesics despite sales decline.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Rainsford KD.Ibuprofen: from invention to an OTC therapeutic mainstay.Int J Clin Pract Suppl. 2013;(178):9-20. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12055Brune K, Patrignani P.New insights into the use of currently available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.J Pain Res. 2015;8:105–118. doi:10.2147/JPR.S75160U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.National Health Service (UK).How and when to take or use ibuprofen.Bjarnason I, Scarpignato C, Holmgren E, Olszewski M, Rainsford KD, Lanas A.Mechanisms of damage to the gastrointestinal tract from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Gastroenterology. 2018;154(3):500-514. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.10.049MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen overdose.
DailyMed.Label: Motrin IB- ibuprofen tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Advil- ibuprofen tablet, coated.
Business Wire.Analgesics markets in the US, 2019 - Advil maintains its lead in systemic analgesics despite sales decline.
MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.
Rainsford KD.Ibuprofen: from invention to an OTC therapeutic mainstay.Int J Clin Pract Suppl. 2013;(178):9-20. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12055
Brune K, Patrignani P.New insights into the use of currently available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.J Pain Res. 2015;8:105–118. doi:10.2147/JPR.S75160
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.
National Health Service (UK).How and when to take or use ibuprofen.
Bjarnason I, Scarpignato C, Holmgren E, Olszewski M, Rainsford KD, Lanas A.Mechanisms of damage to the gastrointestinal tract from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Gastroenterology. 2018;154(3):500-514. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.10.049
MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen overdose.
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