Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDifferencesSide EffectsCautions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Differences
Side Effects
Cautions
Naproxen and ibuprofen are bothnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)used for pain. The main difference is that naproxen (Aleve) is longer lasting, while ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) provides faster pain relief.
Both naproxen and ibuprofen can be used for various types of pain, whether fromarthritis, menstrual cramps, ormuscle strains. However, knowing the differences between these two common over-the-counter NSAIDs, including the possible side effects, can help guide your decision when you’re reaching for a pain reliever.
This article details the differences and similarities between naproxen and ibuprofen. It compares naproxen and ibuprofen in regard to how fast they work, how effective they are for pain relief, and which is better for kids. It also discusses effects and other considerations relating to these medications.
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Aleve (Naproxen) vs. Advil (Ibuprofen) Differences
Choosing betweenAleve and Advilcan be confusing. That’s because these medicines are very similar; they are both NSAIDs, and they are both effective at relieving pain. However, there are small differences that might affect how they would work for you. Consider these key differences.
Which Works Faster?
Ibuprofen (sold under the common brand namesAdvil and Motrin) works faster. Once you take a dose of ibuprofen, you’ll experience pain relief in 20 to 30 minutes.That’s for acute pain like a headache or broken bone.
For chronic pain, you may need to take ibuprofen regularly for weeks before you experience pain relief, but talk to your healthcare provider before doing so.
Naproxen takes up to an hour to begin working.If you have ongoing pain, like a broken bone, recent surgery, or arthritis, you may need to take naproxen regularly for three days to experience the most pain relief.
Always talk to your healthcare provider about taking these medications regularly.
Strength
Ibuprofen and naproxen provide similar pain relief. Once they’ve started working, they are equally effective at blocking pain. However, you may respond differently to them. If you don’t experience relief with one, consult your healthcare provider about trying the other.
The typical adult dose of ibuprofen is 200 milligrams (mg) every four to six hours. You should never take more than 1,200 mg in 24 hours.
The typicaladult dose of naproxenis 220 mg. For your first dose, you can take two pills, or 440 mg. You should never take more than three tablets in 24 hours.
Which Lasts Longer?
Naproxen lasts longer than ibuprofen. This means you don’t need to take it as often. Regular naproxen tablets can be taken every six to eight hours for pain, but the longer lasting tablets need to be more spaced apart. Delayed-release tablets are to be taken usually twice a day, while the extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day.
Long-lasting naproxen tablets are usually used for chronic conditions likearthritis. Naproxen can be taken any time of day, but should be taken at the same time daily if its being used long term.
The effects of ibuprofen don’t last as long. This means ibuprofen can be taken more often than naproxen. Usually ibuprofen is taken every four to six hours as needed for pain.
What About Tylenol?When you’re comparing thedifferences between over-the-counter pain relievers, there’s another common option: Tylenol (acetaminophen), which is not an NSAID. It provides pain relief but doesn’t reduce inflammation as effectively as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen.However, since Tylenol works differently, it can be combined with NSAIDs for more power in relieving pain or reducing fever. Talk with your healthcare provider about how toalternate doses of Tylenol with ibuprofen like Motrinor Advil.
What About Tylenol?
When you’re comparing thedifferences between over-the-counter pain relievers, there’s another common option: Tylenol (acetaminophen), which is not an NSAID. It provides pain relief but doesn’t reduce inflammation as effectively as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen.However, since Tylenol works differently, it can be combined with NSAIDs for more power in relieving pain or reducing fever. Talk with your healthcare provider about how toalternate doses of Tylenol with ibuprofen like Motrinor Advil.
When you’re comparing thedifferences between over-the-counter pain relievers, there’s another common option: Tylenol (acetaminophen), which is not an NSAID. It provides pain relief but doesn’t reduce inflammation as effectively as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen.
However, since Tylenol works differently, it can be combined with NSAIDs for more power in relieving pain or reducing fever. Talk with your healthcare provider about how toalternate doses of Tylenol with ibuprofen like Motrinor Advil.
Is Naproxen or Ibuprofen Better for Children?
Generally, ibuprofen is better for children than naproxen. However, there are some exceptions when a child may need naproxen, such as forjuvenile arthritis.
Like adults, children aged 12 years and older can usually take ibuprofen every four to six hours as needed for pain or fever. They should not take more than six doses within 24 hours.
Younger children and infants can still use ibuprofen, but shouldn’t take it as often. They can use it every six to eight hours and should not take more than four doses within 24 hours.
Talk to your child’spediatricianor healthcare provider about the best way to treat a child’s cold, cough, or fever. Always read the package instructions carefully and follow them closely. Don’t give nonprescription cough and cold combination medicines, which can include ibuprofen, to children under the age of 4 years.
Naproxen vs. Ibuprofen Side Effects
Since ibuprofen and naproxen are both NSAIDs, they have similar side effects. That’s one reason they shouldn’t be used simultaneously; the risk of side effects increases if combined.
The most common side effect of NSAIDs is anupset stomach. This can lead toulcersand other serious problems. Other side effects of NSAIDs include:
Naproxen and ibuprofen seem to be very similar when it comes to side effects. Both seem to equally increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects and cardiovascular disease.
However, there is some evidence that ibuprofen has a lower risk ofgastrointestinal complicationsthan naproxen.
When to Contact a Healthcare ProviderCall your healthcare provider immediately if you have serious side effects including changes to your vision, breathing changes, hives, unexplained weight gain, or other concerning symptoms.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have serious side effects including changes to your vision, breathing changes, hives, unexplained weight gain, or other concerning symptoms.
Reasons to Be Cautious With NSAIDs
NSAIDs are safe and effective medications for many people. But they also come with a risk of serious side effects. NSAIDs can increase your risk ofheart attackor other cardiovascular disease, especially if you’ve had a heart attack in the past. They’re also associated with other serious conditions, includinggastrointestinal bleedingandkidney disease.
Talk with your healthcare provider about these risks, especially if taking NSAIDs long term or using a high dose. You shouldn’t take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen with any of the following conditions:
Summary
Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are both NSAID pain relievers that are fast and effective at providing pain relief, reducing inflammation, and fighting a fever. Ibuprofen works in as little as 20 minutes, whereas naproxen needs about an hour to take effect.
Naproxen lasts longer and is taken less frequently, usually once or twice a day. Ibuprofen must be taken every four to six hours. Both medicines have similar side effects, including a risk for serious side effects like heart attack and gastrointestinal bleeding. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions or are taking NSAIDs for long-term pain.
8 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.National Health Service.Common questions about ibuprofen for adults.National Health Service.Common questions about naproxen.Samaritan Health Services.Know your pain reliever options & how to choose between them.MedlinePlus.Naproxen.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Harvard Medical School.Where to turn for pain relief.Bindu S, Mazumder S, Bandyopadhyay U.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and organ damage: a current perspective.Biochem Pharmacol. 2020;180:114147. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114147Drini M.Peptic ulcer disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Aust Prescr. 2017;40(3):91-93. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2017.037
8 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.National Health Service.Common questions about ibuprofen for adults.National Health Service.Common questions about naproxen.Samaritan Health Services.Know your pain reliever options & how to choose between them.MedlinePlus.Naproxen.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Harvard Medical School.Where to turn for pain relief.Bindu S, Mazumder S, Bandyopadhyay U.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and organ damage: a current perspective.Biochem Pharmacol. 2020;180:114147. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114147Drini M.Peptic ulcer disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Aust Prescr. 2017;40(3):91-93. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2017.037
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.
National Health Service.Common questions about ibuprofen for adults.National Health Service.Common questions about naproxen.Samaritan Health Services.Know your pain reliever options & how to choose between them.MedlinePlus.Naproxen.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Harvard Medical School.Where to turn for pain relief.Bindu S, Mazumder S, Bandyopadhyay U.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and organ damage: a current perspective.Biochem Pharmacol. 2020;180:114147. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114147Drini M.Peptic ulcer disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Aust Prescr. 2017;40(3):91-93. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2017.037
National Health Service.Common questions about ibuprofen for adults.
National Health Service.Common questions about naproxen.
Samaritan Health Services.Know your pain reliever options & how to choose between them.
MedlinePlus.Naproxen.
MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.
Harvard Medical School.Where to turn for pain relief.
Bindu S, Mazumder S, Bandyopadhyay U.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and organ damage: a current perspective.Biochem Pharmacol. 2020;180:114147. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114147
Drini M.Peptic ulcer disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Aust Prescr. 2017;40(3):91-93. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2017.037
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