When pain hits, whether from arthritis, menstrual cramps or muscle strains, you want fast and effective pain relief. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are the most common tools for over-the-counter pain relief. Naproxen (Aleve) and Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are two common NSAIDs that are both effective for relieving pain. Naproxen is longer lasting, while ibuprofen often provides faster pain relief.
This article will detail the differences and similarities between naproxen and ibuprofen.
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Aleve (Naproxen) vs. Advil (Ibuprofen) Differences
Choosing between Aleve and Advil can 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 names Advil and Motrin) works faster. Once you take a dose of ibuprofen, you’ll experience pain relief in 20–30 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 you should 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 with your healthcare provider about trying the other. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both medications to relieve mild to moderate pain.
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 typical adult dose of naproxen is 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.
Frequency of Dose
Ibuprofen is taken every four to six hours. Naproxen, on the other hand, is taken every eight to 12 hours. Extended-release naproxen tablets are taken once a day and are usually used for chronic conditions like arthritis.
What About Tylenol?
When you’re comparing the differences between over-the-counter pain relievers, there’s another common option: Tylenol (acetaminophen). Tylenol 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 to alternate doses of Tylenol with ibuprofen like Motrin or Advil.
Side Effect Overlap
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 an upset stomach. This can lead to ulcers and other serious problems. Other side effects of NSAIDs include:
- Constipation or gas
- Thirst
- Headache
- Dizziness, light-headedness, or drowsiness
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Ringing in your ears
- Tingling in the arms or legs
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, 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 of heart attack or other cardiovascular disease, especially if you’ve had a heart attack in the past. They’re also associated with other serious conditions, including gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney 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:
- Kidney disease
- Clotting disorders
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding
- An allergy to aspirin
- Pregnancy
- Conditions requiring blood thinners
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 is taken less frequently, usually once or twice a day; while ibuprofen must be taken every four to six hours. Both medicines have similar side effects, including a risk for serious side effects, including heart attack and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are naproxen and ibuprofen the same thing?
No. While both are NSAIDs and have a similar impact on the body, they have different active ingredients.
What’s stronger than naproxen?
Opioid pain relievers are stronger than naproxen but come with a host of side effects, including the risk for addiction. If naproxen isn’t providing you pain relief, talk to your doctor about other options.
What time of day is best to take naproxen?
Naproxen can be taken any time of day, but should be taken at the same time daily if its being used long term.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to 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.
Ngo, V. & Bajaj, T. Ibuprofen. National Library of Medicine.
Samaritan Health Services. Know your pain reliever options & how to choose between them.
MedlinePlus. Naproxen. National Library of Medicine.
Harvard Medical School. Where to turn for pain relief.
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By Kelly Burch
Kelly Burch is has written about health topics for more than a decade. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and more.
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