Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?

In this article:

• Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?
• Forms
• Which is better for kids?
• Which is safer?
• Rx vs. OTC options
• Comparing other OTC meds
• The bottom line

In this article

• Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?
• Forms
• Which is better for kids?
• Which is safer?
• Rx vs. OTC options
• Comparing other OTC meds
• The bottom line

Naproxen and ibuprofen are part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are drugs used to treat symptoms of pain, swelling (inflammation), and fever. Some NSAIDs are available only by prescription, others only over the counter, and some are available in both lower doses over the counter and higher doses by prescription, such as naproxen and ibuprofen. You may wonder: is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen? The answer is that they are similar in that they can both treat similar conditions associated with pain, fever, and swelling. However, naproxen lasts longer (up to 12 hours), while ibuprofen lasts for a shorter time (up to six to eight hours). 

Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?

One study compared OTC doses of naproxen and ibuprofen for osteoarthritis of the knee. The researchers found that both medicines were effective in relieving symptoms of knee pain in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Naproxen was found to be slightly more effective than ibuprofen, particularly in reducing nighttime pain.

Another study compared the efficacy of naproxen and ibuprofen in managing dental pain after surgery. In this study, researchers found that pain relief lasted longer with naproxen than with ibuprofen, and fewer people who took naproxen required stronger rescue medication for breakthrough pain compared to those who took ibuprofen.

Save up to 80% on Naproxen with SingleCare

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.

Naproxen 500 mg (60 Tablets)

23666 - Hampton, VA

$7.34

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

$7.34

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

See Naproxen prices at all pharmacies

According to the Arthritis Foundation, drugs in the NSAID class work in a similar way, but people respond differently to different medications. It may take some trial and error to figure out which medicine works best for you. You can ask your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice, as they can take into account your full medical history when recommending a treatment for your condition. 

What forms are they available in, and which lasts longer?

Naproxen

Naproxen (also known as naproxen sodium), available under brand names such as Aleve and Anaprox DS, as well as in its generic form, is available as:

• Oral tablets
• Oral capsules
• Oral delayed-release tablets
• Oral extended-release tablets
• Oral suspension (liquid)

A typical dose of OTC naproxen 220 mg tablets is one or two tablets by mouth every eight to 12 hours as needed (maximum three tablets per day). A typical prescription dose of naproxen is 250 to 500 mg by mouth twice daily.

Depending on the formulation, naproxen begins to take effect in 30 to 60 minutes, and its effects last for up to 12 hours. Note that for some inflammatory conditions, it may take several weeks for the medicine to reach its maximum benefit.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is available under brand names such as Motrin and Advil, as well as generic forms, and is available as:

• Oral suspension (liquid)
• Oral drops
• Chewable tablets
• Oral tablets
• Injection 

A typical dose of OTC ibuprofen 200 mg tablets is one or two tablets by mouth every four to six hours as needed (maximum six tablets per day). A typical prescription dose of ibuprofen is 400 to 800 mg by mouth every 6 hours (maximum 3,200 mg per day).

Depending on the formulation, ibuprofen typically begins to take effect within 30 to 60 minutes, reaching its maximum effect in one to two hours. Its effects can last about six to eight hours. Like naproxen, it may take several weeks to notice the full benefits of this medicine with some inflammatory conditions. 

Which is better for kids?

Although prescription forms of naproxen or ibuprofen can be used in children, the OTC version of naproxen is only FDA-approved for use in adults and adolescents 12 years and older. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, offers various over-the-counter formulations for children and toddlers as young as six months old. Because of this, healthcare providers may recommend using OTC ibuprofen (rather than naproxen) in toddlers and children under 12 years of age. 

Which is safer? 

Naproxen and ibuprofen have similar common side effects, such as nausea, stomach pain, upset stomach (heartburn), constipation, and dizziness. 

However, both drugs also have potential serious side effects. All NSAIDs have a boxed warning (the strongest warning required by the FDA). The warning, which applies to both naproxen and ibuprofen, states:

• NSAIDs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, which can be life-threatening. 
• NSAIDs should not be taken right before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, or after a recent heart attack. 
• NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding, stomach ulcers (sores), and perforation (holes) in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, which can be life-threatening. (Healthcare providers may recommend taking your NSAID along with food and/or medicine such as an antacid or a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole to help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.) 

Additionally, people who have had any type of allergic reaction to an NSAID such as hives or asthma, should not take NSAIDs. NSAIDs are not usually recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and should be avoided after 30 weeks of pregnancy. 

NSAIDs can cause other serious problems in rare cases, including:

• Serious skin or allergic reactions, which could be life-threatening
• Heart failure
• Kidney problems, including kidney disease or kidney damage
• Liver problems 
• High blood pressure

In terms of heart-related risks, naproxen is generally considered to have a lower risk of cardiovascular problems than ibuprofen. However, both drugs still carry a warning about potential cardiovascular risks. 

On the other hand, ibuprofen is typically associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal problems than naproxen, although they both have the same warnings. 

Because of these potential risks, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. Be sure your healthcare provider knows your full medical history, including chronic conditions, allergies to medication, and all of the medicines you take. This includes vitamins, supplements, OTC drugs, and prescription drugs, including if you take diuretics (water pills), blood thinners, or medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems.

How do the prescription forms differ from the OTC options? 

For both drugs, prescription forms are available in higher doses than over-the-counter options. 

• The highest OTC naproxen dose is 220 mg per tablet, while the highest prescription dose is 550 mg per tablet.
• The highest OTC ibuprofen dose is 200 mg per tablet, while the highest prescription dose is 800 mg per tablet.

Prescription forms of naproxen are available in both immediate-release and extended-release versions, while the OTC versions are immediate-release only. All forms of ibuprofen are immediate-release. 

Also, OTC and prescription formulations have different approved uses. For example:

• OTC Aleve can be used for fever, minor arthritis pain, muscle aches, back pain, menstrual cramps, headache, toothache, and the common cold. On the other hand, prescription-strength naproxen is FDA-approved for the following conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, acute gout, pain, and menstrual cramps.
• OTC ibuprofen has the same uses as OTC Aleve. Prescription-strength versions of ibuprofen can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, mild to moderate pain, and menstrual pain.

Naproxen and ibuprofen vs. other OTC pain medications

Now that we have talked about naproxen and ibuprofen, what about other OTC pain medications, like Tylenol and aspirin? 

• Tylenol contains the active ingredient acetaminophen. It is an analgesic (pain reliever) rather than an NSAID. This is because acetaminophen helps lower fever and provides pain relief, but it does not help with inflammation or swelling, whereas NSAIDs treat pain, fever, and swelling. Tylenol can be used to treat many similar symptoms to those of ibuprofen and naproxen, such as those associated with colds, headaches, minor arthritis pain, toothaches, and fevers, among others. There is no prescription version of Tylenol, although the active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen, can be found in combination with various opioid pain medications, such as Percocet, which contains the opioid painkiller oxycodone along with acetaminophen. 
• Aspirin, like naproxen and ibuprofen, is an NSAID. It can be used to treat minor aches and pains, as well as inflammation and fever. 

If you take an NSAID, regardless of which NSAID you take, some risks come with these medications, such as increased risk of cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and perforation. Therefore, it is recommended that you always take the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Consult your healthcare provider for the best treatment option for your condition. 

The bottom line

Naproxen and ibuprofen are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are available both over-the-counter and in higher doses by prescription. Both medications are effective in treating similar conditions, including pain, fever, and inflammation. Naproxen typically provides longer-lasting relief, lasting up to 12 hours, compared to ibuprofen, which is more short-acting than naproxen, and lasts up to six to eight hours. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice about your condition.