Are Motrin and ibuprofen the same thing?

In this article:

• What is ibuprofen?
• What is Motrin?
• Similarities between Motrin and ibuprofen
• Differences between Motrin and ibuprofen
• Motrin vs. Advil
• Which is better: Motrin or ibuprofen?
• Who shouldn’t take ibuprofen or Motrin?
• Can you take Motrin and ibuprofen together?
• How to save

In this article

• What is ibuprofen?
• What is Motrin?
• Similarities between Motrin and ibuprofen
• Differences between Motrin and ibuprofen
• Motrin vs. Advil
• Which is better: Motrin or ibuprofen?
• Who shouldn’t take ibuprofen or Motrin?
• Can you take Motrin and ibuprofen together?
• How to save

If you’re looking for over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief, you’ve probably noticed a lot of similar options. Some pain medications even contain the same ingredients, even though they have different names on the box. So, is Motrin the same as ibuprofen? Essentially, yes.

Motrin is a brand-name pain reliever that contains ibuprofen as its main ingredient. Brand-name and generic meds share many similarities, but they may differ in price, dosage, available forms, and inactive ingredients. We’ll compare the similarities and differences between Motrin and ibuprofen.

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It reduces minor aches, pains, and fever by decreasing the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that play a role in the body’s inflammatory process.

Ibuprofen works fast, relieving symptoms within 20–30 minutes of taking it. The standard recommended dosage for OTC ibuprofen is 200 milligrams (mg) every four to six hours. However, ibuprofen is also available in stronger prescription strengths with higher allowable dosages. Prescription ibuprofen is used to treat moderate pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more severe menstrual cramps. 

What is Motrin?

Motrin is a brand name for ibuprofen. In other words, it contains the NSAID ibuprofen as its active ingredient, so it is used for the same purpose: to relieve aches, pains, and fever.

It’s important to understand that Motrin is a brand name owned by Kenvue Brands LLC. The company sells a variety of Motrin (ibuprofen) products: Motrin IB (ibuprofen in standard dosage), Children’s Motrin (ibuprofen at a reduced dose), Motrin Dual Action (ibuprofen plus acetaminophen), and more. In most cases, references to Motrin refer to Motrin IB.

Similarities between Motrin and ibuprofen

There are far more similarities than differences between Motrin and ibuprofen tablets. Here are the key similarities:

• Active ingredient: Motrin contains ibuprofen, which is also sold under its own generic name. These pain relievers contain identical active ingredients.
• Effectiveness: Because they contain the same active ingredient, Motrin and ibuprofen are equally effective when administered at equal doses. 
• Conditions treated: Both Motrin and ibuprofen treat mild to moderate pain and fever. They’re often used to relieve headaches, muscular aches, gout flares, pain from arthritis, toothaches, backache, and menstrual cramps.

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Differences between Motrin and ibuprofen

According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), there is no difference between brand-name drugs and their generic counterparts. They have the same active ingredients and the same strength at the exact dosage. They are both manufactured according to strict safety standards. 

However, there are some potential differences between Motrin and ibuprofen.

Different inactive ingredients 

Though they share the same active ingredient, Motrin and some ibuprofen tablets may contain different inactive ingredients, such as preservatives, binders, or dyes. For instance, Motrin IB tablets contain cornstarch, according to Liz Daniels, DO, RD, FAAP,  a board-certified pediatrician and dietitian in Cincinnati, Ohio. On the flipside, ibuprofen tablets contain carnauba wax, whereas Motrin IB does not. 

Different available forms

Sometimes generic and brand-name drugs are available in different forms. Ibuprofen is available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and oral suspension (liquid). Motrin is available in tablet form, as well as in caplets, softgels, oral suspension, and chewable tablets. 

Different prices

Prices vary by location, but in general, generic drugs are sold at lower prices than their branded counterparts. “[Ibuprofen]  is significantly less expensive and is bioequivalent, meaning the FDA requires it to have the same active ingredient and work just as effectively and safely as the brand name,” says Heather Gosnell, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and plant-based health coach in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Motrin vs. Advil

Motrin and Advil are both branded medications that contain ibuprofen as their active ingredient. Like Motrin, Advil shares the same key ingredient, clinical effectiveness, and intended purpose. Differences between Motrin and Advil may come down to different inactive ingredients, available forms, and cost. 

Which is better: Motrin or ibuprofen?

Motrin and ibuprofen contain the same active ingredient. Which is better is usually a matter of personal preference, with the exception of allergies or dietary restrictions, Dr. Daniels emphasizes.

Dr. Gosnell agrees. “The only time I will suggest Motrin over generic ibuprofen is if a patient has a known allergy or sensitivity to a specific ‘filler’ ingredient, like a particular dye or binding agent, found in a generic brand.”

Essentially, Motrin IB is no more effective at pain relief and fever reduction than generic ibuprofen. They contain identical active ingredients. However, there are some versions of Motrin, such as Motrin Dual Action with Tylenol, that have different ingredients and may be more suited for certain situations and age groups. 

Who shouldn’t take ibuprofen or Motrin?

Ibuprofen and Motrin are considered generally safe. However, people with certain health conditions or who are taking certain medications should avoid these NSAIDs. 

The FDA recommends that the following people with the following conditions consult their healthcare providers before taking medications that contain ibuprofen: 

• History of serious side effects or allergic reactions to NSAIDs or other painkillers
• Stomach issues, such as heartburn or stomach ulcers. 
• Liver disease
• Bleeding issues or those who are on blood thinners
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease, history of heart attack, or heart bypass surgery
• Kidney disease or kidney problems

It is also essential to consult your provider before taking ibuprofen if you:

• Have taken a diuretic
• Are age 60 years and older
• Are having surgery within one week 
• Are pregnant 
• Are taking a blood thinner

In many cases, the above conditions or situations increase the risk of side effects such as:

• Gastrointestinal problems like heartburn, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting
• Stomach bleeding
• Fluid retention
• Liver problems
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Rashes and itching
• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy
• Reduced appetite
• Potassium level changes
• Coughing

If you shouldn’t take Motrin (ibuprofen), ask your healthcare provider for ibuprofen alternatives they may recommend. 

Can you take Motrin and ibuprofen together?

You should not take a full dose of Motrin and ibuprofen together. Dr. Gosnell says that because these two pain medications contain the same active ingredient, taking them at the same time is essentially “double-dosing,” which increases the risk of serious side effects.

Dr. Daniels points out that Motrin and ibuprofen can be combined safely when the combination adds up to a single full dose. “For example, if a patient has a goal dose of 400 mg and only has 200 mg of each, they can be safely combined in order to reach the goal,” she explains. 

Motrin vs. ibuprofen costs

Motrin and ibuprofen differ in cost. The cost difference is not only due to generic versus brand-name pricing, but also to the number of doses in the package and the form you’re comparing. For instance, the cost of Children’s Motrin (a liquid suspension)  is usually different from the cost of Motrin tablets.

Compare the costs of Motrin, ibuprofen, and other OTC pain relievers
Drug name	Average cash price	Savings options
Motrin	$6 per 30, 200 mg tablets of brand-name Motrin	See latest prices
Children’s Motrin	$10 for one bottle of oral suspension brand-name Children’s Motrin	See latest prices
Ibuprofen	$74 per 30, 800 mg tablets of generic ibuprofen	See latest prices
Children’s ibuprofen	$16 per 1, 118 mL of 100 mg/5mL bottle of generic children’s ibuprofen	See latest prices
Advil	$5 for 30, 200 mg tablets of brand-name Advil	See latest prices
Tylenol	$10 for 30, 325 mg tablets of brand-name Tylenol	See latest prices
Acetaminophen	$12 per 30, 325 mg tablets generic acetaminophen	See latest prices
Aleve	$21 for 60, 220 mg tablets of brand-name Aleve	See latest prices
Naproxen	$69 per 20, 550 mg tablets of generic naproxen	See latest prices

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of March 5, 2026. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

How SingleCare can help you save on ibuprofen

There are ways to lower the cost of generic ibuprofen even more. For instance, the SingleCare discount card can reduce the cost of OTC and prescription-strength ibuprofen.

It’s important to understand that the SingleCare website and app can unlock savings through the discount card only if you have a prescription for the medication. Simply ask your healthcare provider to write a prescription for ibuprofen or Motrin. Exact savings vary by pharmacy and location, but at Walmart pharmacy, a SingleCare coupon for ibuprofen can lower the cost from $76 to $3 per 30, 800 mg tablets.

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of March 23, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our Motrin coupon page for updated Motrin prices near you.