{"id":4323,"date":"2019-05-27T09:21:13","date_gmt":"2019-05-27T13:21:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3561"},"modified":"2026-05-15T17:18:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T21:18:27","slug":"aleve-vs-ibuprofen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/aleve-vs-ibuprofen\/","title":{"rendered":"Aleve vs. ibuprofen: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Minor headaches, muscle aches, and fever are common ailments that can affect anyone. For many people, having the right medicine on hand can improve their peace of mind. Over-the-counter (OCT) treatment options are plentiful, with <\/span>nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/span><\/a> being some of the most commonly used medications for pain relief. You might see NSAIDs like Aleve and ibuprofen placed together in the pharmacy aisle and question which is better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aleve<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> work similarly to relieve pain and fever. As nonselective NSAIDs, Aleve and ibuprofen block the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are responsible for helping create prostaglandins or certain chemicals that play a role in inflammatory processes. The COX-2 enzyme is mainly involved with regulating pain and inflammation, while the COX-1 enzyme is involved with kidney function, platelet function, and protecting the stomach lining.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Aleve and ibuprofen work similarly to help relieve pain and fever, they have some important differences. Continue reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between Aleve and ibuprofen and which one may be the better option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Aleve and ibuprofen?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Aleve and ibuprofen differ in several ways. Depending on different factors, one medication may be preferred over the other. It\u2019s always best to consult a healthcare provider when choosing the right treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One is a brand-name drug, and the other is a generic<\/span><\/h3>\n

Aleve is a brand-name drug and is also available in a generic form. Ibuprofen is a generic drug that is known by various brand names, including <\/span>Advil<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Motrin<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Ibuprofen<\/span><\/a>. Generic drugs are usually cheaper than their brand-name versions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They contain different active ingredients<\/span><\/h3>\n

Naproxen comes in two forms: naproxen base and naproxen sodium. Aleve contains the active ingredient naproxen sodium, the salt form of naproxen, which is more rapidly absorbed than naproxen base. Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Advil, Motrin, and other brand-name pain relievers. Although they work similarly, naproxen and ibuprofen have different chemical structures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The age limits for each drug differ<\/span><\/h3>\n

Aleve is approved to treat fever and minor aches or pains in adults and children aged 12 years and older. Ibuprofen is approved to treat the same ailments in adults, children, and infants as young as six months old. <\/span>For young children<\/span><\/a>, ibuprofen may be a better option than Aleve.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aleve lasts longer<\/span><\/h3>\n

Aleve is a long-acting NSAID that can last up to 12 hours at a time. On the other hand, ibuprofen is a short-acting NSAID that generally needs to be taken every four to six hours. If you\u2019re looking for long-term pain relief throughout the day without having to take multiple doses of a drug, Aleve may be a better option than ibuprofen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between Aleve and ibuprofen<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nAleve<\/b><\/td>\nIbuprofen<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)<\/span><\/td>\nNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic version available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic version available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/p>\n

What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\n

Generic: Naproxen<\/span><\/p>\n

Brand: Aleve<\/span><\/td>\n

Generic: Ibuprofen<\/span><\/p>\n

Brand: Advil, Motrin, Ibu<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nTablets<\/span><\/p>\n

Caplets<\/span><\/p>\n

Gelcaps<\/span><\/td>\n

Tablets<\/span><\/p>\n

Chewable tablets<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral capsules<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral suspension<\/span><\/p>\n

Liquid drops<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n220 mg every 8-12 hours<\/span><\/td>\n200-400 mg every 4-6 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nFor fever: up to 3 days<\/span><\/p>\n

For pain: up to 10 days<\/span><\/td>\n

For fever: up to 3 days<\/span><\/p>\n

For pain: up to 10 days<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children aged 12 years and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults, children, and infants aged 6 months and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Aleve and ibuprofen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Aleve and ibuprofen are both approved to treat the following conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n