{"id":4332,"date":"2019-05-27T09:47:02","date_gmt":"2019-05-27T13:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3890"},"modified":"2026-02-02T16:40:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T21:40:07","slug":"aspirin-vs-ibuprofen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/aspirin-vs-ibuprofen\/","title":{"rendered":"Is aspirin or ibuprofen better?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and ibuprofen are both <\/span>nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs<\/span><\/a> (NSAIDs). These medications relieve pain and reduce inflammation by blocking COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which produce prostaglandins that trigger pain and swelling. Aspirin also prevents blood clots. Both are available over the counter in brand and generic forms, and ibuprofen is also available by prescription in higher doses. This article compares single-ingredient aspirin and ibuprofen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Aspirin and <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> are both members of the drug class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Both medicines are available in brand-name and generic forms. Common brand names of aspirin include Bayer and Ecotrin. Common brand names of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin. Both are available in a variety of dosing forms to suit individual preferences.<\/span><\/p>\n

While ibuprofen can be given to children as young as 6 months old, aspirin typically is not recommended for children. This is because aspirin use in children during or after a viral illness is associated with <\/span>Reye Syndrome<\/span><\/a>, a serious condition that can cause brain swelling, liver damage, and death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between aspirin and ibuprofen<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAspirin<\/b><\/td>\nIbuprofen<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)<\/span><\/td>\nNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nBayer, Ecotrin, and others<\/span><\/td>\nAdvil, Motrin<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nTablet, enteric-coated tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, rectal suppository<\/span><\/td>\nTablet, capsule, chewable tablet, oral suspension<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries by indication<\/span><\/td>\nVaries by indication<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 6 months and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

Aspirin and ibuprofen are commonly used to treat pain and fever from common colds, and other conditions such as headache, toothache, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps. Additionally, aspirin can be used for acute coronary syndrome\u2014a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart, for example, during a heart attack. In this case, a 325 mg non-enteric-coated aspirin tablet should be chewed and swallowed after calling 911. Aspirin can also be used in certain patients to prevent stroke and heart attack.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Low-dose aspirin, generally 81 mg, is often used to help <\/span>prevent heart problems<\/span><\/a> in people who have had a heart attack or stroke. Low-dose aspirin may be considered in certain adults aged 40- 59 with cardiovascular risk factors who are not at increased risk of bleeding. <\/span>Low-dose aspirin<\/span><\/a> is not routinely recommended to prevent heart disease in adults over 60 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because everyone has a unique medical history and different risk factors, patients should consult their healthcare provider for questions about using aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke. The decision about whether to use aspirin as preventive medicine should be made by the patient and the healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is aspirin or ibuprofen more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When deciding which medication to take, one must consider the medication’s intended purpose. For example, your doctor may recommend that you take aspirin to prevent blood clots or other heart conditions. Ibuprofen is not recommended for this purpose. Another example is a child with a fever. Ibuprofen can be used in infants as young as 6 months old, while aspirin is not usually used in children or teenagers.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are an adult looking for a medication to treat mild to moderate pain, you may wonder which drug is more effective. NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen are <\/span>similarly effective<\/span><\/a> in relieving pain. However, <\/span>Tylenol<\/span><\/a> (acetaminophen\u2014not an NSAID) may be a better first choice in certain cases because it helps relieve pain and has fewer side effects, making it generally well-tolerated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of gastrointestinal side effects, aspirin tends to be <\/span>more upsetting<\/span><\/a> to the stomach than ibuprofen. Because of this, ibuprofen may be recommended over aspirin for conditions such as back or dental pain. However, either drug (or any NSAID) may cause stomach trouble. If you are going to take aspirin or ibuprofen, you may want to ask your healthcare provider whether you should also take a medicine to help protect your stomach. For example, a <\/span>proton pump inhibitor<\/span><\/a> such as <\/span>Nexium<\/span><\/a> (esomeprazole) is sometimes used to lower the risk of developing a stomach ulcer from NSAID medication in adults who are at risk for developing a stomach ulcer (for example, adults who are 60 years and older and\/or who have a history of stomach ulcers or other risk factors as determined by the healthcare provider).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most effective medication for you can only be determined by your healthcare provider, who can take into account your age, medical history, symptoms, and any medications you already take that may interact with aspirin or ibuprofen. Some people cannot take either aspirin or ibuprofen due to certain health conditions or drug interactions. In this case, the healthcare provider may recommend Tylenol (acetaminophen) or another medication.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Ibuprofen with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tIbuprofen 800 mg (30 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Walmart\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$2.76\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Walmart\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$2.76\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Ibuprofen prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Coverage and cost comparison of aspirin vs. ibuprofen<\/span><\/h2>\n

As OTC drugs, <\/span>aspirin<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> are typically not covered by commercial insurance plans or Medicare Part D plans. However, there may be exceptions, such as in certain state Medicaid plans. However, prescription-strength ibuprofen is generally covered by insurance and Medicare prescription plans. You can always use a SingleCare card to save on your ibuprofen prescription. If, however, you want to save on the over-the-counter (OTC) version of aspirin or ibuprofen, you are welcome to use the free SingleCare card\u2014accompanied by a prescription from your healthcare professional, which is needed for the pharmacy to process the discount.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With <\/span>SingleCare savings<\/span><\/a>, you can reduce your out-of-pocket cost for low-dose aspirin from about $20 to around $11. Or, if you are getting prescription-strength ibuprofen, you can use a free <\/span>SingleCare card<\/span><\/a> to reduce the cost from about $76 to as low as $3. Your pharmacist can help you compare prices and save the most money.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Coverage and cost of aspirin vs. ibuprofen<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAspirin<\/b><\/td>\nIbuprofen<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRx strength is typically covered; OTC is not<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRx strength is typically covered; OTC is not<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n90, 81 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n30, 800 mg tablets (Rx strength)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$11 at Kroger or Harris Teeter\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$3 at Walmart<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Side effects of aspirin vs. ibuprofen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Common side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common side effects of both aspirin and <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n