{"id":634336,"date":"2025-11-13T19:20:07","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T00:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634336"},"modified":"2025-11-13T19:20:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T00:20:07","slug":"is-naproxen-stronger-than-ibuprofen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-naproxen-stronger-than-ibuprofen\/","title":{"rendered":"Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen-sodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naproxen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are part of a class of drugs called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/nsaids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (NSAIDs)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are drugs used to treat symptoms of pain, swelling (inflammation), and fever. Some <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are available only by prescription, others only <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over the counter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and some are available in both lower doses <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over the counter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher doses<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by prescription, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You may wonder: is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen-sodium\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stronger than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ibuprofen\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? The answer is that they are similar in that they can both treat similar conditions associated with pain, fever, and swelling. However, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lasts longer (up to 12 hours), while <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lasts for a shorter time (up to six to eight hours).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"is-naproxen-stronger-than-ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stronger than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15229960\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> compared <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> doses of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">osteoarthritis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the knee. The researchers found that both medicines were effective in relieving symptoms of knee pain in patients with mild to moderate <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">osteoarthritis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was found to be slightly more effective than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, particularly in reducing nighttime pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31402718\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> compared the efficacy of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in managing dental pain after surgery. In this study, researchers found that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pain relief<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lasted longer with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and fewer people who took <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> required stronger rescue medication for breakthrough pain compared to those who took <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on  Naproxen with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t Naproxen 500 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-kroger.svg\" alt=\"Kroger Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$7.34<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-harristeeter.svg\" alt=\"Harris Teeter Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$7.34<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See  Naproxen prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arthritis.org\/drug-guide\/nsaids\/nsaids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arthritis Foundation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, drugs in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAID<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for personalized <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical advice<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as they can take into account your full medical history when recommending a treatment for your condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-forms-are-they-available-in-and-which-lasts-longer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What forms are they available in, and which lasts longer?<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"naproxen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naproxen<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (also known as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen sodium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), available under <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brand names<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/aleve-vs-ibuprofen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aleve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/anaprox-ds\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaprox DS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as well as in its generic form, is available as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral tablets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral capsules<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral delayed-release tablets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral extended-release tablets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral suspension (liquid)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A typical dose of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 250 to 500 mg by mouth twice daily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the formulation, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ibuprofen<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is available under <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brand names<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-motrin-same-as-ibuprofen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motrin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-advil-ibuprofen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as well as generic forms, and is available as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral suspension (liquid)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral drops<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chewable<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tablets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral tablets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injection\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ibuprofen\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A typical dose<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dose of ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 400 to 800 mg by mouth every 6 hours (maximum 3,200 mg per day).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the formulation, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it may take several weeks to notice the full benefits of this medicine with some inflammatory conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"which-is-better-for-kids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which is better for kids?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although prescription forms of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be used in children, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> version of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is only <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=02941928-128a-2c88-e063-6294a90ac6ba\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-approved<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for use in adults and adolescents 12 years and older. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, on the other hand, offers various <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over-the-counter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> formulations for children and toddlers as young as six months old. Because of this, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare providers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may recommend using <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (rather than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) in toddlers and children under 12 years of age.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"which-is-safer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which is safer?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have similar <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as nausea, stomach pain, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">upset stomach<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heartburn<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medications-that-cause-constipation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and dizziness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, both drugs also have potential <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. All <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/black-box-warning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boxed warning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (the strongest warning required by the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The warning, which applies to both <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, states:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, can increase the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">risk of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cardiac-arrest-vs-heart-attack\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart attack<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/signs-of-a-stroke\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stroke<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can be life-threatening.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should not be taken right before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, or after a recent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart attack<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can increase the risk of bleeding, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/ulcer-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stomach ulcers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (sores), and perforation (holes) in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, which can be life-threatening. (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare providers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may recommend taking your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAID<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> along with food and\/or medicine such as an antacid or a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/proton-pump-inhibitors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">proton pump <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inhibitor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/omeprazole\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">omeprazole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help reduce the risk of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gastrointestinal<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, people who have had any type of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reaction<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAID<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as hives or asthma, should not take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are not usually recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and should be avoided after 30 weeks of pregnancy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause other serious problems in rare cases, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious skin or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reactions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which could be life-threatening<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney problems<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kidney disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kidney damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hypertension-treatments-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of heart-related risks, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is generally considered to have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5340840\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lower risk<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cardiovascular<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> problems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, both drugs still carry a warning about potential <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cardiovascular<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> risks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is typically associated with a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lower risk<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8002800\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gastrointestinal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> problems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, although they both have the same warnings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of these potential risks, it\u2019s always best to consult your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for personalized <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical advice<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Be sure your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> knows your full medical history, including <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic conditions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, allergies to medication, and all of the medicines you take. This includes vitamins, supplements, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drugs, and prescription drugs, including if you take <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/diuretics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diuretics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (water pills), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood thinners<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or medicines for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high blood pressure<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or heart problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-do-the-prescription-forms-differ-from-the-otc-options\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do the prescription forms differ from the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> options?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For both drugs, prescription forms are available in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher doses<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over-the-counter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The highest <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dose is 220 mg per tablet, while the highest prescription dose is 550 mg per tablet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The highest <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dose is 200 mg per tablet, while the highest prescription dose is 800 mg per tablet.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescription forms of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are available in both immediate-release and extended-release versions, while the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> versions are immediate-release only. All forms of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are immediate-release.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and prescription formulations have different approved uses. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=02941928-128a-2c88-e063-6294a90ac6ba\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aleve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be used for fever, minor arthritis pain, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle aches<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">back pain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">menstrual cramps<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, headache, toothache, and the common cold. On the other hand, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription-strength<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d90378ef-c513-4471-a132-49720ac5d3a3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-approved<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the following conditions: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/osteoarthritis-vs-rheumatoid-arthritis\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">osteoarthritis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/ankylosing-spondylitis-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, acute <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/gout-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gout<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, pain, and menstrual cramps.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5be198b8-396e-4b44-8819-e2e3b5d2ad0e\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has the same uses as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aleve<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescription-strength<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> versions of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be used to treat <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">osteoarthritis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, mild to moderate pain, and menstrual pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"naproxen-and-ibuprofen-vs-other-otc-pain-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vs. other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pain medications<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that we have talked about <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, what about other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pain medications<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tylenol<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and aspirin?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tylenol<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contains the active ingredient <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=11e6ec2a-5171-4496-a15f-6ff744bd1f2f\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-tylenol-an-nsaid\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">analgesic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pain reliever<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) rather than an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAID<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is because <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ibuprofen-vs-tylenol\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> helps lower fever and provides <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pain relief<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but it does not help with inflammation or swelling, whereas <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treat pain, fever, and swelling. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tylenol<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be used to treat many similar symptoms to those of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as those associated with colds, headaches, minor arthritis pain, toothaches, and fevers, among others. There is no prescription version of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tylenol<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, although the active ingredient in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tylenol<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetaminophen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, can be found in combination with various <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/opioids#:~:text=Many%20opioids%20are%20available%20generically,opioids%20are%20much%20more%20costly.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">opioid <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pain medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/endocet-vs-percocet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Percocet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which contains the opioid <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">painkiller<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> oxycodone along with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetaminophen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f7a5d612-443c-4701-ad3b-8eb53c87bece\"><b>Aspirin<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAID<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It can be used to treat minor aches and pains, as well as inflammation and fever.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you take an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAID<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, regardless of which <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAID<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you take, some risks come with these medications, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased risk<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cardiovascular<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> problems and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gastrointestinal bleeding<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ulcers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and perforation. Therefore, it is recommended that you always take the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Consult your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the best treatment option for your condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are both <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that are available both <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over-the-counter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher doses<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by prescription. Both medications are effective in treating similar conditions, including pain, fever, and inflammation. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> typically provides longer-lasting relief, lasting up to 12 hours, compared to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is more <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">short-acting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and lasts up to six to eight hours. Consult your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for more information and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical advice<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about your condition.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":137,"featured_media":634337,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[808],"coauthors":[10668],"class_list":["post-634336","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-pain-management","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs used for pain, fever, and inflammation. 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