Aleve and Ibuprofen are categorized as over-the-counter (OTC) medication that helps relieve any kind of pain for the short term, like back pain, fever, headache, inflammation, and many more types of pain ranging from mild to severe.
They are known to fall under the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Key Takeaways
- Aleve is a brand name for naproxen, whereas ibuprofen is a generic drug sold under various brand names.
- Aleve and ibuprofen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Aleve has a longer duration of action and can be taken less frequently than ibuprofen, which needs to be taken more frequently to maintain its effects.
Aleve vs Ibuprofen
The difference between Aleve and Ibuprofen is the in-taking frequency and dosage difference. As the half-life of Aleve is higher than that of Ibuprofen, it is dosed every 8 to 12 hours of the previous intake, whereas if taking Ibuprofen, then it requires to be taken every 4 to 6 hours of the previous intake.
Aleve is one type of pain-relieving drug manufactured by Bayer and is available for over-the-counter buying options and based on a doctor’s prescription.
It has longer-acting effects as it suppresses the pain for longer hours; thus, it is taken in the time gap of 8 to 12 hours. It can be taken twice a day.
Ibuprofen is a short-term pain-relieving drug that is taken to relieve pain ranging from mild fever and headache to severe pain like migraine, arthritis, and many more.
This medication is most suitable for instantly treating pain and for small children also. Ibuprofen is less likely to cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Aleve | Ibuprofen |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | Naproxen. | Itself is the generic name for Advil and Motrin. |
| Forms | Present in the form of oral capsule and tablet. | Present as a solution, capsule, suspension, chewable tablet. |
| Half-life | 18 hours | 4 hours |
| Approval date (first) | 11th January of 1994 | 19th September of 1974 |
| Manufacturer | Bayer. | Manufactured by many. |
What is Aleve?
Aleve, also known by the generic name Naproxen, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain of all kinds like headaches, osteoarthritis, migraine, fever pain, any other inflammatory pain, and many more.
This medication is easily available over the counter and comes in only two basic forms: oral capsule and tablet.
It is available in 200 mg tablets and in 220 mg oral capsules filled with liquid. The recommended dosage to take is 1 to 2 tablets in the time gap of every 8 to 12 hours after the previous intake.
People with a peptic ulcer history are strictly advised not to take this medication as it comes under the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The reason for the strict denial is due to the high risk of stomach ulcers in such patients. It is also not recommended for people going through any kidney or liver-related problems or ailments.
However, the doctor’s advice is focused on being the most authentic source in any such situation to take this medication.
Apart from these, Aleve is manufactured by a single body and was legally approved on 11th January 1994.
It is suited for treating the chronic condition of severe pains as its effect stays for a longer period.
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is the generic name for the brands Advil and Motrin, which is another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that helps reduce and suppress the pain or aches in the body caused due to any of the reasons osteoarthritis, migraine, fever pain, or any other inflammatory pain.
It was legally approved on 19th September, back in the year 1974.
Ibuprofen can also be bought over the counter or on the strength of the prescription.
It is available in many different forms, such as solution, capsule, suspension, and normal tablets, in a concentration of 200 mg.
It is also available for children in chewable tablets and oral liquid forms.
The recommended dosage is every 4 to 6 hours after the previous intake, as its half-life is up to that hour only.
This medication is also recommended not to be taken by people having any prior peptic ulcer history due to the high risk of having the ulcers again.
People having any history of liver or kidney ailments are advised not to use these medications for relieving pain as they might have severe side effects on the body.
This drug is not manufactured by any single manufacturing body but by several generic brands. It is suited for treating acute condition pain as its effect stays for a shorter period.
Main Differences Between Aleve and Ibuprofen
- The generic name for Aleve is Naproxen; on the other hand, Ibuprofen is the generic name for Advil and Motrin.
- Aleve is present in two forms only which are the oral capsule and the tablets, whereas Ibuprofen is present in several forms like a solution, capsule, suspension, and oral tablets, both chewable and normal ones.
- The half-life of any drug defines the time period in which the drug reduces its plasma concentration to half of the initial original value. The half-life of Aleve is up to 18 hours, whereas the half-life for Ibuprofen is up to 4 hours only.
- Aleve was first approved on the date 11th January of the year 1994, and on the other hand, Ibuprofen was first approved on the date 19th September of the year 1974.
- Aleve is manufactured by a single manufacturer named Bayer, whereas Ibuprofen does not have a single manufacturer, it is manufactured by many generic ones.
- https://meridian.allenpress.com/angle-orthodontist/article/75/5/791/132101/Effects-of-Preoperative-Ibuprofen-and-Naproxen
- https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1984.tb15089.x
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