Ibuprofen vs. Diclofenac

See how Ibuprofen and Diclofenac compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Ibuprofen and diclofenac are both NSAIDs used for pain, inflammation, and arthritis, but ibuprofen is available over the counter while diclofenac requires a prescription for oral use.

  • Diclofenac is dosed once, twice, or three times daily depending on the formulation, while ibuprofen typically needs dosing every 4 to 6 hours.

  • Both carry boxed warnings for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, and diclofenac carries additional warnings for liver injury and serious skin reactions.

Ibuprofen vs. Diclofenac Drug Summary

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a propionic acid NSAID used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever from conditions like arthritis and menstrual cramps. It comes as an over-the-counter or prescription tablet, capsule, or liquid, usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Diclofenac

Diclofenac is an NSAID used to relieve pain and inflammation from arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute injuries. It is available by prescription as a delayed-release tablet, taken once, twice, or three times daily depending on the dose.

Ibuprofen vs. Diclofenac Side Effects

Ibuprofen

Most common
nausea (3-9%)
dyspepsia (3-9%)
epigastric pain (1-3%)
heartburn (1-3%)

Diclofenac

Most common
diarrhea (1-10%)
headache (7%)
dizziness (3%)
liver enzymes (about 2%)

Ibuprofen vs. Diclofenac Dosage

Ibuprofen

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 400 mg every 4-6 hours At the start
Maximum dose 300-800 mg 3-4x daily If needed
Dose changes 1 increase As tolerated

Diclofenac

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 50 mg two-three x daily At the start
Maximum dose 150 mg/day maximum If needed
Dose changes 3 increases As tolerated

Ibuprofen vs. Diclofenac Indications

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is FDA-approved for several forms of arthritis, mild to moderate pain, menstrual cramps, and fever. It is sold over the counter at lower doses and by prescription at higher doses for more significant inflammation.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Mild to moderate pain

  • Primary dysmenorrhea

  • Fever reduction

Diclofenac

Diclofenac is FDA-approved for arthritis pain, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain, and menstrual cramps. Unlike ibuprofen, it is only available by prescription in oral form, though a topical gel version is sold over the counter.

  • Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation

  • Rheumatoid arthritis pain and inflammation

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

  • Mild to moderate acute pain

  • Primary dysmenorrhea

Ibuprofen vs. Diclofenac Pros and Cons

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen has decades of use as both an over-the-counter and prescription NSAID, with a well-established safety profile at typical doses. Like all NSAIDs it carries boxed warnings for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, but its OTC availability and low cost make it accessible for everyday pain.

Pros

  • Available over the counter without a prescription

  • Lower typical list price than diclofenac, roughly $4 to $25 per month versus $7 to $110

  • Long track record of use since 1974 with well-established dosing

  • Approved for use in children as well as adults

Cons

  • Needs to be taken every 4 to 6 hours for continued relief

  • Not approved for ankylosing spondylitis

  • Only available as oral tablets, capsules, or liquid, no topical or injectable options

  • Generally considered less potent for inflammation than diclofenac at standard doses

Diclofenac

Diclofenac offers more convenient once- or twice-daily dosing and covers additional conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. It requires a prescription for oral use and carries added risks of liver injury and serious skin reactions not emphasized for ibuprofen.

Pros

  • Only needs to be taken once or twice a day for maintenance dosing

  • Approved for ankylosing spondylitis in addition to other arthritis types

  • Available in topical gel, ophthalmic, and injectable forms beyond oral tablets

  • Topical 1% gel is available over the counter for localized pain

Cons

  • Higher typical list price than ibuprofen, roughly $7 to $110 per month

  • Carries added risk of liver injury including severe hepatotoxicity

  • Carries risk of serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome

  • Not approved for use in children

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.