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
Diclofenac
Ibuprofen vs. Diclofenac Dosage
Ibuprofen
Diclofenac
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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
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