Ibuprofen vs. Naproxen

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

Key Takeaways

  • Both drugs are NSAIDs that relieve pain, fever, and inflammation, but ibuprofen has a shorter half-life while naproxen lasts longer and needs fewer daily doses.

  • Ibuprofen is approved over the counter for infants as young as 6 months, while the OTC version of naproxen (Aleve) is only approved for adults and children 12 and older.

  • Both carry FDA boxed warnings for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, so neither should be used at high doses for long periods without medical supervision.

Ibuprofen vs. Naproxen Drug Summary

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a propionic acid NSAID used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. It's typically taken every 4 to 6 hours, at doses from 200 mg over the counter up to 800 mg by prescription for arthritis.

Naproxen

Naproxen is also a propionic acid NSAID for arthritis, gout, tendonitis, and other pain or inflammation. Its longer half-life means it's usually taken just twice a day, at 250 to 500 mg by prescription or 220 mg over the counter.

Ibuprofen vs. Naproxen Side Effects

Ibuprofen

Most common
Nausea (up to 9%)
Heartburn (up to 3%)
Dizziness (up to 3%)
Dyspepsia (up to 9%)

Naproxen

Most common
Nausea (up to 9%)
Heartburn (up to 9%)
Dizziness (up to 9%)
Abdominal pain (up to 9%)

Ibuprofen vs. Naproxen 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

Naproxen

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 250-500 mg twice daily At the start
Maximum dose Up to 1500 mg/day If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Ibuprofen vs. Naproxen Indications

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, mild to moderate pain, and primary dysmenorrhea, and it is also used to reduce fever. It comes in over-the-counter strengths up to 400 mg and prescription strengths up to 800 mg.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Mild to moderate pain

  • Primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)

  • Fever reduction

Naproxen

Naproxen is FDA-approved for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendonitis, bursitis, acute gout, and mild to moderate pain. An over-the-counter version (Aleve) is approved for minor aches and fever in adults 12 and older.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

  • Acute gout

  • Tendonitis and bursitis

Ibuprofen vs. Naproxen Pros and Cons

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen has a short half-life, so it works quickly but needs to be redosed every 4 to 6 hours. It is sold over the counter for adults and children as young as 6 months, with prescription strengths up to 800 mg for arthritis. It is one of the most widely available NSAIDs in pharmacies and grocery stores.

Pros

  • Works faster for acute pain and fever than naproxen, due to its shorter half-life.

  • Approved over the counter and by prescription for infants as young as 6 months.

  • Available in liquid, chewable, and drop formulations for young children.

  • Decades of use as one of the most studied OTC NSAIDs worldwide.

Cons

  • Needs to be redosed every 4 to 6 hours, more often than naproxen.

  • Not FDA-approved for gout or ankylosing spondylitis, unlike naproxen.

  • Higher OTC doses require closer tracking to avoid exceeding the daily maximum.

Naproxen

Naproxen has a longer half-life, so it only needs to be taken twice a day for most chronic conditions. It carries FDA approval for more conditions than ibuprofen, including gout and ankylosing spondylitis. An extended-release, once-daily naproxen tablet is also available by prescription.

Pros

  • Only needs to be taken twice a day for chronic conditions, thanks to a longer half-life.

  • FDA-approved for more conditions than ibuprofen, including gout and ankylosing spondylitis.

  • An extended-release, once-daily tablet option is available by prescription.

  • Milder GI and nervous system side effects than aspirin in head-to-head trials.

Cons

  • Slower onset than ibuprofen, so it is less ideal for fast relief of sudden pain.

  • OTC version (Aleve) is only approved for adults and children 12 and older.

  • Higher doses (1500 mg/day) are linked to more frequent, more severe GI reactions in trials.

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