What is the Difference Between Aleve and Ibuprofen?

Aleve and ibuprofen are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for pain relief, but they have some differences in their duration of action and potential side effects. Here are the main differences between Aleve and ibuprofen:

• Duration of Action: Ibuprofen is a short-acting NSAID, making it better suited for the treatment of acute pain. In contrast, Aleve is a long-acting NSAID, making it more appropriate for the treatment of chronic conditions.
• Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Aleve is more likely to cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects than ibuprofen because it has a longer duration of action.
• Effectiveness: Both Aleve and ibuprofen are nonselective NSAIDs, blocking COX-2 enzymes and providing pain relief and inflammation reduction. As far as effectiveness goes, 440 mg of Aleve is approximately equivalent to 400 mg of ibuprofen.
• Appropriate Usage for Children: Ibuprofen is the most appropriate NSAID for children, while Aleve is not recommended for this age group.
• Active Ingredients: The active ingredient in Aleve is naproxen, while the active ingredient in ibuprofen is, well, ibuprofen.

No matter which medication is used, it is crucial to pay careful attention to dosing and follow the recommendations on the product label. Additionally, it is essential to read the list of ingredients in all medications a child is receiving to avoid overdose or interaction issues.

Comparative Table: Aleve vs Ibuprofen

Here is a table comparing the differences between Aleve and Ibuprofen:

Both Aleve and Ibuprofen are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. Although they are similar in many ways, there are differences in their duration of action, effectiveness, and risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Aleve is more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects due to its long-acting nature, while ibuprofen is better suited for treating acute pain.