Is naproxen ibuprofen? Understanding the Difference Between These Common Pain Relievers

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While both naproxen and ibuprofen are widely used over-the-counter pain relievers, they are not the same medication. Both are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce inflammation and pain, but they have key differences in how quickly they work and how long their effects last. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice for your specific needs.

Quick Summary

Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs, but they are different drugs with distinct characteristics. The main differences lie in their duration of action and typical dosing schedules. Naproxen is longer-acting, while ibuprofen is faster-acting but shorter-lived.

Key Points

Not the Same Drug: Naproxen and ibuprofen are distinct medications, although they belong to the same drug class of NSAIDs.
Mechanism of Action: Both work by blocking COX enzymes to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.
Duration is Key: Naproxen is longer-acting (up to 12 hours), while ibuprofen is shorter-acting (4-6 hours).
Administration Differences: Naproxen is taken less frequently due to its longer half-life, whereas ibuprofen may require more frequent administration.
Common Indications: Both are effective for headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis, but naproxen is better for chronic pain and ibuprofen for acute pain.
Shared Side Effects: Both carry similar risks of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects, which increase with higher amounts or prolonged use.
Not to Be Combined: You should never take naproxen and ibuprofen at the same time to avoid an increased risk of side effects.
Lower Cardiovascular Risk: Some studies suggest that at moderate amounts, naproxen may have a lower cardiovascular risk profile compared to higher amounts of ibuprofen.

Understanding the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Class

To understand the differences between naproxen and ibuprofen, it's helpful to first recognize their similarities. Both belong to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that contribute to inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. By blocking these enzymes, both drugs effectively reduce these symptoms.

Because they operate on the same mechanism, both naproxen (commonly known by the brand name Aleve) and ibuprofen (known by brand names like Advil and Motrin) are effective treatments for similar ailments. This includes headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, joint pain, fever, and the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. While they are not the same, their shared function as NSAIDs is the reason they are used for many of the same conditions.

Duration of Action: A Key Distinction

The most significant difference between naproxen and ibuprofen is their half-life, or how long they remain active in the body.

Ibuprofen: This is a shorter-acting NSAID, with a half-life of around 1.8 to 2.4 hours. It provides faster pain relief, typically starting to work within 20 to 30 minutes. However, its effects last for a shorter period, generally 4 to 6 hours. This makes ibuprofen suitable for treating acute, short-term pain that requires more frequent administration throughout the day.
Naproxen: Naproxen is a longer-acting drug, boasting a half-life of 12 to 17 hours. While it may take a bit longer to feel its full effect (up to an hour), a single dose provides relief for 8 to 12 hours. This sustained effect makes naproxen a better option for chronic conditions that require longer-lasting pain management, such as arthritis, and can be more convenient for overnight pain relief.

Common Uses and Indications

Although their mechanism is similar, the optimal use case for each can vary based on a person's needs.

Ibuprofen is often recommended for:
- Acute, minor aches and pains, such as headaches, muscle pain, and toothaches.
- Fever reduction.
- Menstrual cramps.
- Ibuprofen is also the preferred NSAID for children over 6 months old and is available in child-friendly forms like liquids and chewable tablets.
Naproxen is often favored for:
- Long-lasting pain, such as that caused by arthritis.
- Conditions requiring sustained anti-inflammatory effects.
- It is generally not recommended for children under 12 years old, but this can vary based on individual circumstances and a doctor's recommendation.

Potential Side Effects and Drug Interactions

As NSAIDs, both medications share a similar profile of potential side effects, with the risk often increasing with higher amounts or prolonged use.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Both can cause stomach upset, heartburn, and nausea. Long-term use or high amounts can lead to more serious issues like stomach bleeding or ulcers. Some research suggests naproxen may have a slightly higher risk of GI side effects due to its longer duration in the body.
Cardiovascular Risks: There is a risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, especially with long-term use of high amounts. Some studies suggest that naproxen may carry a lower risk of such events compared to higher amounts of ibuprofen, but all NSAIDs carry a warning.
Kidney and Liver Problems: Both drugs can cause kidney or liver problems, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Drug Interactions: Neither should be taken with other NSAIDs (including aspirin) to avoid combining effects and increasing risk. Both can also interact with blood thinners and certain blood pressure medications.

Comparing Naproxen and Ibuprofen


Feature	Naproxen (Aleve)	Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Drug Class	Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)	Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Mechanism	Blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to reduce prostaglandins.	Blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to reduce prostaglandins.
Onset of Action	Slower (approximately 1 hour).	Faster (approximately 20-30 minutes).
Duration	Longer-acting (8-12 hours).	Shorter-acting (4-6 hours).
Typical Administration	Taken as directed, often less frequently due to longer action.	Taken as directed, may require more frequent administration.
Best For	Chronic, long-lasting pain (e.g., arthritis, overnight relief).	Acute, short-term pain (e.g., headaches, menstrual cramps).
Use in Children	Generally for ages 12 and up, depending on individual circumstances and doctor's advice.	Approved for children 6 months and older and more widely studied.
Side Effects	GI issues and cardiovascular risks, possibly higher GI risk due to duration.	GI issues and cardiovascular risks, possibly lower GI risk than naproxen.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right NSAID

While naproxen and ibuprofen are both effective NSAIDs for managing pain and inflammation, they are not the same drug. The primary difference lies in their duration of action: ibuprofen provides faster, short-term relief, while naproxen offers longer-lasting relief, making it more convenient for chronic pain. Your choice may depend on the type of pain you're experiencing and your need for sustained relief. Always use the lowest effective amount for the shortest possible time to minimize potential side effects, and never take both medications together. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended, especially for long-term use, pre-existing conditions like heart or kidney disease, or if you take other medications.

Additional Considerations for Safe Use

Food and Alcohol: To reduce the risk of stomach irritation, it is recommended to take either medication with food or milk. It is also important to limit or avoid alcohol consumption, as this can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Existing Conditions: Individuals with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before using NSAIDs.
Prescription vs. OTC: Both medications are available in over-the-counter and higher-strength prescription versions. The best option for you depends on the severity of your condition and your doctor's recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not take naproxen and ibuprofen together. Both are NSAIDs, and combining them increases your risk of side effects, especially gastrointestinal issues, without providing additional pain relief.

When comparing over-the-counter strengths, both naproxen and ibuprofen are generally considered to be of similar effectiveness for pain relief. While naproxen lasts longer, neither is definitively 'stronger' in effect per administration.

Naproxen is often preferred for chronic or long-lasting pain, such as arthritis, because its effects last for 8 to 12 hours, meaning it is taken less frequently. Ibuprofen's shorter duration of 4 to 6 hours makes it better for acute, short-term pain.

Both carry a risk of gastrointestinal side effects like stomach irritation, bleeding, and ulcers. However, some studies suggest that naproxen may pose a slightly higher risk of GI issues due to its longer-acting nature. Taking either medication with food can help mitigate this risk.

No, ibuprofen is generally considered the more appropriate NSAID for children and has been more widely studied in younger age groups. Ibuprofen is approved for children as young as 6 months, while naproxen is typically for ages 12 and up.

While both share a similar range of side effects, such as upset stomach, dizziness, and headache, there can be subtle differences. Naproxen has been noted to potentially cause more drowsiness, while ibuprofen at higher amounts may have a higher cardiovascular risk.

Both can be effective for headaches. For a quick-onset headache, ibuprofen might be preferable due to its faster action. For a headache that you expect to last longer, naproxen could provide more sustained relief.