Naproxen vs Ibuprofen: Which is Better For You

Naproxen and Ibuprofen fall under the category of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). They are pain relievers available over the counter, making them a highly popular choice because you do not need a prescription. 

Although these painkillers are similar, they also have a few differences when it comes to use, dosage, and time of effectiveness. Read on to learn more about them and determine the best pain reliever for your needs. 

Naproxen vs Ibuprofen comparison

The key differences between Naproxen and Ibuprofen are listed below for a quick glance. 

Naproxen vs Ibuprofen uses

Naproxen and Ibuprofen have many common uses as both are NSAIDs and relieve pain. However, some of the uses can be different. 

Naproxen uses

Naproxen is FDA-approved for:

• Acute gout
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Bursitis
• Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Pain
• Primary dysmenorrhea

Some of the off-label uses are:

• Treating acute migraine
• Migraine prophylaxis
• Preventing chronic migraine

To learn about the indications in detail, read What is Naproxen used for.

Ibuprofen uses

Ibuprofen is FDA-approved for:

• Inflammatory diseases
• Rheumatoid disorders
• Mild to moderate pain
• Migraine
• Osteoarthritis
• Fever reduction
• Primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods) 

Some of the off-label uses are:

• Acute gout flare
• Pericarditis

Naproxen vs Ibuprofen: Which is more effective

Both Naproxen and Ibuprofen are equally effective in relieving pain. They have similar anti-inflammatory properties and fall under the category of nonselective NSAIDs. It means they block COX-2 enzymes which are involved in inflammation and pain signaling, as well as COX-1 enzymes related to protecting the stomach lining. So, they not only effectively relieve pain but also cause stomach-related side effects. 

Naproxen vs Ibuprofen dosage

Naproxen and Ibuprofen are available as Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, at WowRx. So you do not need any prescriptions for them. The maximum OTC dosage for Ibuprofen should not exceed 1200 mg a day. For OTC Naproxen, the adult dosage is 660 mg a day. In case of prescription, a doctor can recommend a maximum dosage of 1500 mg for Naproxen and 3200 mg of Ibuprofen.

You can buy Brufen 400 mg at cheaper rates from WowRx. 

Which lasts longer Naproxen or Ibuprofen

Naproxen lasts longer than Ibuprofen. It lasts for eight to twelve hours and is usually given twice daily. It is also available as an extended-release tablet, which lasts all day. On the other hand, Ibuprofen is a short-acting NSAID that is taken every four to six hours. 

Naproxen vs Ibuprofen: Which works faster

Naproxen works in about one hour for you to start feeling better. On the other hand, Ibuprofen works faster, and you will see the improvement in 20 to 30 minutes. However, it also lasts less, and you will need to take it every four to six hours, while Naproxen can give long-lasting relief for nearly twelve hours. 

You can buy Naprosyn 500 at WowRx at reasonable prices. 

Naproxen vs Ibuprofen for children

Ibuprofen can be used for children starting from three months old with a doctor’s prescription. Mostly, OTC (non-prescribed) Ibuprofen can be used after seven years of age. It is recommended for children as it is available as liquid and chewable tablets. Other tablets are suitable for children aged 12 and over. 

On the other hand, Naproxen should not be given to children under 12 years without a doctor’s prescription. In some cases, it can be prescribed for muscle and bone disorders, joint pain, and period pain for children under 15. 

Which is safer for your gut

Ibuprofen has a marginally lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as ulcers and bleeding than Naproxen. This does not mean that Ibuprofen does not or will not cause any gastrointestinal side effects. 

So, it is best to use NSAIDs in low doses for short periods only. You should consult a doctor for better alternatives or guidance if you need to use NSAIDs for a long time. 

Which is safer overall Naproxen or Ibuprofen

Naproxen and Ibuprofen are almost similar in side effects and risks like acute kidney injury, heart diseases, and chances of stroke. Although an FDA report in 2014 found that Naproxen has a lower or neutral risk of cardiovascular diseases when compared to other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, more studies are required to come to a conclusion. 

So, neither of the two is less or more safe considering all the side effects. 

Naproxen vs Ibuprofen interactions

Naproxen and Ibuprofen have nearly similar interactions as both are NSAIDs. So, they can interact with:

• Alcohol, causing stomach ulcer bleeding
• Blood thinners like Warfarin increasing the risk of bleeding
• ACE inhibitors (high blood pressure or heart problem medications)  causing kidney failure or stopping them from working
• Other NSAIDs increasing the risk of side effects 

Naproxen and Ibuprofen together

You should not use two NSAIDs like Naproxen and Ibuprofen together until your doctor prescribes them. They have similar side effects like stomach aches and increasing risk of kidney and heart problems. So, taking them together can double the risk. 

Conclusion

Naproxen and Ibuprofen are non-selective NSAIDs. So, they have similar pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also used to treat similar medical conditions like Primary dysmenorrhea, Osteoarthritis, and Migraine. Despite this, they have a few differences. 

Naproxen is a long-lasting painkiller that works for 8-12 hours but takes an hour to show effect, while Ibuprofen works in 20-30 minutes but lasts for only 4-6 hours. When it comes to an option with lesser gastrointestinal side effects, Ibuprofen is slightly better than Naproxen and can also be given to children above seven without a prescription. 

Overall, none of the two is less or more safe as they can increase the risk of kidney and heart diseases. For long-term use and heavy dosage, you should always consult a doctor to minimize risk and experience fast and lasting relief. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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