Naproxen vs Ibuprofen Comparison Table
| Feature | Naproxen | Ibuprofen |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drug Class | NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) | NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) |
| 2. Onset of Action | Slower (within 1 hour) | Faster (within 30 minutes) |
| 3. Duration of Action | Longer (up to 12 hours) | Shorter (4–6 hours) |
| 4. Dosing Frequency | 2 times daily | 3–4 times daily |
| 5. Typical Adult Dose | 250–500 mg twice daily | 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours |
| 6. Maximum Daily Dose | 1250 mg (OTC); up to 1500 mg under doctor supervision | 1200 mg (OTC); up to 3200 mg under doctor supervision |
| 7. Prescription vs OTC | Available as both | Available as both |
| 8. GI Side Effects Risk | Slightly higher risk of ulcers | Lower risk compared to naproxen |
| 9. Cardiovascular Risk | Lower than ibuprofen | Higher cardiovascular risk |
| 10. Anti-inflammatory Effect | Stronger | Weaker compared to naproxen |
| 11. Pain Relief Effect | Stronger for chronic pain | Better for quick, short-term pain relief |
| 12. Common Indications | Arthritis, menstrual cramps, gout | Headache, toothache, minor injury |
| 13. Children’s Use | Generally not recommended under age 12 | Approved for use in children 6 months+ (under guidance) |
| 14. Half-life | 12–17 hours | 2–4 hours |
| 15. Formulations Available | Tablet, gel, suspension | Tablet, gel, suspension, chewable, IV |
| 16. Kidney Risk | Present (avoid in kidney disease) | Present (also avoid in kidney disease) |
| 17. Pregnancy Use | Not recommended in 3rd trimester | Not recommended in 3rd trimester |
| 18. Contraindications | Peptic ulcer, bleeding disorders, aspirin allergy | Asthma, GI bleeding, aspirin allergy |
| 19. Warnings Signs | Stomach pain, black stools, chest pain | Stomach upset, shortness of breath, high BP |
| 20. Drug Interactions | Warfarin, SSRIs, ACE inhibitors | Warfarin, lithium, methotrexate |
Indications (Both)
| Condition | Naproxen | Ibuprofen |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relief |  Strong |
Moderate |
| Inflammation (e.g., arthritis) | Very effective |
Mild to moderate |
| Menstrual cramps | Preferred |
Common |
| Fever |  Less common use |
Very common |
| Gout | Yes |
 Less effective |
Contraindications (Both)
-
Naproxen & Ibuprofen should not be used in:
-
History of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding
-
Kidney or liver failure
-
Aspirin allergy
-
Heart failure or recent heart attack
-
Pregnancy (especially 3rd trimester)
-
Typical Dosages
| Drug | Adult Dose | Max Dose (OTC) | Max Dose (Rx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naproxen | 250–500 mg every 12 hours | 1250 mg/day | Up to 1500 mg/day |
| Ibuprofen | 200–400 mg every 4–6 hrs | 1200 mg/day | Up to 3200 mg/day |
Warning Signs for Both Drugs
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Stomach pain, ulcers, or black/tarry stools
-
Nausea or vomiting blood
-
Shortness of breath or chest pain
-
High blood pressure
-
Swelling in legs or weight gain
-
Ringing in ears
-
Severe rash or allergic reaction
Which One is Best and Safe?
| Category | Better Option | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term pain | Ibuprofen | Faster onset, shorter half-life, lower GI risk |
| Chronic inflammation | Naproxen | Longer duration, stronger anti-inflammatory effect |
| Heart safety | Naproxen | Lower cardiovascular risk |
| GI safety | Ibuprofen | Lower risk of ulcers with short-term use |
| Children use | Ibuprofen | Approved for pediatric use above 6 months |
| Convenience | Naproxen | Less frequent dosing (twice daily) |
Conclusion:
Ibuprofen is better for short-term, mild pain or fever, especially in children.
Naproxen is safer and more effective for chronic conditions like arthritis, due to its longer duration and anti-inflammatory strength.
Always consult a doctor before long-term use or if you have heart, kidney, or stomach issues.
