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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 5, 2024.Aleve and ibuprofen are both used for pain relief. But is one more effective or more likely to cause side effects compared to the other? One of the most important differences between Aleve and ibuprofen is the length of time they act for. Ibuprofen is short-acting and is better suited for the treatment of acute pain, whereas Aleve is long-acting and is used for the treatment of chronic conditions. Aleve is more likely than ibuprofen to cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects because it is longer acting. Ibuprofen is also the most appropriate NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) for children.Aleve is a brand (trade) name for naproxen and ibuprofen is the drug name of a different NSAID (common brand names of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin IB). Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs so they are similar in many ways, but there are important differences.Effectiveness of Aleve and ibuprofenAleve and ibuprofen are called nonselective NSAIDs because they block COX-2 enzymes (involved in pain signaling and inflammation) and also COX-1 enzymes (associated with a protective effect on stomach lining). This makes them effective at relieving pain and reducing inflammation, but there is a risk of stomach-related side effects. As far as effectiveness goes, 440mg Aleve is approximately equivalent to a 400mg ibuprofen.Aleve is Long Acting and ibuprofen is Short ActingIbuprofen is considered a short-acting NSAID, with a relatively quick onset of action. It is better suited for the treatment of acute pain and is the most appropriate NSAID for children. Ibuprofen tablets/capsules need to be given every four to six hours. Aleve is considered long-acting, and can be given twice daily. It has a slower onset of effect and is better suited for the treatment of chronic conditions.Aleve is More Likely to Cause Gastrointestinal Side Effects Because it is Long ActingResearch has discovered that the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects such as stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding increases the longer somebody takes NSAIDS. Aleve is more likely than ibuprofen to cause GI side effects because it is longer acting. To reduce the risk of GI side effects, NSAIDS should only be taken at their lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible time. Doubling up on NSAIDs (for example taking Aleve and ibuprofen at the same time) is unnecessary, and to be avoided as it increases the risk of both GI and cardiovascular side effects. If you are prescribed low-dose aspirin to reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke, then talk to your doctor BEFORE taking NSAIDs, as these may negate the protective effects of aspirin.NSAIDs Increase the Risk Of Cardiovascular Side EffectsAnother worrying side effect of some NSAIDs is an increased
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