Aleve vs. Advil: What's the Difference?

Comparing Two Popular NSAIDs Used to Treat Pain

Aleve and Advil are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Advil is a short-acting drug, while Aleve is longer-acting. Advil seems to cause fewer stomach issues, while Aleve carries a lower risk of heart attack and stroke compared to other NSAIDs. Advil is recommended for children under 12 years old.

This article explores the similarities and differences between Aleve and Advil. It includes information about the products, dosage, and any side effects.

Advil vs. Aleve
Verywell / Jessica Olah

Aleve vs. Advil: What Are the Similarities?

Aleve and Advil are both NSAIDs used to reduce fever and relieve pain from minor aches and pains. Aleve and Advil work in the same way: inhibiting (blocking) enzymes commonly known as COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved with inflammation processes in the body.

Aleve and Advil are sold over the counter (OTC), which means they don't require a prescription. They are similarly effective at relieving a variety of types of pain, including:

The main target of both drugs is COX-2, but they also inhibit COX-1, which isn't desirable.

COX-1 maintains the normal lining of the stomach, so inhibiting it can cause digestive tract symptoms, like ulcers and upset stomach. COX-1 also is involved with kidney and blood platelet function. This means there can be side effects such as bleeding and impaired kidney function.

Side effects of both drugs can include:

  • Stomach upset
  • Heartburn
  • Reflux
  • Fluid retention or edema
  • Increased blood pressure

Do not take Advil or Aleve if you have kidney problems.

Aleve vs. Advil: What Are the Differences?

Advil is a shorter-acting drug, so you may need to take it every 4 to 6 hours if your pain has not subsided. Aleve is longer-acting. One OTC dose of Aleve typically lasts up to 12 hours. There are several differences between the two NSAIDs, including these key ones.

Active Ingredients

Each Advil tablet contains 200 milligrams (mg) of ibuprofen, its active ingredient. Each Aleve tablet contains 220 mg of its active ingredient, naproxen sodium.

Dosing

The drugs have different dosing instructions because the effects of Advil last for four to eight hours, while Aleve lasts for eight to 12 hours. Advil starts working more quickly, but doesn't last as long as Aleve.

  • Advil: Adults and children 12 years of age and older can take 200 milligrams to 400 milligrams every four to six hours while symptoms last. You should not exceed six 200-milligram tablets in 24 hours unless directed by a healthcare provider. Advil is available in tablet, caplet, and gelcap for adults, as a liquid for infants, and as chewable tablets or liquid for young children.
  • Aleve: Take one 220 milligram tablet every eight to 12 hours while symptoms last. For the first dose, you can take two Aleve within the first hour. You should not take more than two Aleve in any eight to 12-hour period. You should not take more than three Aleve in any 24-hour period and should not be given to children under 12 unless directed by a healthcare provider. Aleve is available in tablet, caplet, gelcap, and liquid form.

Side Effects

Advil is favored for people who have ulcers or acid reflux disease. Aleve is more likely to cause pseudoporphyria, a type of sensitivity to light where the medication is activated by sunlight and causes damage to the skin that can look and feel like a sunburn or a rash. Once the medication is discontinued, the skin reaction resolves.

Aleve vs. Advil: Is One Safer for the Heart?

The FDA warned about increased heart attack and stroke risk with all NSAIDs, including Aleve and Advil, in 2015. Other cardiovascular effects could include increased blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and palpitations.

Further research has looked for differences in heart safety between Aleve and Advil. More research is needed, but there are several studies that suggest the naproxen found in Aleve is linked to a lower cardiovascular risk.

Aleve vs. Advil: Which Is Better for Children?

Advil is the most widely used NSAID for the treatment of inflammation, mild-to-moderate pain and fever in children, and is the only NSAID approved for use in children aged 3 months and older.

Although there are some situations when your child's healthcare provider may recommend Aleve, there is more supporting data for using Advil so it is more likely to be recommended. 

Can You Take Them Together?

Taking Advil and Aleve together is not recommended. The risk of side effects and adverse events increases if both are taken together. You should stick to taking one or the other, and only as directed, using the lowest effective dose.

Summary

Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They relieve pain in similar ways, but both can also lead to stomach ulcers, increased bleeding risk, and other problems.

Advil works more quickly, but for a shorter time. Advil seems to cause fewer stomach issues, while Aleve carries a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. The two medications should not be used together.

Both drugs are available without a prescription. However, as with most drugs, it's a good idea to contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Additional Reading
Carol Eustice

By Carol Eustice
Carol Eustice is a writer who covers arthritis and chronic illness. She is the author of "The Everything Health Guide to Arthritis."