ibuprofen vs naproxen
Side-by-side comparison of ibuprofen and naproxen Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Ibuprofen is a drug that can reduce pain and fever. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs.
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It helps reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Ibuprofen can help with minor aches and pains. You can use it for headaches, toothaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches. It can also help with the common cold, minor arthritis pain, and fever.
Naproxen is used to relieve pain and inflammation. You can use it for arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It also treats ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Naproxen can help with tendonitis, bursitis, gout, menstrual cramps, and general pain.
Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body. It blocks the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation and pain signals.
Naproxen works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. It blocks the production of prostaglandins. These substances contribute to the symptoms of pain, swelling, and fever.
- • Nausea
- • Headache
- • Diarrhea
- • Vomiting
- • Dizziness
- • Heartburn
- • Abdominal pain
- • Nausea
- • Constipation
- • Diarrhea
- Drug not working 24,339
- Pain 18,851
- Tiredness 17,869
- Feeling sick to your stomach 17,349
- Headache 15,814
- The medicine did not work 9,822
- Pain 8,756
- Tiredness 7,338
- Joint pain 7,244
- Feeling sick to your stomach 7,063
NSAIDs like ibuprofen may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. NSAIDs also increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.
Naproxen may increase your risk of serious heart problems like heart attack or stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may happen early in treatment and increases with longer use. You should not take naproxen if you are having heart bypass surgery. Naproxen can also increase your risk of serious stomach and intestine problems, including bleeding, ulcers, and holes, which can be fatal. These problems can occur without warning. Elderly people are at higher risk.
Ask a doctor before using if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. NSAIDs like ibuprofen may cause harm to the fetus.
Using naproxen after 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause kidney problems in the unborn baby, leading to low amniotic fluid. Avoid using naproxen at 30 weeks of pregnancy or later because it can cause the baby's heart to close too early. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Also Compare — Nearby Drugs
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How to Read This ibuprofen vs naproxen Comparison
ibuprofen is classified in the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) drug class, while naproxen sits within the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory — but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are available over the counter.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, ibuprofen has 94,222 submissions while naproxen has 40,223. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between ibuprofen and naproxen — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.