Motrin (ibuprofen) vs. Naproxen (anaprox)

• Are Ibuprofen and Naproxen the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Ibuprofen?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Naproxen?
• What is Ibuprofen?
• What is Naproxen?
• What Drugs Interact with Ibuprofen?
• What Drugs Interact with Naproxen?
• How Should Ibuprofen Be Taken?
• How Should Naproxen Be Taken?

Motrin (ibuprofen) and Naprosyn (naproxen) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) indicated for relief of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation, and for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Motrin and Naprosyn are available over-the-counter (OTC) and in generic form.

A difference is that in general, a dose Motrin is taken every 4 to 6 hours, while a dose of Naprosyn is taken every 8 to 12 hours.

Common side effects of Ibuprofen include:

• stomach pain,
• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• bloating,
• gas,
• heartburn,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• skin itching or rash,
• blurred vision, or
• ringing in the ears.

Other side effects of Motrin may occur. Consult your physician if you experience any possible side effects of Motrin.

Common side effects of Naproxen include:

• heartburn,
• stomach or abdominal pain,
• upset stomach,
• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• bloating,
• gas,
• dizziness,
• nervousness,
• skin rash,
• headache,
• blurred vision,
• ringing in your ears, and
• itching.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, for relief of mild to moderate pain, and for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. A generic formulation is available.

Naproxen is considered a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is used for pain management for many diseases, arthritic diseases, and inflammatory diseases such as tendonitis, bursitis, and gout.

Ibuprofen may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Naproxen may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners, lithium, methotrexate, diuretics (water pills), steroids, aspirin or other NSAIDs, or heart or blood pressure medications. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Naprosyn may cause premature closing of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus and does enter breast milk; avoidance of the drug in pregnant and breastfeeding women is suggested.

The recommended dose of Motrin should be adjusted to suit individual patients needs but should not exceed 3200 mg in the total daily dose. Use of alcohol and smoking could increase side effects. Safe use of Motrin for use by children has not been established. It is not known whether ibuprofen is harmful to an unborn baby.

Naproxen is available in several doses and drug configurations; Naproxen tablets with strengths of 250, 375 and 500 mg and as an oral suspension containing 125 mg Naproxen per 5 ml of liquid, EC-Naproxen (delayed release to reduce gastric irritation) with strengths of 375 and 500 mg, Anaprox in 275 mg tablets, Anaprox DS in 550 mg tablets. Almost all Naproxen drugs are recommended to be dosed twice per day (every 12 hours) with children's doses (strength in mg per Kg) based on the child's weight, also twice a day with a maximum dose of 15 mg per Kg per day.