Naproxen vs. ibuprofen; Naproxen, sold under the brand name Naprosyn among others, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain, menstrual cramps, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and fever. It is consumed orally and is available in immediate and delayed-release formulations. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used in the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation. It may also be used to close a patent ductus arteriosus in a premature baby. It typically begins working within an hour. It may also be used to close a patent ductus arteriosus in a premature baby. Below are some of the striking differences between the two drugs:
So What is the Differences between Naproxen and Ibuprofen?
1. Duration of acting
Naproxen is long-lasting, and ibuprofen is short actin. Ibuprofen 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 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. Naproxen is more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects because it is long-lasting.
2. Level of side effects risks
Naprosyn at dosages of up to 1000mg per day does not appear to be associated with any increased risk of detrimental vascular events, and experts tend to prefer naproxen, for this reason, high dosages of ibuprofen are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Effectiveness
Naprosyn and ibuprofen are called nonselective NSAIDs because they block COX-2 enzymes which involve pain signaling and inflammation, and also COX-1 enzymes associated with a protective effect on the stomach lining. When it comes to effectiveness, 440g of Naprosyn is approximately equivalent to a 400mg ibuprofen hence making them a bit different in effectiveness.
4. Price cost
Ibuprofen is acquired at the lowest price of $7.51 while naproxen is acquired at a higher price of $15.00 making it a bit more expensive than ibuprofen. Naprosyn is generally considered prohibitive when it comes to the cost of acquisition.
5. Dosage forms
Ibuprofen is available in chewable tablets while Naproxen is available in delayed-release pill also extended-release pill. Both available in the form of a suspension and in pills.
6. uses
Ibuprofen is used for headache, toothache, back pain, menstrual cramps, muscle and joint pain, arthritis, fever, migraine prevention, gout, while naproxen is used for arthritis, muscle pain, back pain, menstrual cramps, headache, toothache, inflammation, and fever.
7. Prescription
Ibuprofen dosage instructions state that an individual takes the maximum dose of ibuprofen of 3.2g daily under the care of a physician otherwise the maximum dose is 1.2 daily. An individual should not use ibuprofen for more than 10 days for the treatment of pain or more than 3 days for treatment of fever unless directed by the physician. While in a maximum dose of naproxen, an individual takes 375-500g mg twice daily. However, both should be given with food to reduce upset of the stomach.
8. Safety of use
Ibuprofen is not recommended during pregnancy. It should be avoided in late pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetal heart. While naproxen causes a fatal birth defect which involves early closure of major blood vessels of the heart and lung in the third trimester of pregnancy and it should be avoided during the last part of pregnancy.
9. Frequency of use
How often do I take ibuprofen and naproxen? For ibuprofen, an individual should take it every four to six hours as needed. On the other hand, naproxen is often taken every eight to twelve hours or as prescribed.
10. Duration of reaction
Ibuprofen 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 thus ibuprofen tablets or 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 the effect and is better suited for the treatment of chronic conditions.
