Difference Between Aleve and Advil (With Table)

Aleve has naproxen sodium as an active ingredient. And the quantity of naproxen sodium in Aleve is 220 mg. Although, Aleve doesn’t work quickly as Advil. It works up to eight to 12 hours. Moreover, the maximum daily dose for Aleve is 880 mg. An Aleve can be taken up to 2 times in any eight to 12-hour period. However, it may cause a type of sensitivity to light. 

Advil has ibuprofen as an active ingredient. And the quantity of ibuprofen in Advil is 200 mg. Although, Advil works quickly than Advil. It works up to four to eight hours. Moreover, the maximum daily dose for Aleve is 1200 mg. An Advil can be taken two at a time if one is not effective. Advil is beneficial for people who have ulcers or acid reflux diseases.

Comparison Table Between Aleve and Advil 

What is Aleve? 

Aleve is composed of naproxen sodium which is the active ingredient of the drug, It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.  And the quantity of naproxen sodium in Aleve is 220 mg.

Aleve doesn’t work as quickly as Advil but it lasts longer than Advil. It works up to eight to 12 hours. As for dosage, the maximum daily dose for Aleve is 880 mg. And one tablet is suggested to take every four to six hours if symptoms persist. However, the first dose allows taking two tablets together. But, one should not exceed three tablets within 24 hours. 

And as for the side effects, one may experience sensitivity to light. It also can lead to stomach ulcers, increased bleeding risks, and other problems. Additionally, it has a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Aleve is usually prescribed to give relief from minor aches and pain. It may be caused due to these reasons, such as headache, toothache, backache, menstrual cramps, sprains, common cold, muscle aches, and minor arthritis pain. 

Aleve blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes that cause the inflammation process in the body. However, the main target is COX-2, not COX-2 but it inhibits COX-1 also. That results in abnormal digestive tract symptoms. 

One of the main pieces of advice is not to take both Avele and Advil together. 

What is Advil? 

Advil is composed of ibuprofen which is the active ingredient of the drug, It is also a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.  And the quantity of ibuprofen in Advil is 200 mg.

Advil works quickly than Aleve but it doesn’t last longer than Aleve. It works up to four to eight hours. As for dosage, the maximum daily dose for Advil is 1200 mg. And if one tablet is not effective, one can take two tablets together. However, one tablet is advised to take every four to six hours. But, one should not exceed six tablets within 24 hours. 

And as for the side effects, one may experience sensitivity to light. It also can lead to stomach ulcers, increased bleeding risks, and other problems.

Advil is also usually prescribed to give relief from minor aches and pain. The reasons behind the cause of aches and pain are the same as well, such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, backache, sprains, and muscle aches. 

Advil also blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes that cause the inflammation process in the body. However, the main target is COX-2, not COX-2 but it inhibits COX-1 also. That results in abnormal digestive tract symptoms. However, it doesn’t cause higher stomach issues. 

Main Differences Between Aleve and Advil 

Aleve and Advil come under the same class of drugs yet they are very different from each other ranging from composition to working. However, it is not advised to take these medications without a prescription. They seem similar due to the same class. Although, both are used to reduce pain and fever. 

1. Aleve has naproxen sodium as an active ingredient. Meanwhile, Advil has ibuprofen as an active ingredient. 
2.  Aleve contains 220 mg of naproxen sodium, while Advil contains 200 mg of ibuprofen. 
3. Thirdly, Aleve doesn’t work quickly. Meanwhile, Advil works very quickly. 
4.  Aleve works up to eight to 12 hours. In contrast, Advil only works for four to eight hours. 
5. The maximum daily dose for Aleve is 880 mg, while the maximum daily dose for Advil is 1200 mg. 

Conclusion 

Both Aleve and Advil are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications that are used to relieve pain and reduce fever. They are, however, distinct medicines that belong to the same class. Taking any medicine without a prescription is not advised. Since there are specific requirements that must be met when a patient is prescribed drugs. As a result, it is not recommended. However, there are substantial distinctions between Aleve and Advil.

The active component in Aleve is naproxen sodium. Aleve contains 220 milligrammes of naproxen sodium. Aleve, on the other hand, does not act as rapidly as Advil. It has a working time of eight to twelve hours. Furthermore, Aleve’s maximum daily dosage is 880 mg. In each eight to 12-hour period, one Aleve can be taken up to two times. It may, however, induce a sort of light sensitivity.

Ibuprofen is the active component in Advil. In addition, Advil contains 200 milligrammes of ibuprofen. Advil, on the other hand, acts faster than Advil. It can last anywhere from four to eight hours. Furthermore, Aleve’s maximum daily dosage is 1200 mg. If one Advil isn’t working, you can take two at once. Advil is favored to ulcer and acid reflux patients. 

References 

1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1191/1352458504ms1114oa
2. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-2018-1305.ch005