Advil works faster but lasts only about four hours for short-term pain relief.

Aleve lasts longer than Advil but takes longer to start working.

Advil and Aleve are not safe to take together due to potential side effects.

Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are very similar over-the-counter (OTC) medications, both members of a group called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). Aleve works longer than Advil, potentially decreasing the need to take it as frequently, but takes longer to kick in than Advil.

Advil and Aleve both block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which can reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.

Some possible uses for Advil and Aleve include:

You can use them for acute (short-term) pain or chronic pain, such as from arthritis. You might also take one along with other types of pain medications, such as opioids, for severe pain. 

Although Advil and Aleve are both NSAIDs, they work differently in terms of duration and have various considerations for dosages and forms.

Advil and Aleve are similarly effective at the recommended doses. It's important to follow the recommended dosage on the bottle or from your healthcare prescriber.

The drugs have important differences in terms of how long they work:

The potential side effects of Advil and Aleve are very similar. Most NSAIDs can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, and heartburn. 

All NSAIDs can cause gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), stomach ulcers, or hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract. Partly because it lasts longer, Aleve may have a little more risk of this compared to Advil.

Kidney problems also sometimes occur in people who take either drug for an extended period. These typically occur in people who already have kidney disease, are dehydrated, or take larger than recommended doses.

Although rare, anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) can occur with either drug. 

The dosages for Aleve and Advil are different for children and adults:

Advil: You can take one to two 200-milligram pills every 6-8 hours. Do not take more than 1,200 milligrams a day, which is six pills total. Follow instructions for children younger than 12 years oldbased on age or weight. The dosage depends on the form, such as liquid or chewable tablets. You can usually repeat doses every 6-8 hours, but do not give more than four doses in 24 hours.

Aleve: People aged 12 years and older can take one 220-milligram caplet, tablet, or gel cap every 8-12 hours. You can take two in the first hour, but do not take more than two within 8-12 hours. Do not take more than three within 24 hours. Aleve is not available for children younger than 12 years old.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommends any dose of either drug at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy. Both may increase the risk of certain birth complications.

You can find Advil and Aleve in various forms available over the counter:

Advil: Children can take Advil as infant drops or liquid and in chewable tabs. Some forms can be given as a suppository. Advil is also available as oral pills, which work best after you have eaten something.

Aleve: Aleve is available in various oral forms, such as tablets or gel tabs, which you ideally take with food. Other forms of naproxen might be available by prescription, like liquid forms.  

The active ingredients in Advil and Aleve can be made into creams applied to your skin, but they are not available over the counter.

Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel uses an NSAID called diclofenac. AleveX contains menthol and camphor, which have a cooling effect.

Both Aleve and Advil can also be packaged with other drugs, such as Aleve PM, which contains diphenhydramine.

NSAIDs may increase your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular complications, like stroke. These risks seem to be greatest for a group of NSAIDs called "COX-2 inhibitors." Neither Aleve nor Advil is a COX-2 inhibitor.

The research is not completely clear, but Advil's risk might be slightly greater than that of Aleve.

Advil has been better studied in children and may have a lower risk of causing stomach and bleeding issues. Unless a healthcare provider specifically says it's okay, do not give Advil to an infant less than 6 months old.

Aleve is not available over the counter for young children. Children younger 12 years old should generally not take it unless a healthcare provider recommends it.

Do not take both Advil and Aleve at the same time. Their potential side effects and toxicities are very similar, and taking both at the same time increases the risk of severe side effects.

Look at the full active ingredient lists of other products. Some combination products contain ibuprofen plus a decongestant. Do not take products like this at the same time as Advil or Aleve. 

It's safer to take Advil or Aleve with Tylenol (acetaminophen). Your body breaks down these drugs differently.

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Always check with a healthcare provider before trying new medications.

Edited by

Dana Ingemann

Dana Ingemann

Dana is an Associate Editorial Director at Health, leading the development and strategy of new evergreen content. Dana holds a Master's in Public Health and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

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13 Sources

Health.com 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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