From the Guidelines
No, alave is not an NSAID, but naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Alave appears to be a misspelling or brand name not widely recognized in medical literature as an NSAID.
Key Points
- NSAIDs like naproxen and ibuprofen work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which reduces the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation, pain, and fever.
- These medications are commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, and minor injuries.
- They share similar side effect profiles, including potential for gastrointestinal irritation, increased bleeding risk, and cardiovascular effects with long-term use.
- Typical dosing for ibuprofen is 200-400mg every 4-6 hours, while naproxen is usually 220-500mg every 8-12 hours, with both medications taken with food to reduce stomach upset.
- Clinicians should prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, as recommended by 1.
- The use of non-selective NSAIDs as a whole probably does not increase or decrease the risk of cardiovascular events, but naproxen may decrease the risk of cardiovascular events, although this is uncertain 2.
- Ibuprofen should not be used because it blocks the antiplatelet effects of aspirin, as stated in 3.
- The risk of gastrointestinal complications in NSAID users over the age of 65 years is increased approximately 2–3.5-fold when compared with younger patients, as reported in 2.
- NSAID users taking warfarin have approximately a three-fold increase in gastrointestinal bleeding, whereas those taking corticosteroids have approximately a two-fold increase in gastrointestinal events, when compared with those not taking these medications, according to 2.
From the FDA Drug Label
NSAID medicines that need a prescription Generic Name Trade Name ... Ibuprofen Motrin®, Tab-Profen®, Vicoprofen®* (combined with hydrocodone), CombunoxTM (combined with oxycodone) ... Naproxen Naprosyn®, Anaprox®, Anaprox® DS, EC-Naproxyn®, Naprelan®, Naprapac® (copackaged with lansoprazole)
Yes, all three, naproxen and ibuprofen, are NSAIDs 4.
From the Research
NSAIDs and Their Classification
- Naproxen and ibuprofen are classified as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) 5, 6, 7.
- NSAIDs are a group of pharmacological agents commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain 5.
- They work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation 6.
Examples of NSAIDs
- Naproxen is an example of an NSAID that seems safer for the cardiovascular system but has higher gastrointestinal toxicity 5.
- Ibuprofen is another example of an NSAID that may neglect the antiplatelet effect of aspirin when used together 5.
- Other examples of NSAIDs include celecoxib, a COX-2 selective agent, which seems safer for both the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract 5.
Gastrointestinal Risks Associated with NSAIDs
- NSAIDs increase the risk of both upper and lower gastrointestinal complications, including bleeding and perforation 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
- The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is higher in acute users of NSAIDs or aspirin compared to chronic users 9.
- Co-therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in NSAID users 6, 7, 9.