From the Guidelines
Naproxen is generally considered stronger than ibuprofen due to its longer half-life and more potent pain relief properties. According to the provided evidence 1, naproxen has a longer half-life of 12-17 hours compared to ibuprofen's 2-4 hours, which allows for fewer doses throughout the day. The standard over-the-counter dosing for adults is 200-400mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours versus 220mg of naproxen every 8-12 hours.
Key Differences Between Naproxen and Ibuprofen
- Naproxen provides more potent and longer-lasting pain relief
- Naproxen has a longer half-life, requiring fewer doses throughout the day
- Ibuprofen is usually taken every 4-6 hours, while naproxen is typically taken twice daily
Both medications belong to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class and work by inhibiting prostaglandin production, which reduces inflammation and pain. However, naproxen's stronger potency and longer duration may come with a slightly higher risk of gastrointestinal side effects and cardiovascular risks with prolonged use, as noted in the study 1.
Important Considerations
- People with certain medical conditions like kidney disease, heart problems, or a history of stomach ulcers should consult their healthcare provider before using either medication
- The use of NSAIDs, including naproxen and ibuprofen, should be based on individual patient characteristics and full discussion with the patient, as recommended in the study 1
- GI protective strategies, such as co-prescription with proton pump inhibitors or misoprostol, may be necessary to reduce the risk of NSAID-associated GI side effects, as discussed in the study 1
From the Research
Comparison of Naproxen and Ibuprofen
- Naproxen and ibuprofen are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and inflammation 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that naproxen and ibuprofen have similar efficacy in treating rheumatic diseases and pain states, but naproxen may be better tolerated than ibuprofen 2, 4.
- In terms of gastrointestinal toxicity, naproxen has been shown to have a higher risk of GI complications compared to ibuprofen 3, 4.
- A study comparing the gastrointestinal tolerability of ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin at over-the-counter doses found that ibuprofen had a lower incidence of GI adverse events compared to aspirin, but not significantly different from paracetamol 5.
- The Therapeutic Arthritis Research and Gastrointestinal Event Trial (TARGET) found that lumiracoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, had a lower risk of upper gastrointestinal ulcer complications compared to naproxen and ibuprofen 6.
Efficacy and Safety
- Naproxen has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and swelling in acute gout, and is an effective analgesic in patients with pain following surgery or trauma 2.
- Ibuprofen has been shown to be effective in treating pain and inflammation, but may have a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to naproxen 3, 6.
- The choice between naproxen and ibuprofen should be based on individual patient factors, such as gastrointestinal risk and cardiovascular risk 3, 6.
Gastrointestinal and Cardiovascular Risk
- Naproxen has been shown to have a higher risk of GI complications compared to ibuprofen, but may have a lower risk of cardiovascular events 3, 4, 6.
- Ibuprofen may have a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to naproxen, but may have a lower risk of GI complications 3, 6.
- Patients should be monitored for gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risk factors when taking either naproxen or ibuprofen 3, 6.