Which to choose?
Ibuprofen for short acute pain, fever, children and breastfeeding. Naproxen for pain that lasts days (period pain, osteoarthritis, a gout flare) when fewer doses help, or when cardiovascular risk means an NSAID must be chosen carefully; with higher gastric risk, consider a stomach protector. Never both together.
Point-by-point comparison
Brands: Nurofen · Brufen
Brands: Naprosyn · Feminax Ultra
| Ibuprofen | Naproxen | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2. Half-life of about 2 h. | Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2. Half-life of 12-17 h. |
| Indications | Mild to moderate pain, fever, inflammation, period pain. | Ongoing mild to moderate pain, osteoarthritis and arthritis, period pain, acute gout. |
| Adult dose | 400-600 mg every 6-8 h. Max 2400 mg/day. | 250-500 mg every 12 h. Usual max 1000 mg/day. |
| Onset of effect | 30-60 min | 1 h |
| Duration of effect | 6-8 h | 12 h |
| Pregnancy | Avoid from week 20; contraindicated in the 3rd trimester. | Avoid from week 20; contraindicated in the 3rd trimester. |
| Breastfeeding | Compatible (first choice). | Compatible for occasional doses; for longer courses ibuprofen is better. |
| Paediatric use | From 3 months, by weight. | As an analgesic, not recommended under 16. |
| Advantages | Fine dose adjustment, paediatric presentations, first choice when breastfeeding and for fever. | Twice a day. Among non-selective NSAIDs, the most favourable cardiovascular profile at usual doses. |
| Disadvantages | Needs 3-4 doses a day. Cardiovascular risk at high doses. | More gastric risk than low-dose ibuprofen. Accumulates more in older adults and renal impairment. |
Source: BNF, MHRA advice on NSAID cardiovascular risk
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, ibuprofen or naproxen?
Ibuprofen for short acute pain, fever, children and breastfeeding. Naproxen for pain that lasts days (period pain, osteoarthritis, a gout flare) when fewer doses help, or when cardiovascular risk means an NSAID must be chosen carefully; with higher gastric risk, consider a stomach protector. Never both together.
Can ibuprofen or naproxen be taken in pregnancy?
Ibuprofen: Avoid from week 20; contraindicated in the 3rd trimester. Naproxen: Avoid from week 20; contraindicated in the 3rd trimester. Always ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking a medicine in pregnancy.
And while breastfeeding?
Ibuprofen: Compatible (first choice). Naproxen: Compatible for occasional doses; for longer courses ibuprofen is better.