Are there differences between these ibuprofen medications?

Motrin and Advil are both brand-name products containingibuprofen, anonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Because they have the same active ingredient, there is no significant difference in Motrin vs. Advil.

Unopened blister pack of pink pills next to a glass of water

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Both can temporarily relieve minor pain and reduce fever.

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Are Motrin and Advil the Same?

Regular-strength Motrin is called Motrin IB, while regular-strength Advil is simply called Advil.

In short, Motrin and Advil are virtually identical.

The only real differences are those that don’t impact what the drugs do or how well they work.

Motrin is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, while Advil is manufactured by Pfizer.

Of the two, Advil is the bigger seller for no other reason than brand awareness.

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen works by blockingcyclooxygenase(COX) enzymesthat the body uses to produceprostaglandins.

Prostaglandins are chemicals that trigger pain, inflammation, and fever.

With fewer prostaglandins in the body, pain and inflammation are reduced, and your fever goes down.

There are also generic ibuprofen products, including store brands that usually cost less.

Doing so can increase the risk of side effects and complications like stomach ulcers.

How to Take Motrin or Advil

There are no dosage differences between Motrin IB and Advil.

Most OTC ibuprofen tablets contain 200 milligrams of ibuprofen in each tablet.

Motrin and Advil can be taken with or without food.

Swallow the pill or capsule whole with water.

Do not chew, particularly film-coated tablets which are meant to be released gradually in the body.

This is especially true when using Motrin or Advil in children under 12 years.

Left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, and death.

Severe cases have been known to cause internal bleeding and death.

All NSAIDs pose a risk of ulcers due to the suppression of prostaglandins.

This is because, in addition to regulating inflammation, prostaglandins also help regulate blood clotting.

By reducing prostaglandin levels, your body is less able to control bleeding.

People who overuse ibuprofen are at greatest risk of peptic ulcers.

Who Should Not Take Ibuprofen?

They are brand names of the NSAID ibuprofen.

Although separate manufacturers produce them, both products contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective.

They should not be taken together.

Doing so may lead to a peptic ulcer and bleeding.

DailyMed.Label: Motrin IB- ibuprofen tablet, film coated.

DailyMed.Label: Advil- ibuprofen tablet, coated.

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