Naproxen Alternatives Compared
| Naproxen | Ibuprofen | Mefenamic acid |
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| Naproxen | Ibuprofen | Mefenamic acid |
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Prescription and OTC
Naproxen is effective for the short-term relief of pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, gout, menstruation, and tendonitis; however, like other NSAIDs, it has the potential to adversely... View more |
Prescription and OTC
Ibuprofen is effective for the short-term relief of minor aches and pains and also reduces inflammation. The risk of stomach-related side effects is about half that seen with aspirin although the... View more |
Prescription only
Prescribed for Period Pain, Pain. Mefenamic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. |
Related suggestions |
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| More about Naproxen | More about Ibuprofen | More about Mefenamic acid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratings & Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Naproxen has an average rating of 6.9 out of 10 from a total of 681 ratings on Drugs.com. 60% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 24% reported a negative effect. |
Ibuprofen has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 239 ratings on Drugs.com. 66% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 17% reported a negative effect. |
Mefenamic acid has an average rating of 5.6 out of 10 from a total of 84 ratings on Drugs.com. 46% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 38% reported a negative effect. |
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| Generic Availability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Lower cost generic |
Lower cost generic |
Lower cost generic |
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| Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
View all Naproxen prices |
View all Ibuprofen prices |
View all Mefenamic acid prices |
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| Dosage Forms Available | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Brand Names | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aflaxen, Aleve, Aleve Back and Muscle Pain, All Day Pain Relief, All Day Relief, Anaprox-DS, Comfort Pac with Naproxen, EC-Naprosyn, Flanax Pain Reliever, Midol Extended Relief, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Naproxen Sodium DS, Pamprin All Day Relief View more | A-G Profen, Actiprofen, Addaprin, Advil, Advil Children's, Advil Film-Coated, Advil Infant's Concentrated Drops, Advil Junior Strength, Advil Liqui-Gels, Advil Migraine, Caldolor, Cap-Profen, Children's ElixSure IB, Children's Motrin, Childrens Ibuprofen Berry, Genpril, Help I Have An Aching Body, IBU-200, Midol IB, Midol Maximum Strength Cramp Formula, Motrin, Motrin Childrens, Motrin IB, Motrin Infant Drops, Motrin Junior Strength, Motrin Migraine Pain, Motrin Pediatric, NeoProfen, Nuprin, PediaCare Children's IB Ibuprofen Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer, PediaCare Infants' IB Ibuprofen Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer, Proprinal View more |
N/A |
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| Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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18 hours |
4 hours |
3.5 hours |
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| CSA Schedule ** View glossary of terms | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
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| Pregnancy Category | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Category C
Risk cannot be ruled out
See the full pregnancy warnings document. |
Category C
Risk cannot be ruled out
Prior To 30 Weeks Gestation
Category D
Positive evidence of risk
Starting At 30 Weeks Gestation See the full pregnancy warnings document. |
Category C
Risk cannot be ruled out
See the full pregnancy warnings document. |
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| Drug Interactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A total of 435 drugs are known to interact with Naproxen:
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A total of 398 drugs are known to interact with Ibuprofen:
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A total of 394 drugs are known to interact with Mefenamic acid:
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| First Approval Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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March 11, 1976 |
September 19, 1974 |
March 28, 1967 |
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| WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
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| Related Treatment Guide | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.