Difference between Ibuprofen and Advil
Advil is one of the many medications that can be prescribed by your doctor to counter aches and pains, fight inflammations, and reduce fever. There are instances when instead of Advil, ibuprofen is the given prescription. Are ibuprofen and Advil really different? Here’s what we found.
Ibuprofen, just like naproxen, is a drug used to treat mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fevers. They are also popular with those who suffer from headaches, toothaches, and period cramps. Ibuprofen in itself is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It serves as the active ingredient for brand name products like Advil. Ibuprofen is also sold as it is called as a generic product and is generally cheaper than its brand name equivalents.
On the other hand, Advil is one of the brand name products of ibuprofen. Its effects are basically the same, only that Advil comes in many forms. Whereas the generic ibuprofen usually appear in white tablet form, Advil can be bought as a tablet or gel capsule. Advil is also available as chewable tablets, drops, and suspension for easy consumption by children.
| Ibuprofen | Advil | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce fevers and relieve pain and inflammation | A brand name drug that uses ibuprofen as the active product |
| Classification | Can refer to the synthetic compound or the generic drug | Brand name drug |
| Forms | Mostly tablet form | Tablets, gel capsules, film-covered tablets, chewables, oral suspension, syrup |
| Treats | Mild to moderate aches and pains, inflammation, fever | Mild to moderate aches and pains, inflammation, fever |
| Possible side effects | Upset stomach, mild heartburn, nausea, vomiting, mild rashes, gas, diarrhea, constipation,ringing in the ears | Upset stomach, mild heartburn, nausea, vomiting, mild rashes, gas, diarrhea, constipation,ringing in the ears |
| Affordability | More affordable at around 1 to 4 cents per tablet | Affordable but costs more than generic ibuprofen at around 10 cents per tablet |
| Effectiveness | Effective with relief with possible side effects from medication | Effective with relief with possible side effects from medication; studies believe that the placebo effect of brand name products help patients believe that they have gotten better |
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