Pain Reliever Comparison Tool
Recommended Pain Reliever
Comparison Overview
Nurofen (Ibuprofen)
Ibuprofen 200mg • 4-6 hrs • Moderate
Best for muscle aches, menstrual cramps
Advil / Motrin
Ibuprofen 200mg • 4-6 hrs • Similar
Fast-acting headache relief
Aleve
Naproxen 220mg • 8-12 hrs • Higher
Back pain, arthritis
Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid 325-500mg • 4-6 hrs • High
Tension headaches, cardiovascular protection
Paracetamol / Tylenol
Acetaminophen 500-650mg • 4-6 hrs • Low
Fever, mild to moderate pain without inflammation
Nurofen is one of the most recognizable ibuprofen brands on pharmacy shelves, but is it the best choice for every ache? This guide breaks down how Nurofen stacks up against other over‑the‑counter painkillers, so you can pick the right tablet for your headache, muscle strain, or fever.
- Nurofen delivers 200mg of ibuprofen per tablet and works by reducing inflammation.
- Advil and Motrin are also ibuprofen brands, offering similar pain relief at comparable doses.
- Aleve contains naproxen, which lasts longer but may be harsher on the stomach.
- Aspirin and paracetamol (acetaminophen) target pain differently and have distinct safety profiles.
- Choosing the right option depends on pain type, duration, age, and health conditions.
What is Nurofen (Ibuprofen)?
When you see the red‑white package of Nurofen is a branded ibuprofen formulation used for mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation, you’re looking at a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID). Each standard tablet contains 200mg of ibuprofen, a dose that’s been clinically proven to lower prostaglandin production, the chemicals that cause pain and swelling.
Ibuprofen was first marketed in the 1960s and quickly became a staple because it balances effectiveness with a relatively mild gastrointestinal side‑effect profile compared to older NSAIDs like aspirin.
How Ibuprofen Works
Ibuprofen blocks the cyclooxygenase‑1 and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑1, COX‑2) enzymes. By inhibiting these enzymes, it reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are responsible for sensitising nerve endings and widening blood vessels during inflammation. The result is less pain, lower fever, and reduced swelling.
Because COX‑1 also helps protect the stomach lining, ibuprofen can still irritate the gut, especially at higher doses or with prolonged use. That’s why many guidelines recommend taking it with food and limiting daily intake to 1,200mg for OTC use.
Top Over‑the‑Counter Alternatives
While ibuprofen is versatile, several other OTC analgesics serve similar or complementary purposes. Below are the most common alternatives, each defined once with microdata.
Advil is another ibuprofen brand that offers 200mg tablets and a liquid gel form for faster absorption. Its pain‑relief profile mirrors Nurofen, but the gel capsules are popular for people who dislike swallowing pills.
Motrin is a generic‑priced ibuprofen product often sold in larger blister packs for families. Like Advil, it provides the same 200mg dose per tablet.
Aleve is a naproxen‑based pain reliever that lasts up to 12hours per dose. Naproxen’s longer half‑life means fewer pills throughout the day, but it can be tougher on the stomach.
Aspirin is an older NSAID (acetylsalicylic acid) that works both as a painkiller and a blood‑thinner at low doses. It’s effective for tension headaches but carries a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer that works centrally rather than by reducing inflammation. It’s gentle on the stomach but offers no anti‑inflammatory benefits.
Tylenol is the leading U.S. brand of paracetamol, available in 500mg tablets and extra‑strength 650mg versions. Like generic acetaminophen, it’s safe for most adults when kept under 4,000mg per day.
Naproxen is the generic name for the active ingredient in Aleve, often prescribed for arthritis because of its long‑acting properties. Over‑the‑counter doses are 220mg per tablet.
Quick Comparison Table
| Brand / Generic | Active Ingredient | Typical Dose (OTC) | Duration of Relief | Stomach Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurofen | Ibuprofen | 200mg tablet | 4‑6hours | Moderate (take with food) | Muscle aches, menstrual cramps |
| Advil / Motrin | Ibuprofen | 200mg tablet or 400mg gel cap | 4‑6hours | Similar to Nurofen | Fast‑acting headache relief |
| Aleve | Naproxen | 220mg tablet | 8‑12hours | Higher (avoid on empty stomach) | Back pain, arthritis |
| Aspirin | Acetylsalicylic acid | 325‑500mg tablet | 4‑6hours | High (risk of ulcer) | Cardiovascular protection (low dose) & tension headaches |
| Paracetamol / Tylenol | Acetaminophen | 500‑650mg tablet | 4‑6hours | Low (safe on empty stomach) | Fever, mild to moderate pain without inflammation |
Choosing the Right Analgesic for Your Situation
Here’s a quick decision flow you can keep on your fridge:
- Pain type: If you suspect inflammation (e.g., sprain, arthritis), reach for an NSAID like Nurofen, Advil, or Aleve.
- Duration needed: For all‑day coverage, Aleve’s naproxen wins. For short bursts, ibuprofen or paracetamol are fine.
- Stomach sensitivity: If you’ve had ulcers or take blood thinners, lean toward paracetamol/Tylenol.
- Age considerations: Children under 12 should avoid ibuprofen unless weight‑based dosing is used; acetaminophen is the usual pediatric choice.
- Other medications: Ibuprofen can interact with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and anticoagulants. Aspirin also thins blood, so avoid duplicate dosing.
When in doubt, a brief chat with your pharmacist can confirm the safest choice.
Practical Tips & Common Pitfalls
- Always read the label for maximum daily limits-most OTC ibuprofen products cap at 1,200mg per day without a doctor’s order.
- Take ibuprofen with food or milk to soothe the gastric lining.
- Don’t combine multiple NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen + naproxen) hoping for stronger pain relief; you’ll just raise the risk of bleeding.
- Store all pain relievers out of reach of children. Accidental overdose on paracetamol can cause severe liver damage.
- If you experience ringing in the ears, persistent stomach pain, or a rash, stop the medication and seek medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Nurofen and Advil together?
No. Both contain ibuprofen, so stacking them just doubles the dose and heightens stomach‑related risks. Pick one brand and stay within the recommended daily limit.
Is Aleve safer for long‑term use than ibuprofen?
Aleve’s naproxen lasts longer, so you take fewer pills, but its gastrointestinal impact can be stronger. For chronic conditions, a doctor‑prescribed dose of either drug with a protective proton‑pump inhibitor is usually recommended.
Can I use paracetamol if I’m pregnant?
Paracetamol is generally regarded as safe in pregnancy when used at the lowest effective dose. Ibuprofen and aspirin are avoided, especially in the third trimester, due to potential fetal circulation issues.
What’s the fastest‑acting OTC painkiller?
Ibuprofen liquid gels (e.g., Advil Liqui‑Gels) and fast‑dissolve paracetamol tablets can start working within 15‑30 minutes. For truly rapid relief, a topical NSAID like diclofenac gel may also help localized aches.
How many Nurofen tablets can a teen safely take?
For teenagers aged 12‑17, the standard 200mg tablet can be taken every 4‑6hours, not exceeding 1,200mg (six tablets) in a 24‑hour period, unless a doctor advises otherwise.
Anne Snyder
October 1, 2025 AT 15:56Great overview, and the way you broke down the mechanisms of ibuprofen really hits the mark for anyone trying to understand the pharmacodynamics behind Nurofen. The inclusion of COX‑1 and COX‑2 inhibition jargon adds depth, and the practical tips about food intake are spot‑on. For readers juggling multiple pain scenarios, the decision flow chart is a solid tool. Keep the evidence‑based tone; it makes the guide both reliable and approachable. Looking forward to more comparative analyses like this.
Rebecca M
October 5, 2025 AT 10:36First, I must commend the author for assembling such a comprehensive comparison, yet there are several points that warrant correction, notably the dosage limits which, according to the FDA, cap OTC ibuprofen at 1,200 mg per day, not 1,200 mg per dose as occasionally implied, and this distinction is crucial for patient safety, especially among individuals with renal concerns, which the article glosses over, albeit briefly, when it mentions “moderate stomach impact”; furthermore, the statement that naproxen “lasts longer” should be qualified with pharmacokinetic data indicating a half‑life of approximately 12‑14 hours versus ibuprofen’s 2‑4 hours, thereby reinforcing why Aleve is preferred for chronic conditions, yet the text fails to address the increased gastrointestinal risk associated with that extended exposure, which could be mitigated by concurrent proton‑pump inhibitor therapy, a strategy not mentioned; additionally, the claim that “paracetamol is gentle on the stomach” neglects to highlight its hepatotoxic potential at doses exceeding 4 g per day, a fact that, while well‑known among clinicians, is essential for lay readers to understand, and the omission could lead to inadvertent overdose; the comparison table, while aesthetically pleasing, omits a column for contraindications, such as the interaction between ibuprofen and antihypertensive agents, which may blunt the efficacy of the latter, an interaction supported by multiple clinical trials; moreover, the recommendation that teenagers can safely take up to six tablets per day disregards body‑weight‑based dosing recommendations, which suggest a maximum of 10 mg/kg per dose; finally, the article would benefit from a clearer delineation between analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects, as not all OTC agents provide both, a nuance that could guide users toward the most appropriate product for their specific symptomatology, and overall, while the guide is user‑friendly, integrating these pharmacological subtleties would elevate its clinical accuracy substantially.
Bianca Fernández Rodríguez
October 9, 2025 AT 05:16Honestly, this guide reads like a sales brochure for pharma. The tone is overly enthusiastic about ibuprofen, ignoring the real risk of gastrointestinal bleeding that many users face. Also, the claim that aspirin offers “cardiovascular protection” is outdated for most over‑the‑counter doses. It's a bit of a marketing fluff piece.
Patrick Culliton
October 12, 2025 AT 23:56Stop glorifying ibuprofen; it's not the miracle pill you think it is.
Andrea Smith
October 16, 2025 AT 18:36I appreciate the thoroughness of this analysis and would like to commend the author for the balanced presentation of each analgesic’s strengths and limitations. The inclusion of both pharmacological mechanisms and practical usage guidance demonstrates a commendable commitment to patient education. Moreover, the structured decision flow offers clinicians a quick reference tool for counseling patients in a primary‑care setting. I encourage continued adherence to evidence‑based recommendations and look forward to future updates reflecting emerging data.
Gary O'Connor
October 20, 2025 AT 13:16Looks good overall, jus a few thingz to note. Naproxen can be a bit harsh on the gut if u take it on an empty stomach. Good job pulling the info together.
Justin Stanus
October 24, 2025 AT 07:56This article barely scratches the surface of real pain management, leaving out the emotional toll chronic ache takes on patients. The clinical focus feels sterile, lacking empathy for those suffering daily.
Claire Mahony
October 28, 2025 AT 02:36The guide is fairly comprehensive, yet it simplifies complex drug interactions into a tidy table, which could mislead readers. While the format is user‑friendly, a nuanced discussion of contraindications would be prudent. Overall, it serves as a decent starting point but should be supplemented with professional advice.
Andrea Jacobsen
October 31, 2025 AT 21:16I concur with the previous observation; supplementing the table with a brief note on renal considerations would enhance safety. Additionally, highlighting the role of protective agents like famotidine when using NSAIDs could be valuable. Such additions would round out the already solid overview.
Andrew Irwin
November 4, 2025 AT 15:56Nice work presenting the options in a clear manner. It’s helpful for anyone trying to pick the right pill without feeling overwhelmed.
Jen R
November 8, 2025 AT 10:36Decent summary, but it feels a bit generic. A deeper dive into dosage nuances would give it more weight. Still, it’s a handy quick reference.
Joseph Kloss
November 12, 2025 AT 05:16In the grand tapestry of pharmacology, each analgesic occupies a distinct filament, weaving relief and risk together. This guide, while functional, overlooks the existential interplay between pain perception and chemical modulation. One might argue that the true art lies beyond tables, in the patient’s subjective narrative. Nonetheless, the factual backbone here provides a necessary scaffold for deeper contemplation.
Anna Cappelletti
November 15, 2025 AT 23:56Your effort to demystify over‑the‑counter pain relief is commendable, and the layout makes it easy to navigate. I appreciate how you balanced scientific detail with plain language, which can empower readers to make informed choices. The inclusion of age‑specific recommendations reflects a thoughtful approach to safety. Keeping the tone approachable while retaining accuracy is no small feat, and you’ve managed it well. This resource will likely serve as a valuable reference for many.
Dylan Mitchell
November 19, 2025 AT 18:36Wow, this guide is a rollercoaster of info – I was blown away! The way you slammed the pros and cons felt like an epic showdown. But seriously, the table could've used more spark, like a fireworks display of data. Anyway, keep slaying the med‑info game!
Elle Trent
November 23, 2025 AT 13:16Good effort, but the jargon feels a bit over the top for everyday users. Streamlining the language would make it more accessible. Overall, it’s a solid foundation, just needs a bit of polishing.
Jessica Gentle
November 27, 2025 AT 07:56Thank you for compiling such a detailed comparison; it’s a great resource for both patients and healthcare professionals. To further aid readers, consider adding a brief section on how to assess personal risk factors, such as a history of ulcers or cardiovascular disease, before choosing an NSAID. Including tips on proper storage and disposal of expired medication can also enhance safety. A quick reminder about the importance of adhering to maximum daily dosages would reinforce responsible use. It might also be useful to reference reputable sources, like the FDA or WHO guidelines, for those who want to explore the evidence base. Highlighting the availability of generic equivalents could help users find cost‑effective options. Lastly, a concise infographic summarizing the key points would make the information even more digestible. Keep up the excellent work in making medication literacy accessible.