Nurofen (Ibuprofen) vs Alternatives: Which OTC Pain Reliever Wins?

• Sep, 30 2025
• 4

When a headache, sore muscle, or menstrual cramp hits, you probably reach for the nearest painkiller. But not all OTC options are created equal. Below is a straight‑up look at Nurofen ibuprofen comparison that helps you pick the right pill for the right pain.

Quick Takeaways

• Nurofen and other ibuprofen brands (Advil, Motrin) give fast relief and work well for inflammation.
• Aleve (naproxen) lasts longer but may be harsher on the stomach.
• Tylenol (acetaminophen) is gentler on the gut but doesn’t reduce swelling.
• Aspirin is good for heart‑related dosing but has the highest GI bleed risk.
• Choose based on pain type, duration needed, and personal stomach tolerance.

What Is Nurofen?

Nurofen is a branded ibuprofen tablet sold over the counter for pain and inflammation relief. It’s marketed in 200mg and 400mg tablets and is popular in the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe. The active ingredient, ibuprofen, belongs to the non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) class, which blocks the COX enzymes that produce prostaglandins - the chemicals that cause pain, fever, and swelling.

How Ibuprofen Works

Ibuprofen is an NSAID that inhibits both COX‑1 and COX‑2 enzymes, reducing inflammation and lowering fever. By cutting down prostaglandin production, ibuprofen eases aches from headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and minor injuries. Its onset is typically 30‑60 minutes, with a half‑life of about two hours, meaning you may need a repeat dose every 4‑6hours.

Common Alternatives

Below are the most widely used over‑the‑counter alternatives, each with its own active ingredient and brand positioning.

• Advil is another ibuprofen‑based pain reliever often sold in 200mg tablets.
• Motrin is a brand of ibuprofen marketed for both adults and children.
• Aleve is the OTC version of naproxen, a longer‑acting NSAID.
• Tylenol is a brand of acetaminophen that relieves pain and fever without anti‑inflammatory effects.
• Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, an older NSAID used for pain, fever, and cardiovascular protection.
• Naproxen is the active ingredient in Aleve, offering a 12‑hour pain‑relief window.

Key Comparison Criteria

To figure out which pill wins, we compare on five practical dimensions.

1. Onset of relief - How quickly you feel better.
2. Duration of effect - How long the pain stays at bay.
3. Anti‑inflammatory power - Important for joint or muscle aches.
4. Gastro‑intestinal (GI) safety - Risk of stomach upset or bleeding.
5. Typical price per dose - What you’ll spend for a 24‑hour window.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison Table

*Cost based on a typical retail price in the United States (2025). Prices vary by region and pack size.

Best Use Cases for Each Option

• Nurofen, Advil, Motrin: Ideal for headaches, dental pain, and menstrual cramps where you need quick relief and anti‑inflammatory action.
• Aleve (Naproxen): Great for chronic joint pain (e.g., arthritis) because a single dose lasts most of the day.
• Tylenol: Perfect when you have a sensitive stomach, are on blood thinners, or need fever control without swelling relief.
• Aspirin: Often chosen for cardiovascular benefit at low doses, but for pure pain it’s less common due to GI concerns.

Safety Tips & Contra‑indications

All NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen, can irritate the stomach lining. If you have a history of ulcers, chronic kidney disease, or are on anticoagulants, talk to a pharmacist before reaching for Nurofen or its peers.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe on an empty stomach but can cause liver damage if you exceed 3,000mg in 24hours, especially when combined with alcohol.

Aspirin should be avoided in children with viral infections due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

How to Choose the Right Pill for You

Start by asking three quick questions:

1. Is inflammation a major part of your pain? If yes, favor ibuprofen‑based options.
2. Do you need relief that lasts longer than six hours? Aleve may be the better pick.
3. Do you have a sensitive stomach or are you on blood thinners? Tylenol or a low‑dose aspirin (under doctor guidance) is safer.

Once you’ve answered, match the answer to the table above and you’ll land on a sensible choice without guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Nurofen and Advil together?

No. Both contain ibuprofen, so stacking them just doubles the dose and raises the risk of stomach irritation and kidney strain. Stick to one brand and respect the maximum daily limit (1,200mg OTC, 2,400mg under medical supervision).

Is Aleve safer for my stomach than Nurofen?

Not necessarily. Aleve’s active ingredient, naproxen, can be harsher on the GI tract because it blocks COX‑1 for a longer period. If you’re prone to ulcers, any NSAID-including ibuprofen-should be taken with food, or you might consider Tylenol instead.

How many Tylenol tablets can I safely take in a day?

For most adults, the limit is 3,000mg of acetaminophen per 24hours (six 500mg tablets). If you have liver disease or regularly drink alcohol, the ceiling drops to about 2,000mg.

Can I use Nurofen while pregnant?

Ibuprofen is generally avoided in the third trimester because it can affect fetal circulation. In the first two trimesters, short‑term use may be okay, but always check with your OB‑GYN before taking any NSAID.

Why does my stomach hurt after taking ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen inhibits COX‑1, an enzyme that protects the stomach lining. Without that protection, stomach acid can irritate the mucosa, causing pain or even ulcers. Taking the pill with food, milk, or a low‑dose antacid can mitigate the effect.