Ibuprofen vs Naproxen

Ibuprofen is a particular drug that falls within the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Ibuprofen tends to work by creating a reduction in the secretion of hormones that initiate inflammation and associated pain in the body. It is used to treat fever, pain and inflammation caused by various kinds of headache, back pain, toothache, arthritis and menstrual cramps. On the other hand, Naproxen is also a NSAID drug but treats different conditions. Naproxen is applied to treat inflammation and pain resulting from spondylitis, ankylosing, gout, bursitis, tendonitis, etc.

Here’s a list of some of the adverse effects that may surface due to the consumption of Ibuprofen.

• Minor adverse gastrointestinal effects
• Dyspepsia
• Nausea
• Ulceration and Bleeding
• Rise in liver enzymes
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Salt and Fluid Retention
• Hypertension

Other than these primary effects, Ibuprofen also causes photosensitization as it is an active agent. It may also hype the risk of myocardial infarction and some inflammatory bowel diseases as well. On the other hand, Naproxen has the tendency of inhibiting a heightened excretion of lithium and sodium. Hence patients who take this drug are suggested to be careful when taking it with supplements for lithium. Patients suffering from hypertension are not supposed to take this medicine. Pregnant women should not take this medicine during the first trimester as it may cause congenital birth defects and even heart abnormalities from time to time. Aged patients taking Naproxen may even suffer a cardiac arrest or stroke.

Ibuprofen is a lot similar to aspirin and works in an analogous way. It reduces prostaglandins production in the body through slight chemical reactions. But these are different from the effects of Naproxen which initiates a lower level of irritation in the inner lining of the esophagus and the stomach. Hence it is suitable for use by ulcer patients. Whereas on the other hand, Naproxen is completely prohibited for ulcer patients as it can cause internal bleeding.

But the pain relieving effects of Naproxen tend to last longer than that of Ibuprofen. The effects of Naproxen last for 8 to 12 hours while that of Ibuprofen lasts for just 4 to 8 hours.

Summary:
1. Ibuprofen is applied in the treatment of toothache, arthritis, back pain, headache and menstrual cramps while Naproxen is applied for treating spondylitis, ankylosing, gout, bursitis, etc.
2. Common side effects of Ibuprofen are nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea and myocardial infarction. On the other hand Naproxen causes lithium excretion, heart abnormalities and congenital birth defects.
3. The effects of Ibuprofen last for 4 to 8 hours while that of Naproxen last for 8 to 12 hours.