Difference Between Advil and Motrin

Advil vs Motrin

Over-the-counter drugs are very popular for many years now. These are drugs that have been legally approved to be sold to the public without any doctor’s prescription. Furthermore, these are different classes of medications that aim to combat common ailments and complaints. They do not need prescriptions because they are basically considered safe to use with minimal guidance and do not cause very serious side effects or complications if they are in use. Just like all drugs, these are never safe to be taken regularly in a prolonged period of time.

The most common among over-the-counter medications are the antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs, or collectively known as, NSAIDs (Non-steriodal Anti-inflammatory Drugs). These drugs are sold without prescription because they target the most common complaints of any individual which are pain and fever.

NSAIDs act on the impulses that cause prostaglandin release. Think of it this way, when we feel pain, the nerves affected send messages or impulses into our brain and then the brain sends back signals in the form of neurotransmitters. Prostaglandins are released automatically as a part of the pain response. These prostaglandins make us well aware of the pain that we feel. By taking NSAIDs, the chemicals in the drug stop the neurotransmitters from being activated and prevent us from feeling pain. Some drugs also reduce swelling as an additional effect. But another effect most sought after is its antipyretic property, which can help lower body temperature to ideal levels.

There are many kinds of NSAIDs out in the open. Some of them have similar characteristics while others have different effects. Among them, Advil and Motrin may have some subtle differences.

Although both Advil and Motrin are the brand names of Ibuprofen, which is a common NSAID, they do contain some differences regarding their therapeutic effects to the body. However, you have to take note that these drugs are quite similar in both therapeutic action and their nature.

Advil is considered as the first among the two brands of Ibuprofen to be developed. With this, it needs a longer time to produce a therapeutic effect. The time usually varies depending on the person taking in the drug, thus there is no fixed range of its therapeutic effect. Even though they are both the same, Advil has been noted to bring down fever a little faster, although data are still needed to verify this claim.

Motrin is the newer brand of Ibuprofen but has the same action as that of Advil. The key difference may well be the time it takes to produce a therapeutic effect, since Motrin acts faster.

You can consult a doctor about this since only basic details are provided here.

Summary:

1. NSAIDs are OTC drugs that help relieve pain and regulate body temperature.

2. Advil was developed first, takes longer to cause an effect, and decreases fever faster.

3. Motrin is newer and causes faster therapeutic effects.

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