Motrin vs. Advil

Motrin and Advil are both brand-name products containing ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Because they have the same active ingredient, there is no significant difference in Motrin vs. Advil. Both can temporarily relieve minor pain and reduce fever.

This article will discuss the similarities and differences between Motrin and Advil, how to use each product, and their side effects and safety information.

Are Motrin and Advil the Same?

Motrin and Advil contain the same active ingredient (ibuprofen) in the same dose per tablet (200 milligrams). Regular-strength Motrin is called Motrin IB, while regular-strength Advil is simply called Advil.

The inactive ingredients of Motrin and Advil are largely the same (including silicon dioxide, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, stearic acid, and titanium). In short, Motrin and Advil are virtually identical.

The only real differences are those that don't impact what the drugs do or how well they work. Motrin is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, while Advil is manufactured by Pfizer. Of the two, Advil is the bigger seller for no other reason than brand awareness.

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. It was created in 1961 and has been available over the counter in the United States since 1984.

Ibuprofen works by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that the body uses to produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that trigger pain, inflammation, and fever. With fewer prostaglandins in the body, pain and inflammation are reduced, and your fever goes down.

Ibuprofen is approved for use in reducing fever and/or relieving minor aches and pain associated with:

• Headache
• Arthritis
• Common cold
• Muscle aches
• Backache       
• Toothaches
• Menstrual cramps 

Types of Motrin and Advil

Motrin and Advil are available in tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and oral suspensions. There are also generic ibuprofen products, including store brands that usually cost less.

In addition to Motrin IB and regular Advil, there are different Motrin and Advil formulations, some of which are combined with other drugs to treat specific conditions.

Oral formulations of Motrin include:

• Motrin PM: Used to aid with sleep by combining ibuprofen with an antihistamine called diphenhydramine found in Benadryl
• Motrin Dual-Action: Which combines ibuprofen with another non-NSAID painkiller called acetaminophen, found in Tylenol
• Children's Motrin: A chewable tablet containing 100 milligrams of ibuprofen

Oral formulations of Advil include:

• Advil PM: Which combines ibuprofen with diphenhydramine
• Advil Dual-Action: Which combines ibuprofen with acetaminophen
• Advil Cold & Sinus: Used to ease nasal congestion by combining ibuprofen with a decongestant called pseudoephedrine
• Advil Allergy & Congestant Relief: Used to ease hay fever symptoms by combining ibuprofen with an antihistamine called chlorpheniramine
• Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu: Used to treat severe cold and flu symptoms by combining ibuprofen with chlorpheniramine and a decongestant called phenylephrine
• Junior Advil: A chewable tablet made for children containing 100 milligrams of ibuprofen
  

Because Advil and Motrin are both NSAIDs, you cannot use them simultaneously. Doing so can increase the risk of side effects and complications like stomach ulcers.

How to Take Motrin or Advil

There are no dosage differences between Motrin IB and Advil. Most OTC ibuprofen tablets contain 200 milligrams (mg) of ibuprofen in each tablet.

The recommended dosage of Motrin or Advil for adults and children 12 and over is two tablets (400 mg) mg every four to six hours, as needed.

Motrin and Advil can be taken with or without food. Swallow the pill or capsule whole with water. Do not chew or chew, particularly film-coated tablets are meant to be released gradually in the body.

Other formulations may have different dosing schedules, so read the package label to ensure you take the drug correctly or speak with your pharmacist. This is especially true when using Motrin or Advil in children under 12 years.

Side Effects of Motrin and Advil

Motrin and Advil are generally safe and well-tolerated when taken as directed. Side effects tend to be mild and may include:

• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Gas
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting

Severe Complications of Motrin and Advil

Arguably the most serious side effect of Motrin and Advil is the risk of peptic ulcers. Severe cases have been known to cause internal bleeding and death.

All NSAIDs pose a risk of ulcers due to the suppression of prostaglandins. This is because, in addition to regulating inflammation, prostaglandins also help regulate blood clotting. By reducing prostaglandin levels, your body is less able to control bleeding.

Seek immediate care if you have signs or symptoms of NSAID-induce ulcers, including:

• Nausea
• Burning stomach pain
• Burping
• Bloating
• Indigestion
• Bloody or tarry stools
• Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Who Is at Risk?

People who overuse ibuprofen are at greatest risk of peptic ulcers. In some cases, overdosing can be accidental if you take two or more products containing ibuprofen (like Sudafed PE).

Others may be at risk of ulcers due to underlying conditions, including:

• Being 60 years of age and older
• Having a history of stomach ulcers
• Having a bleeding disorder, like hemophilia
• Taking a blood thinner such as warfarin
• Taking corticosteroid drugs like prednisone
• Drinking three or more alcoholic beverages a day while taking ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is not intended for ongoing use. If your symptoms do not respond to Motrin or Advil after 10 days or your fever does subside after three days, contact your healthcare provider.

Summary

Advil and Motrin are OTC medications commonly used to treat headaches, minor pain, and fevers. They are brand names of the NSAID ibuprofen. Although separate manufacturers produce them, both products contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective. They should not be taken together.

If taking several medications for fever, pain, allergy, or nasal congestion, read the product carefully to ensure you don't accidentally double the ibuprofen dose. Doing so may lead to a peptic ulcer and bleeding.