Naproxen (Aleve)
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- Aleve naproxen sodium tablets, 220 mg. Best for: Longer-lasting relief with fewer doses. See options on Amazon
- Aleve Liquid Gels. Best for: People who prefer capsules. See options on Amazon
- Amazon Basic Care naproxen sodium tablets. Best for: A store-brand option. See options on Amazon
Naproxen vs ibuprofen at a glance
| Detail | Naproxen sodium (Aleve) | Ibuprofen (Advil) |
|---|---|---|
| Amount per pill | 220 mg naproxen sodium (naproxen 200 mg) | 200 mg |
| How often | 1 every 8 to 12 hours | 1 every 4 to 6 hours |
| Daily limit (12 and older) | Not more than 3 in 24 hours | Not more than 6 in 24 hours |
| Extra direction | Drink a full glass of water with each dose | Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs |
Details are from the Aleve and Advil DailyMed labels. Both are NSAIDs with similar warnings; see our ibuprofen guide.
What naproxen treats
The Aleve label lists naproxen sodium as a pain reliever and fever reducer that temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to minor pain of arthritis, muscular aches, backache, menstrual cramps, headache, toothache and the common cold, and temporarily reduces fever. The Aleve carton describes it as strength to last 12 hours, which is why it is dosed less often than ibuprofen.
If you need to avoid NSAIDs, see our acetaminophen guide. For local relief, see our muscle rub cream guide.
Stomach bleeding warning
The store-brand naproxen sodium label says this product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you are age 60 or older, have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug, take other NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using it, or take more or for longer than directed.
Stop use and ask a doctor if you feel faint, vomit blood, have bloody or black stools, or have stomach pain that does not get better.
Heart, kidney and other warnings
- Heart attack and stroke. NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke, which can be fatal; the risk is higher with more or longer use than directed.
- Ask a doctor first if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease or asthma, have had a stroke, take a diuretic, or have a history of stomach problems such as heartburn.
- Aspirin users. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you take aspirin for heart attack or stroke, because naproxen may decrease this benefit.
- Swallowing. Stop and ask a doctor if you have difficulty swallowing or it feels like the pill is stuck in your throat.
- Allergy alert. Naproxen sodium may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin.
Pregnancy and children
The label says it is especially important not to use naproxen sodium at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor. If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.
For children under 12, the Aleve label says ask a doctor. Keep out of reach of children, and in case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
When to stop
Stop use and ask a doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days, fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days, redness or swelling is present in the painful area, or any new symptoms appear. Get emergency help for symptoms of heart problems or stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part or side of the body, slurred speech or leg swelling.
For heat on sore muscles, see our electric heating pad guide, and for fever checks our digital thermometer guide.
What to look for when you buy
Aleve naproxen sodium tablets, 220 mg
Best for: Longer-lasting relief with fewer doses
Its label lists naproxen sodium 220 mg, 1 tablet every 8 to 12 hours, not more than 3 in 24 hours.
Watch out: Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
See options on AmazonAleve Liquid Gels
Best for: People who prefer capsules
Its label lists naproxen sodium 220 mg (naproxen 200 mg) in each capsule.
Watch out: Same NSAID warnings apply.
See options on AmazonAmazon Basic Care naproxen sodium tablets
Best for: A store-brand option
Its DailyMed label carries the same naproxen sodium warnings and directions format.
Watch out: Check the label for the strength and count.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How many Aleve can I take in a day?
- Adults and children 12 and older: do not exceed 3 tablets in 24 hours, per the label.
- How long does naproxen last?
- The Aleve label doses it every 8 to 12 hours; the carton says strength to last 12 hours.
- Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?
- It is dosed less often; both are NSAIDs with similar stomach and heart warnings.
- Can I take naproxen with ibuprofen?
- No. The label's bleeding risk rises when you take other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.
- Should I take naproxen with water?
- Yes. The Aleve label says drink a full glass of water with each dose.
- Can I take 2 Aleve at once?
- For the first dose only, the label says you may take 2 tablets within the first hour; after that, 1 every 8 to 12 hours.
Sources
- Aleve (naproxen sodium) tablet label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Naproxen sodium tablets (Amazon Basic Care) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Advil (ibuprofen) tablet label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Aleve Liquid Gels (naproxen sodium) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine