Motrin (Ibuprofen) Compared to Common Pain‑Relief Alternatives
Pain Relief Comparison Tool
Use this tool to compare key characteristics of common over-the-counter pain relievers including Motrin (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen), Aleve (naproxen), and Aspirin.
Recommended Pain Relief Options
Best for: Inflammatory pain, menstrual cramps
Onset: 30-60 minutes
Duration: 4-6 hours
Stomach Risk: Moderate
Kid-Safe: Yes (with dosage adjustment)
Best for: Fever, mild to moderate pain without inflammation
Onset: 15-30 minutes
Duration: 4-6 hours
Stomach Risk: Low
Kid-Safe: Yes (with dosage adjustment)
Best for: Chronic aches, back pain, arthritis
Onset: 1-2 hours
Duration: 8-12 hours
Stomach Risk: Higher
Kid-Safe: Not recommended under 12 years
Best for: Heart attack prevention, mild pain
Onset: 30-60 minutes
Duration: 4-6 hours
Stomach Risk: High
Kid-Safe: Not for children
| Drug (Brand) | Active Ingredient | Typical Onset | Duration | Best For | Stomach Risk | Kid-Safe (≥6 mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motrin | Ibuprofen | 30-60 min | 4-6 hrs | Inflammatory pain, menstrual cramps | Moderate - take with food | Yes (dose-adjusted) |
| Tylenol | Acetaminophen | 15-30 min | 4-6 hrs | Fever, mild to moderate pain without inflammation | Low - safe on an empty stomach | Yes (dose-adjusted) |
| Aleve | Naproxen | 1-2 hrs | 8-12 hrs | Chronic aches, back pain, arthritis | Higher - avoid if ulcer history | Not recommended under 12 yrs |
| Aspirin | Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) | 30-60 min | 4-6 hrs | Heart-attack prevention, mild pain | High - can cause bleeding | Not for children |
When you need quick relief from a headache, muscle ache, or fever, Motrin is an over‑the‑counter (OTC) brand of ibuprofen, a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the enzymes that cause pain and swelling. Motrin is popular, but it’s not the only option on the shelf. This guide compares Motrin with the most common alternatives so you can pick the right pill for the situation.
Quick Takeaways
- Motrin (ibuprofen) is best for pain with inflammation, like sprains or menstrual cramps.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) works well for fever and mild pain without affecting the stomach.
- Naproxen (Aleve) lasts longer than ibuprofen but takes longer to start working.
- Aspirin is useful for heart‑health benefits but can irritate the stomach and isn’t ideal for children.
- Choosing the right drug depends on age, health conditions, how quickly you need relief, and how long you want it to last.
How Motrin (Ibuprofen) Works
Ibuprofen belongs to the NSAID family. It blocks COX‑1 and COX‑2 enzymes, which produce prostaglandins - chemicals that signal pain, fever, and inflammation. By lowering prostaglandin levels, Motrin reduces the feeling of pain and brings down a fever. The typical adult dose is 200‑400mg every 4‑6hours, not exceeding 1,200mg per day without a doctor’s advice.
Key Criteria for Comparing Pain Relievers
When you line up Motrin against its rivals, look at these factors:
- Onset of relief: How fast the drug starts working.
- Duration: How long the effect lasts before you need another dose.
- Inflammation control: Ability to reduce swelling, not just pain.
- Stomach safety: Risk of gastrointestinal irritation or ulcers.
- Kid‑friendly options: Which drugs are safe for children.
- Interaction profile: Potential problems with other meds or health conditions.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison Table
| Drug (Brand) | Active Ingredient | Typical Onset | Duration | Best For | Stomach Risk | Kid‑Safe (≥6mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motrin | Ibuprofen | 30‑60min | 4‑6hrs | Inflammatory pain, menstrual cramps | Moderate - take with food | Yes (dose‑adjusted) |
| Tylenol | Acetaminophen | 15‑30min | 4‑6hrs | Fever, mild to moderate pain without inflammation | Low - safe on an empty stomach | Yes (dose‑adjusted) |
| Aleve | Naproxen | 1‑2hrs | 8‑12hrs | Chronic aches, back pain, arthritis | Higher - avoid if ulcer history | Not recommended under 12yrs |
| Aspirin | Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) | 30‑60min | 4‑6hrs | Heart‑attack prevention, mild pain | High - can cause bleeding | Not for children <12yrs (Reye’s risk) |
Choosing the Right Alternative for Specific Situations
Headache or fever: If you need fast relief and have a sensitive stomach, acetaminophen (Tylenol) often wins because it works quickly and doesn’t irritate the lining.
Joint or muscle inflammation: Motrin or naproxen are better because they actually reduce swelling. Naproxen’s longer action means you might only need one dose for a day of relief.
Menstrual cramps: Many women report that ibuprofen (Motrin) eases cramps more effectively than acetaminophen, thanks to its anti‑inflammatory action.
Heart‑health concerns: Low‑dose aspirin is prescribed for preventing blood clots, but it’s not the go‑to for everyday pain because of bleeding risk.
Kids under 12: Acetaminophen is generally safest. Ibuprofen can be used in children older than six months if weight‑based dosing is followed, but always check the label.
Safety Tips, Interactions, and Common Pitfalls
Even OTC drugs can cause problems if you ignore warnings. Here’s a quick safety checklist:
- Never exceed the maximum daily dose listed on the package.
- Combine NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) with alcohol only if you have a clear stomach tolerance.
- People with hypertension, kidney disease, or a history of ulcers should talk to a doctor before using ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver; avoid taking multiple acetaminophen‑containing products at once.
- Pregnant women in the third trimester should avoid NSAIDs because they can affect the fetal circulation.
When you’re unsure, a short chat with a pharmacist can save a lot of hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Can I take Motrin and Tylenol together?
Yes, because they work through different pathways. Many doctors recommend alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen for children’s fever to keep dosing intervals short while staying within safe limits.
Which pain reliever lasts the longest?
Naproxen (Aleve) typically provides 8‑12hours of relief, making it the longest‑acting OTC NSAID. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen usually need dosing every 4‑6hours.
Is aspirin still useful for everyday aches?
Aspirin’s anti‑platelet effect is valuable for heart protection, but for routine aches it’s often avoided because of higher stomach‑bleed risk compared to ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Can I use ibuprofen if I have high blood pressure?
IBuprofen can raise blood pressure in some people. If you already have hypertension, discuss dosage or alternative options like acetaminophen with your doctor.
What’s the safest pain reliever during pregnancy?
Acetaminophen is generally considered safest throughout pregnancy. NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, should be avoided especially after the 20th week.
Bottom Line
Motrin is a solid, all‑round choice when inflammation is part of the problem. If you need quick fever reduction without worrying about stomach irritation, acetaminophen steps in. For long‑lasting relief, naproxen wins, while aspirin stays in the niche of heart‑health support. By matching the drug’s strengths to your specific need-and keeping health warnings in mind-you’ll get relief without unwanted side effects.
About Author
I'm Felicity Dawson and I'm passionate about pharmaceuticals. I'm currently a research assistant at a pharmaceutical company and I'm studying the effects of various drugs on the human body. I have a keen interest in writing about medication, diseases, and supplements, aiming to educate and inform people about their health. I'm driven to make a difference in the lives of others and I'm always looking for new ways to do that.
Caroline Johnson October 4, 2025
Motrin? Seriously? It's just another NSAID-pick it if you love a mediocre stomach burn!