Can You Take Ibuprofen and Naproxen Together?
Short answer
Use cautionNo. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are both NSAIDs, and their labels say not to use them with other NSAIDs. Taking both does not give much extra pain relief, but it does raise the risk of stomach bleeding, ulcers and kidney problems. Pick one. If you need more relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be added because it works differently and does not interact with either.
Why two NSAIDs are worse than one
All NSAIDs work by blocking the same enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). There is a ceiling to how much pain relief you get from blocking them, but the side effects keep climbing. Taking ibuprofen and naproxen together mainly adds risk:
- Stomach bleeding and ulcers. NSAIDs thin the stomach’s protective lining.
- Kidney strain. NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the kidneys, especially if you are dehydrated.
- Heart and blood pressure. NSAIDs can raise blood pressure and carry a boxed warning about heart attack and stroke risk.
Stop taking NSAIDs and get medical help if you feel faint, vomit blood, have bloody or black stools, or have stomach pain that does not get better.
If you want to switch from one to the other
One naproxen dose is designed to last 8 to 12 hours, while ibuprofen wears off in about 4 to 6 hours. If you took naproxen, taking ibuprofen during that 8 to 12 hour window effectively doubles up. If you took ibuprofen and want to switch to naproxen, waiting until the ibuprofen dose has worn off avoids overlap. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
Hidden NSAIDs to watch for
- Ibuprofen: Advil, Motrin, Advil PM, Motrin PM, some cold and sinus products
- Naproxen: Aleve, Aleve PM, Naprosyn, Anaprox
- Aspirin: Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin, Alka-Seltzer
- Prescription NSAIDs: meloxicam (Mobic), diclofenac (Voltaren), celecoxib (Celebrex)
If you take daily low-dose aspirin for your heart, talk to your doctor before using any other NSAID.
A safer way to get more relief
If one NSAID is not enough, the usual next step is to add acetaminophen, not a second NSAID. You can also use ice or heat, rest, and topical pain relievers. Pain that lasts more than 10 days, or a fever lasting more than 3 days, should be checked by a doctor.
What the FDA labels say
Frequently asked questions
I accidentally took ibuprofen and naproxen. What should I do?
For a healthy adult, one accidental overlap of normal doses is unlikely to cause serious harm. Do not take any more NSAIDs until the naproxen has worn off, take them with food, and watch for stomach pain or black stools. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if a large amount was taken or a child took it.
Which is stronger, ibuprofen or naproxen?
At standard doses they relieve pain about equally. Naproxen lasts longer per dose, so you take it less often. Ibuprofen works for a shorter time, which can be handy for short-term pain.
Can I take Aleve and Tylenol instead?
Yes. Naproxen and acetaminophen do not interact, and pairing them is a common way to get stronger relief. See our guide to acetaminophen and naproxen.
Taking anything else?
Add all your medicines, supplements and alcohol to check every combination at once.
Sources
This page is for general education and is based on FDA labeling. It is not medical advice and does not replace a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist, who know your health history, doses and other medicines. If you think you have taken too much of a medicine, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.