Advil vs. Excedrin for Migraines: 5 Ways They Compare

When a migraine hits, you want relief fast. But with several options available over the counter (OTC), knowing which one to pick can be tough. Two popular choices for migraine relief are Advil (ibuprofen) and Excedrin (acetaminophen / aspirin / caffeine).

But how are they different? And is one better than the other? Here are five things to keep in mind when comparing Advil versus Excedrin for migraines.

1. Advil and Excedrin work differently

Advil and Excedrin work differently because they have different active ingredients.

Advil contains ibuprofen. It’s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking enzymes (proteins) in your body called cyclooxygenases (COXs). These proteins help create chemicals that contribute to pain and inflammation. By blocking COXs, ibuprofen helps reduce pain and inflammation.

Most Excedrin products contain three active ingredients:

• Acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer

• Aspirin, an NSAID

• Caffeine

The aspirin in Excedrin works similar to the ibuprofen in Advil, by blocking COX to reduce inflammation and pain. But the other two components can help boost its effects. Acetaminophen is thought to work by blocking pain signals in your central nervous system. And caffeine may help lower pain sensations in the brain.

Excedrin’s combined effects may be helpful if an NSAID or acetaminophen isn’t working well enough on its own.

Good to know: There are several versions of Excedrin that contain different active ingredients. Read the OTC label of your product carefully before taking it. This article will discuss Excedrin products that contain acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.

2. Advil is safer than Excedrin for kids and teens

Who can take the medication (based on their age) is another difference between Advil and Excedrin. In short, Advil is safe for kids and Excedrin is for adults only.

There are versions of Advil that are safe to give to children as young as 6 months old. For children and teens who experience migraines, Advil would be a safe OTC treatment option.

Because Excedrin contains aspirin, kids and teens under age 19 shouldn’t take it. Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome for children. This is a life-threatening condition that can cause permanent brain damage. This risk mainly applies if a child has a viral infection before or while taking aspirin. But to be safe, experts recommend that children and teens avoid aspirin altogether.

3. The adult dosages of Advil and Excedrin for migraines are similar

Advil and Excedrin both have versions specifically meant for adult migraine treatment. The way you take them is the same, although they have different active ingredients. The table below highlights the typical dosages for Advil Migraine and Excedrin Migraine.

There are other Advil and Excedrin products that you can take more frequently. These products are meant for other types of aches and pains. Taking OTC migraine medications too frequently can lead to rebound migraines (more on this later). It’s best to follow the directions on the package unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise.

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4. Experts suggest trying Advil before Excedrin

Multiple professional organizations, such as the American Headache Society, consider NSAIDs such as Advil a first-choice treatment for mild-to-moderate migraines. If Advil doesn’t work well enough, or if symptoms are more severe, experts suggest Excedrin as a medication to try next. While Excedrin works well, it has a higher risk of causing rebound migraines than Advil.

Rebound migraines can happen with any migraine treatment. This is when you develop new or worse migraines after taking medication to treat them too frequently. They can also happen if you take more medication than what’s recommended.

If you take Advil or Excedrin for migraines for 10 days or more per month, talk to your primary care provider. They can tell you if you’re likely experiencing rebound migraines. If needed, they can also suggest taking a prescription medication that helps prevent migraines.

5. Advil and Excedrin have slightly different side effects

Advil and Excedrin both contain an NSAID, so they share some side effects. But there are notable differences. Because Excedrin has more than one active ingredient in it, it has more potential side effects than Advil.

The table below highlights the common side effects of Advil, as well as those for each of Excedrin’s three active ingredients.

These aren’t complete lists of all possible side effects for Advil or Excedrin. You should discuss these risks with a healthcare professional before taking either medication.

Good to know: You shouldn’t consume caffeine, including drinking coffee, if you take Excedrin. One dose of this medication contains more caffeine than a serving in most caffeinated drinks.

Can you take Advil and Excedrin together?

No, you shouldn’t take Advil and Excedrin together. Excedrin contains aspirin, which works similarly to Advil. Taking both raises your risk of side effects. This includes serious complications, such as stomach ulcers or kidney damage.

If Advil doesn’t work well enough on its own, consider trying Excedrin next time you have a migraine. You can also speak with a healthcare professional. There are prescription migraine treatments, such as triptans, that are safe to combine with Advil or Excedrin.

Can Tylenol help headaches and migraines?

Yes, Tylenol (a brand name for acetaminophen) can help treat headaches and migraines. As mentioned, acetaminophen is one of the ingredients in Excedrin. Research suggests that Tylenol works similarly well to Advil for certain types of headaches. It’s a potential alternative if you can’t take NSAIDs.

How to save on Advil and Excedrin

Advil and Excedrin are both available as brand-name OTC pain relievers. They also both have generic options, which can help you save money. And if a healthcare professional writes a prescription for Advil or Excedrin, GoodRx can help you save money too.

The price for 30 tablets of generic Advil at certain pharmacies is as low as $8.86 with a free GoodRx discount. The price for 30 tablets of generic Excedrin at certain pharmacies is as low as $5.39 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Lydia Twomey, PharmD Candidate

Lydia Twomey, PharmD candidate, has worked in several areas of pharmacy, including community and inpatient pharmacy. She has worked at both CVS Pharmacy and Riley Hospital for Children for 3 years.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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