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Compare Advil vs. Excedrin Migraine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Ibuprofen
    Excedrin migraine
  • Ibuprofen
    Excedrin migraine

  • Summary of Advil vs. Excedrin Migraine

    Summary for NSAID

    Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

    Summary for Analgesic / NSAID / Adenosine antagonist

    Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength are combination medications, both containing the same dosages of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. But they're labeled to treat different conditions. Excedrin Migraine treats migraines. But Excedrin Extra Strength is labeled to help with minor aches and pains, including headaches and muscle aches. How many tablets you can take per day depends on what product you're taking and what condition you have. Both medications are available over the counter (OTC) as tablets and caplets with brand name and generic versions. Possible side effects include trouble sleeping, dizziness, and upset stomach.

  • Indications of Advil vs. Excedrin Migraine

    Indications for

    Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

    •Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
    •Fever

    Prescription ibuprofen:

    •Mild-to-moderate pain
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Pain from menstrual cramps
    Indications for
    •Migraine - Excedrin Migraine
    •Minor aches and pains (e.g., headache, arthritis, muscle aches, toothache, menstrual cramps, common cold) - Excedrin Extra Strength

  • Pros and Cons of Advil vs. Excedrin Migraine

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
    •Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
    •Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
    •Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children
    Cons
    •Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
    •Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects
    Pros and Const for Analgesic / NSAID / Adenosine antagonist
    Pros
    •Combines three medications into one pill for convenience
    •Works well to treat minor aches and pains
    •Works for some people in as little as 15 minutes
    •Available over the counter
    •Available as generic medications
    Cons
    •Need to limit caffeine while taking it
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen, since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •Can't be used in children
    •Might not be safe to use while pregnant, especially after 20 weeks
    •Not appropriate for people allergic to NSAIDs

  • Common Side Effects of Advil vs. Excedrin Migraine

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Heartburn
    •Dizziness
    •Rash
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach (e.g., nausea, vomiting, stomach pain)
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Nervousness or restlessness

  • Warnings of Advil vs. Excedrin Migraine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Allergic reactions
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Kidney problems
    •Dehydration
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose

  • Prices with our coupons for Advil vs. Excedrin Migraine

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