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Aspirin vs. Advil

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

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and lessen inflammation. However, they have some key differences. Aspirin is often used at a lower dose (81 mg) for heart protection in adults at risk of heart attack or stroke, while ibuprofen isn't used for this. Aspirin is not recommended for children under 12 years old or in children under 18 years old with the flu due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. On the other hand, ibuprofen can be used in children as young as 6 months. Both medications can cause stomach issues, but ibuprofen is linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, especially with long-term use. Lastly, while both are available over-the-counter, ibuprofen is also available by prescription for higher doses.

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Are Advil (Ibuprofen) And Aspirin The Same Thing?

Aspirin

 

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Ibuprofen

 

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Summary for Aspirin

Over-the-counter

Aspirin is an over-the-counter NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that helps lessens inflammation. It's used to help lower fevers and relieve pain from minor injuries in people 12 years of age and older. A lower dose of aspirin is also commonly used for heart protection in certain adults who are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This medication most often comes as pills that are taken by mouth. Aspirin side effects include heartburn and stomach upset.

Indications for Aspirin

  • Pain relief from minor aches and pains, such as from headaches, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, and arthritis
  • Fever
  • Heart protection (lower the risk for heart attack or stroke) in certain adults - low-dose aspirin (81 mg per day) only

Pros and Cons for Aspirin

Pros

  • Doesn't raise risk for heart attacks like other NSAIDs
  • Can help protect the heart in certain adults with or at risk for heart disease when taken at low doses (81 mg per day)
  • Available as a chewable tablet for people who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Available over the counter in a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

  • Has risk for stomach ulcers and bleeding
  • Might worsen asthma symptoms
  • Not recommended for relieving pain or breaking fevers for children 18 years or younger with the flu because of risk of Reye's syndrome
  • Can't be used in children 12 years or younger

Common Side Effects for Aspirin

  • Stomach irritation (e.g., heartburn, stomach upset)

Warnings for Aspirin

  • Stomach irritation, stomach bleeding, and stomach ulcers
  • Kidney problems
  • Reye's syndrome in children
  • Harm to an unborn baby
  • Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
  • Different aspirin strengths available

Summary for Advil

Prescription or over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Advil

Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

Prescription ibuprofen:

Pros and Cons for Advil

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

Common Side Effects for Advil

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

  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Heartburn
  • Dizziness
  • Rash

Warnings for Advil

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Aspirin vs. Advil

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Aspirin30 tablets / 81mg
$7.74-
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Ibuprofen30 tablets / 800mg
$8.92$16.20
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