Key takeaways
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and ibuprofen / famotidine are both used to treat pain and inflammation, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, they differ in their formulations and specific uses. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) available over-the-counter and by prescription, while ibuprofen / famotidine is a prescription-only combination of ibuprofen and famotidine, a histamine H2 antagonist. Ibuprofen / famotidine is specifically designed to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers that can be caused by ibuprofen alone. Ibuprofen / famotidine is taken as a single tablet three times a day, whereas ibuprofen can be taken every 4 to 8 hours depending on the formulation and dosage. Both medications are available in generic forms. Ibuprofen / famotidine used to be available as brand-name Duexis, but this product was discontinued. Common side effects of both medications include nausea and stomach pain. Both medications have potential drug interactions, so it's important to discuss all medications you're taking with a healthcare professional.
