Key takeaways
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) are used for different purposes and belong to different medication classes. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. You can take it every 4 to 8 hours, depending on the dosage. Common side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain. Warfarin, on the other hand, is a blood thinner (anticoagulant) that prevents and treats blood clots. It is only available by prescription and is typically taken once daily. Warfarin requires regular blood tests to monitor its effects, and its dosage is adjusted based on these tests. Side effects of warfarin include bruising and serious bleeding. Unlike ibuprofen, warfarin interacts with many foods and medications, and it is not safe to take during pregnancy.
