Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Ibuprofen vs. Percocet

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

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and oxycodone / acetaminophen (Percocet) are pain medications. Most forms of ibuprofen are available over-the-counter (OTC) and it’s often considered a first-choice medication for mild-to-moderate pain. Percocet, however, is an opioid because it contains oxycodone. It also contains acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is available OTC on its own. Percocet is available only by prescription and it’s usually reserved for pain that can’t be relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Common ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain. It can also cause kidney damage, stomach ulcers, and heart problems, but this is rare. Common Percocet side effects include nausea, constipation, and drowsiness. Its riskier side effects can include misuse, breathing problems, and overdose. It can also cause liver damage when used in large amounts due to the acetaminophen ingredient.

  • Ibuprofen
    Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen)
  • Ibuprofen
    Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen)

  • Summary of Ibuprofen vs. Percocet

    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 Opioid / Analgesic
    Prescription only

    Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) is a combination opioid medication. It's used to treat pain when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. It's a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction.

  • Indications of Ibuprofen vs. Percocet

    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
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Ibuprofen vs. Percocet

    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 Opioid / Analgesic
    Pros
    •Can provide pain relief within 10 to 30 minutes
    •Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •High risk of misuse and dependency
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled

  • Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen vs. Percocet

    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
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Itching

  • Warnings of Ibuprofen vs. Percocet

    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
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Ibuprofen vs. Percocet

    Learn more about Ibuprofen
    Learn more about Percocet

Compare other Pain drugs

Arthrotec vs IbuprofenAspirin vs IbuprofenDuexis vs IbuprofenIbuprofen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineIbuprofen vs CelebrexIbuprofen vs ClaritinIbuprofen vs CoumadinIbuprofen vs DayquilIbuprofen vs DiclofenacIbuprofen vs IndocinIbuprofen vs LodineIbuprofen vs MeloxicamIbuprofen vs MobicIbuprofen vs NaproxenIbuprofen vs NorcoIbuprofen vs PercocetIbuprofen vs PlavixIbuprofen vs VicoprofenIbuprofen vs VoltarenRelafen vs IbuprofenBenadryl vs DayquilClaritin vs DayquilDayquil vs Mucinex DDayquil vs NyquilDayquil vs Sudafed PeDayquil vs TylenolDelsym vs DayquilMucinex Dm vs DayquilMucinex vs DayquilRobitussin vs Dayquil
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.