In summary: Use NSAIDs like Advil or Aleve for chronic pain, pain from an injury or surgery, or other inflammatory pain like arthritis. Use Tylenol for mild pain like headache or to reduce fever.

Ibuprofen is often known by its given name, but you may also know it as Advil or Motrin. It is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

How does ibuprofen work? Ibuprofen works on one of the body's chemical pathways for pain. It reduces your body's ability to make prostaglandins - these are the natural chemicals that trigger pain, inflammation and fever.

Adults and teenagers - 1200 milligrams (mg) up to 3200 mg per day divided into three or four equal doses. Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.

Ibuprofen can be a safe and easy over-the-counter remedy (OTC) for minor aches and pains. However, if you don't use it as recommended, ibuprofen can possibly be harmful. It's always smart to talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you're not sure if you should use it.

Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Official answer. There is no real difference. Motrin and Advil are both brands of ibuprofen and are equally effective. Motrin, Motrin IB and Advil are brand names for the drug ibuprofen.

Advil only contains Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that helps to treat pain at the source.

Is Advil Safe? For more than 30 years, extensive consumer use and numerous clinical studies have shown that, ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil, when used as directed, is a safe and effective OTC pain reliever and fever reducer.

When used as directed, it's uncommon for Advil to cause adverse side effects. If you have a history of stomach problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke, make sure you consult with your doctor before taking Advil.

When used as directed, it's uncommon for Advil to cause adverse side effects. If you have a history of stomach problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke, make sure you consult with your doctor before taking Advil.

Does Advil make you sleepy? Advil does not contain any ingredients or antihistamines that would make you sleepy. If you are suffering from occasional sleeplessness associated with pain, Advil PM combines the pain-relieving power of Advil with a non-habit forming sleep aid, diphenhydramine.