Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve are common pain relievers on drugstore shelves. While all three medications can help alleviate a child's discomfort, the active ingredient in each drug is different. In Tylenol, it's acetaminophen; in Advil and Motrin, it's ibuprofen; and in Aleve, it is naproxen.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Even if taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising.

Advil (Ibuprofen) and Aleve (Naproxen) Advil and Aleve belong to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (pronounced “n-saids”), which stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. More than 20 different NSAIDs are available.

Prescription naproxen is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints), juvenile arthritis (a form of joint disease in children), and ...

Common side effects seen with Aleve are abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, heartburn, nausea and lightheadedness. More serious, though rare, effects seen with Aleve include severe allergic reactions. This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding.

One of the most important differences between Aleve and ibuprofen is the length of time they act for. Ibuprofen is short-acting and is better suited for the treatment of acute pain, whereas Aleve is long-acting and is used for the treatment of chronic conditions.

When taken as directed on the label, Aleve is a safe and effective pain reliever. Since its introduction as an over-the-counter product in 1994, Aleve has been used by millions of people as a safe and effective pain reliever.

See also Warning section. Upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, headache, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Ibuprofen is short-acting and is better suited for the treatment of acute pain, whereas Aleve is long-acting and is used for the treatment of chronic conditions. Aleve is more likely than ibuprofen to cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects because it is longer acting.

Aleve should not be taken for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without consulting your doctor. Aleve is available over the counter, so you can get long-lasting pain relief without a prescription. Anaprox® is a registered trademark of Syntex Pharmaceuticals International Limited.

When your kidneys don't work as they should, you have to be careful about some medicines. They may harm your kidneys. Your doctor may tell you not to take them or may change the dose. Medicines for pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), can cause harm.

Aleve is Long Acting and ibuprofen is Short Acting Aleve is considered long-acting, and can be given twice daily. It has a slower onset of effect and is better suited for the treatment of chronic conditions.