I've hurt my sacroiliac and the chiropractor told me to take ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation.

I don't have any ibuprofen in the house, but I do have Aleve (bottle says "naproxen").

Anybody know if naproxen is the same as ibuprofen (or at least close enough to help)?

Thanks.

Kelly,
It is close enough to help. I think the bottle directions for over the counter naproxen is "take 1 every 12 hours", not to exceed 2-4 in a 24 hour period (I can take 2 Aleve at a time without any problem).

Naproxen is an anti-steroidal anti-inflammatory, as well as having a pain med component. I see Naproxen used a lot by the doctors that treat my work comp claimaints. And I think that it is because of the dosing (every 12 hours) and I *think* it's not as hard on your tummy as Ibuprofen (motrin) is. It seems to be very effective for muscle aches, pains and strains.

I do suggest taking it with some sort of food if you are prone to upset tummy when taking other drugs.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I have a bottle of each in the closet, and they both warn against the same stuff....don't take if you are on blood thinners, have HBP, etc. So, I would think you could substitute the Aleve for the Ibuprofen. I have heard Aleve is better for your liver, too.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

They are closely enough related that you can substitute. They are both non-steroidal anti-inflamatories. The orthopedic doctors my children have been to lately, prescribe Naproxen sodium (prescription strength Aleve) to reduce the inflammation.

Thanks for the responses.

I'm glad to know that I don't have to send DH to the drugstore just to pick up some Motrin when I have a whole bottle of Aleve right here.