These 20 Advil alternatives offer the same anti-inflammatory benefits with minimal side effects. Plus, they are readily accessible at your local pharmacy. Before we delve into what drugs fall under this category, here’s a bit about Advil.
What is Advil?
Advil, commonly known as ibuprofen, belongs to the group of medications called Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID). They are over-the-counter medicine that is usually prescribed for pain caused by inflammation, such as back pain, headache, arthritis, and many others. You probably have a sachet of Advil in your first-aid kit or bag right now.
The most common uses of Advil are;
- Dental pain
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Menstrual Cramps
- Arthritis
- Headaches
Ibuprofen works by reducing the presence of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. Hence, it’s mostly prescribed in combination with other medications. They exist in 200 mg and 400 mg, which is taken every 4-6 hours depending on your condition. However, you’re not meant to take more than 1200 mg in a 24-hour period.
Even though Advil is one of the most commonly used NSAIDs, it doesn’t make it any less dangerous.
Ibuprofen Side Effects You May Not Know About
Ibuprofen can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, constipation, drowsiness, and sometimes, headache. In severe cases, you might have;
- An allergic reaction such as swelling of the lymph nodes, rash, and trouble breathing.
- Liver damage
- Symptoms of Kidney problems
- Mood changes
- Ringing in the ear
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Stiff neck
- Bruising and bleeding easily
- Bleeding Ulcers
However, doctors consider your ailment and health history before prescribing any medication. It’s crucial that you follow your doctor’s instructions to mitigate the chances of these side effects.
Ibuprofen is mostly taken orally every 4-6 hours with a full glass of water or milk (for people that struggle with an upset stomach). For kids, Advil is often used according to their weight, so you must be careful to avoid an overdose. Overall, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations to prevent any problems.
If you deal with chronic pain that has lasted for months, you may need to use Advil for a longer time. The duration may be upwards of two weeks- in such a situation, it’s safest to use the minimum dosage to prevent serious side effects. Always talk to your practitioner about allergies and other drugs you currently take to cancel out any interactions.
In addition to its accessibility, Advil is a relatively cheap medication. Hence, it’s popular amongst different budgets.
20 Ibuprofen Alternative
As mentioned earlier, Ibuprofen may be cheap but long term use will cause your health more harm. Below are some of the best Advil alternative you should consider;
- Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is an effective painkiller that works by blocking pain signals to the nervous system while reducing the production of prostaglandins (your body secretes these at a damaged or infected area). Also known as Tylenol or paracetamol, this medication is a non-opioid medication, which means it isn’t addictive and is safer for long term use.
The major reason why acetaminophen is a better alternative to Advil is that it is safe for the kidneys and stomach. Paracetamol is more likely to affect the liver when it is misused.
- Aspirin
Aspirin is also another pain-blocking medication that is common and inexpensive. This medication is one of the many Non-steroidal drugs that helps with a fever, inflammation, and mild to moderate pain. It also doubles as a blood thinner which is recommended for people with a stroke, heart attack, and other related diseases.
This medication can be used for arthritis, muscle ache, back pain, menstrual cramps, and many others. However, you should consider the advice of a doctor before using this medication for long periods.
- Naproxen
Here’s another NSAID that is safe and effective. Naproxen is a solid choice for different painful conditions such as headache, gout, fever, and back pain. Unlike Ibuprofen that can be used by children of all ages, Naproxen can only be used by those over 12 years old. In addition, Naproxen stays in the system much longer than Ibuprofen.
Depending on your dosage, Naproxen can stay in your system for as long as 24 hours. Thus, making it a better option for muscle aches. However, it’s crucial to take only the prescribed dose to prevent any side effects.
- Celebrex
For patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute pain, Celebrex is an excellent option. Also called Celecoxib, it’s a powerful painkiller that deals with both pain and inflammation. Even though it’s a NSAID like Ibuprofen, it’s less likely to cause any gastro-intestinal problems.
Celebrex, however, can lead to heart disease when it is abused. So, it’s essential for you to follow your doctor’s prescription.
- Excedrin
Excedrin is a combination drug that contains aspirin, paracetamol, and caffeine. It’s used for the treatment of migraines, tension headaches, toothaches, and several muscle aches. This medication is more effective for painful conditions caused by inflammation, blood vessels, and hormones.
Unlike Ibuprofen, Excedrin kicks in within 20 minutes, which makes it a better Advil alternative for a busy day.
- Meloxicam
Meloxicam is another NSAID that treats muscle issues such as pain, inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and other symptoms. This medication can make you drowsy so it’s best to take it at night. If you must take it during the day, make sure you don’t have to drive or handle heavy machinery. It’s only available on prescription which makes it inaccessible.
Furthermore, it’s a long acting drug, thus, making it better for chronic pain.
- Diclofenac Gel
Sometimes an ointment made from a NSAID is what you need to manage your aches. Diclofenac sodium is one of the most effective painkillers for joint pains and the gel form does not disappoint. Also called Voltaren gel is an OTC pain solution that is applied to the affected area four times a day.
Depending on the intensity of your pain, the effects of Diclofenac gel begin after 30 minutes of application. However, it may take a week of application to notice the full effect. Don’t apply this topical treatment to burned, broken, swollen, or infected skin.
Muscle Relaxants
Tensed muscles and spasms can lead to acute pain. In such a situation, it’s often preferable to treat the muscles rather than the symptoms.
- Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclobenzaprine is muscle relaxant recommended for the treatment of sprains, strains, stiffness, and other injuries to the muscles. It’s just as effective as Advil but without the long term side effects such as kidney and GI problems. While Cyclobenzaprine is long acting, Advil is short acting.
Side effects of using a muscle relaxant may include drowsiness, clumsiness, and an allergic reaction. However, they are mostly short-lived.
- Baclofen
Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant used for the treatment of chronic pain and stiffness. Patients with spinal cord injuries and diseases are often prescribed this medication. It’s also an antispasmodic drug, which means it helps control spasms in the skeletal muscle.
The side effects of this medication include nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, and other mild ones. Hence, it’s great for long term use, but you must speak with a doctor before starting or stopping this drug.
- Methocarbamol
Another muscle relaxant you should consider is Methocarbamol- a mild musculoskeletal relaxant that treats mild cases of pain. Also called Robaxin, this drug is used in combination with physical therapy. There are cases where Advil is prescribed alongside Methocarbamol.
Both medications do not interact, which makes it safe. While Advil treats inflammation, Methocarbamol helps with muscle strains and spasms.
Lifestyle Changes
Medical Practitioners often advise patients to consider changing some harmful patterns that may lead to long term pain. Here are some options;
- Improve Posture
Poor sitting and standing posture can cause pains in the neck and shoulders, which in turn causes headaches. Even though painkillers are often prescribed for these symptoms, it’s always best to treat the cause. Since long term use of Advil can cause awful side effects, sometimes improving your posture is the key.
Try to keep your head and shoulders in the adequate position to help with tension and headaches. Also, consult your doctor for neck exercises that will help.
- Exercise
Many people leave sedentary lifestyles, which can cause obesity, poor posture, and other ailments. Without physical activity, your muscles will become weak and stiff overtime, and it can cause chronic pain. If you currently struggle with pain, cardiovascular exercises such as walking is an excellent start.
Walking 30 minutes a day is a huge step to improving your condition.
- Meditation
Creating time to relax is always a great alternative to any medication. Mediation allows you to give your body the opportunity to deal with pain naturally. With research, you can find the right resources to help you meditate effectively.
- Massages
Depending on the type of pain you struggle with, a therapeutic massage may be all you need. A professional masseuse will be able to stimulate the right nerve fibers that send pain signals to the brain. However, be sure to get good help to prevent further damage to the area.
Natural Alternatives to Advil
Aside from medication and physical therapy, other Advil alternatives can also be helpful;
- Heat or Ice Therapy
Using heat or ice for pain is an effective home remedy that is just as popular. The secret to getting the most out of this method is to know your symptoms. Heat therapy is mostly used for stiffness and pain while cold is for acute injuries with inflammation.
You can combine both if you have both symptoms for quick recovery.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
You may recognize omega-3 fatty acids as a common supplement but did you know it can be helpful for pain? Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are two types of omega 3 acids that are found in fish oil. They are known to help with pain and inflammation.
However, it may take up to a month to feel the full effect. Nevertheless, if your pain isn’t too bad, it is worth your while.
- Turmeric
Curcumin is the major component found in turmeric. It is responsible for the spice’s color and antiinflammatory properties. Research shows that it helps with pain from osteoarthritis and many others.
Other Ibuprofen Alternatives
For long term chronic pain, medication may not be the best option. Here are a few options you should consider;
- Spinal Manipulation
Chronic lower back pain can make it difficult to do different activities such as walking, running, and basic household chores. Even though pain killers help manage the pain, long term use of analgesic isn’t the safest approach. In such a scenario, spinal manipulation may be a valid option.
When done correctly, spinal manipulation can help improve inflammation, joint pressure, and nerve function. There are several ways to manipulate your spine but it’s crucial to get professional help. Incorrect manipulation of the spine can lead to a herniated disc which can cause irreversible issues.
- Joint-Supporting Splints
Splints offer adequate support for weak, swollen, and painful joints. There are different splints for your hands and wrists based on the activity;
Resting Splints: These splints keep your joints in the best position while they’re inactive. Thus, keeping them protected while reducing pain and inflammation. They are mostly used at night when pain might interrupt your sleep but you can use them during the day.
Working Splints: The splints for working are more flexible and are great for improving grip strength. They are usually made of an elastic material that allows you to move freely. Working splints are perfect for swollen wrists.
Be sure to get premium quality splints for good results.
Related: Accutane Alternatives
- Acupuncture
The benefits of acupuncture for pain are popular and used by many. This Chinese tradition has been used to improve headaches, shingles, headache, nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and many others. It is an excellent Advil alternative for people that suffer from chronic pain. Most patients report an improvement after 2-3 sessions of acupuncture.
Navigating life with constant pain is never easy, so choosing the correct medication and lifestyle change is important. Using Advil constantly isn’t advisable because of the many serious side effects accompanying long-term use. So, which of the 20 Advil alternatives will you try?!