Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve symptoms of arthritis (eg, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile arthritis) such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Naproxen also helps relieve symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in the. Aleve is not ibuprofen. Aleve contains naproxen, a different drug with its own chemical structure, while ibuprofen is sold under names like Advil and Motrin. Aleve and Ibuprofen: Chemical Differences Aleve and ibuprofen are two distinct medications. Aleve’s active ingredient is naproxen, which has a different molecular structure than ibuprofen. Find patient medical information for Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Naproxen and Aleve are the same medication, with Aleve being the brand name for over-the-counter naproxen sodium. The primary differences are in dosage strength, cost, and intended duration of use, but the active ingredient and therapeutic effects are identical once absorbed in the body. Naproxen is the active ingredient in Aleve, so yes, they are essentially the same medication. Aleve is simply the most recognized brand name for over-the-counter naproxen sodium. Each Aleve tablet contains 220 mg of naproxen sodium, which delivers 200 mg of naproxen (the active pain-relieving compound). Aleve is neither Tylenol nor ibuprofen, but it’s much closer to ibuprofen. The active ingredient in Aleve is naproxen, which belongs to the same drug class as ibuprofen: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Aleve is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications. Aleve is an anti-inflammatory NSAID that can ease pain and swelling, but it comes with risks worth knowing before you reach for the bottle. Naproxen, sold under the brand name Aleve among others, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, menstrual cramps, and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and fever. [7] It is taken orally. [7] It is available in immediate and delayed release formulations. [7] Onset of effects is within an hour and lasts for up to twelve hours. [7] Naproxen is. Aleve and ibuprofen are called nonselective NSAIDs because they block COX-2 enzymes (involved in pain signaling and inflammation) and also COX-1 enzymes (associated with a protective effect on stomach lining). This makes them effective at relieving pain and reducing inflammation, but there is a risk of stomach-related side effects.