Overview: Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and lower fever. Common side effects include belly pain, upset stomach, heartburn, or. Yes, Aleve is an anti-inflammatory. Its active ingredient, naproxen sodium, belongs to the class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the same category that includes ibuprofen and aspirin. It reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and lowers fever. Aleve is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps manage pain from headaches, arthritis, and other conditions. To safely use Aleve, take one pill every eight to 12 hours and no more than three pills in 24 hours. 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. Aleve is a brand of naproxen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Learn about its uses, dosage, and side effects, and how it compares with other NSAIDs. Aleve tablets and caplets contain naproxen sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory used to temporarily treat minor aches and pains and reduce fever. 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] Aleve contains naproxen, but they’re not exactly the same thing. Here’s what differs in form, dosage, and what to watch out for. Aleve is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Naproxen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Aleve is used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to arthritis, muscular aches, backache, menstrual cramps, headache, toothache,and the common cold. Aleve is also used to temporarily reduce fever. Aleve is a brand (trade) name for naproxen and ibuprofen is the drug name of a different NSAID (common brand names of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin IB). Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs so they are similar in many ways, but there are important differences.