Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADVIL PM versus ALEVE PM.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADVIL PM versus ALEVE PM.
ADVIL PM vs ALEVE PM
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that antagonizes histamine H1 receptors, causing sedation.
Diphenhydramine is a histamine H1 receptor antagonist that competes with histamine for binding at H1 receptor sites, reducing symptoms of allergic reactions and causing sedation. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, decreasing synthesis of prostaglandins, which reduces pain and inflammation.
Two caplets (ibuprofen 200 mg, diphenhydramine citrate 38 mg) orally at bedtime as needed for insomnia. Maximum: 2 caplets in 24 hours.
1 tablet (220 mg naproxen sodium / 25 mg diphenhydramine HCl) orally at bedtime as needed. Maximum: 2 tablets in 24 hours.
None Documented
None Documented
Ibuprofen: 2-4 hours (terminal); clinical context: steady state achieved in 1 day, not affected by renal impairment. Diphenhydramine: 4-8 hours (terminal); clinical context: prolonged in hepatic impairment.
Naproxen: 12-17 hours (mean 13.6 hours); sufficient for twice-daily dosing; prolonged in renal impairment. Diphenhydramine: 2.4-9.3 hours (mean 5.5 hours); longer in elderly, hepatic impairment.
Ibuprofen: Renal (90% as metabolites and conjugates, <10% unchanged); Diphenhydramine: Renal (primarily as metabolites, ~1% unchanged). Fecal excretion is negligible for both.
Naproxen: renal (95% as unchanged drug and metabolites, primarily as naproxen and 6-O-desmethyl naproxen). Diphenhydramine: renal (50-60% as unchanged drug and metabolites, primarily as diphenhydramine and nor diphenhydramine); small amounts in feces.
Category C
Category C
NSAID/Sedative Combination
NSAID/Antihistamine Combination