Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ALEVE PM versus CHILDREN S IBUPROFEN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ALEVE PM versus CHILDREN S IBUPROFEN.
ALEVE PM vs CHILDREN'S IBUPROFEN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
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.
Non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) inhibitor, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which mediates inflammation, pain, and fever.
1 tablet (220 mg naproxen sodium / 25 mg diphenhydramine HCl) orally at bedtime as needed. Maximum: 2 tablets in 24 hours.
Oral: 200-400 mg every 6-8 hours as needed; maximum daily dose: 1200 mg (OTC) or 3200 mg (prescription).
None Documented
None Documented
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.
2-4 hours (terminal elimination half-life in children; may be prolonged in neonates or hepatic impairment)
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.
Renal: 90% (primarily as conjugated metabolites, <10% unchanged); biliary/fecal: minor
Category C
Category D/X
NSAID/Antihistamine Combination
NSAID