Is Motrin the same as Ibuprofen?

“Ibuprofen from isobutylphenylpropanoic acid) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for relieving pain, helping with fever, and reducing inflammation…

Ibuprofen was derived from propanoic acid…and patented in 1961. Originally marketed as Brufen, ibuprofen is available under a variety of popular trademarks, including Motrin, Nurofen, Advil, Nuprin and many others.

Generic formulations are available as well.” Source

There is no reason not to buy the generic.

@gailcalled just stole my thunder!. I remember when it was first available as Motrin® it was available by prescription only.

Motrin tablets are shinier, so look like they are higher quality. But I’m an Engineer, so I don’t care about how it looks, just how it works. Both work the same.

Active ingredients and dose are what count. Not shiney pills or fancy packaging or slick marketing.

@RocketGuy: Some guy with a teeny dremel stands there and polishes the surface of every Motrin as it goes by on the conveyer? Talk about specialized skills, like Lucy and the chocolates.

The only reason to buy Motrin is if a larger dosage than 200 mg. is needed. That’s the limit for OTC Ibuprofen.

There are 500 mg. and 800 mg. Motrin available by prescription only.

Obviously, one could double up or quadruple the regular OTC amt. but it does wreak havoc with the stomach. I know that from experience.

So when would 800 mg. doses be called for, you ask? One example would be in the aftermath of root canal or dental surgery. Believe it or not, it works better than many narcotic pain relievers. That’s also from experience.

But for everyday aches and pains, generic is usualky perfectly fine.

The only exception might be if someone has a sensitivity reaction to the filler (or binder) ingredients. Generics are only required to be equivalent in the amount of the ACTIVE ingredient (namely Ibuprofen). The requirements for any inert ingredients are not specified (other than to be recognized as medical grade or safe.)

Motrin is a brand name. Ibuprofen is the actual drug. You cannot assume that Motrin when you buy it OTC is Ibuprofen only, you have to read the active ingredients. Motrin has several different formulas. One for instance is Motrin PM, which has a sleep aid in it. Motrin does sell straight ibuprofen also.

Any time you buy something OTC you should be checking the active ingredients and become familiar with the actual drug that helps you. Ibroprofen is ibuprofen whether it is Walgreens, Costco, Advil or Motrin.