Several over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help treat migraine attacks. One option is Advil Migraine, which contains ibuprofen and is labeled specifically for migraine treatment.

Migraine affects more than 1 billion people worldwide. Symptoms may include head pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, brain fog, and dizziness.

If you’re looking for relief from a migraine attack, you may wonder how Advil Migraine compares with regular Advil. This article explains the similarities and differences between the two.

What Do Advil Migraine and Regular Advil Have in Common?

These two OTC medications work in similar ways and contain the same active ingredient. Both are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a type of pain reliever.

How They Work

NSAIDs work by blocking prostaglandins — fatty acids that act like hormones and help regulate many functions in the body. High levels of prostaglandins can contribute to pain and inflammation. Both Advil Migraine and regular Advil may relieve pain by blocking the effects of prostaglandins.

Their Active Ingredient

Both medications contain the same active ingredient — 200 milligrams of ibuprofen. Research suggests that ibuprofen is an effective treatment for migraine attacks and provides pain relief for about half of the people who take it.

How Do These 2 Medications Differ?

Although both medications contain the same amount of the same active ingredient, they differ in a few ways.

Formulation

Regular Advil is available in several forms, including standard tablets, mini caplets, and liquid gels.

Advil Migraine comes as solubilized liquid-filled capsules. “Solubilized” means the ibuprofen is already dissolved, so it may be absorbed more quickly than the ibuprofen in the regular tablets or capsules.

Dosing Instructions

Label directions for Advil Migraine state that adults should take two capsules and no more than that in a 24-hour period.

The dosing instructions for regular Advil state that adults can take one or two tablets every four to six hours while symptoms last, but no more than six tablets in 24 hours.

Intended Use

While both medications can help relieve pain, they have different uses approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Advil Migraine is labeled specifically for the treatment of migraine attacks.

Regular Advil is labeled for temporary relief of minor aches and pain from:

• Headache
• Toothache
• Backache
• Menstrual cramps
• Common cold
• Muscle aches
• Minor arthritis pain

The regular version is also used to temporarily reduce fever.

Label Warning

Advil Migraine includes a warning about medication overuse headache. The label states that headaches may worsen if the medication is used on 10 or more days each month. This warning doesn’t appear on the regular Advil label.

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before taking any medication. Ask your healthcare provider before starting a new medication.

Which Medication Should You Use for Migraine?

Ibuprofen may reduce migraine pain and provide relief within two hours for some people. Some research suggests that liquid-filled forms may be absorbed faster than standard tablets. However, faster absorption doesn’t always mean better or longer-lasting relief.

How quickly a medication works may affect which form of ibuprofen you choose. However, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before deciding. Your medical history, other medications, and other health conditions may affect whether ibuprofen is safe for you.

When using ibuprofen for migraine, remember to:

• Take medication early — Acute migraine treatments often work best when taken at the first sign of an attack. Follow the product label and your healthcare provider’s instructions.
• Watch for medication overuse headaches — Frequent use of pain relievers can make headaches more frequent or harder to treat. Talk with your healthcare provider if you need medication more than two days per week.
• Keep track of any side effects — Ibuprofen can cause side effects, including stomach bleeding. It may also increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, especially when taken at higher doses or for a long time.

When To Talk With Your Doctor About Migraine Treatment

If you’ve tried ibuprofen or other OTC medications and they don’t provide enough relief, talk with your healthcare provider about other migraine treatments. You may want to discuss other options if:

• Your migraine attack is only partly relieved.
• You have bothersome side effects.
• You need medication more than two days per week.
• You need several doses to get relief.

Migraine medications generally fall into two groups. Acute treatments help relieve symptoms during a migraine attack. Preventive treatments help reduce how often migraine attacks happen or how severe they are.

A healthcare provider may consider preventive treatment if your migraine attacks are frequent, long-lasting, severe, or hard to treat.

Your healthcare provider can review your medical history and help you weigh the benefits and risks of each option. Some treatments may not be right for people with certain health conditions or those taking specific medications.

Join the Conversation

On MyMigraineTeam, people share their experiences with migraine, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you prefer Advil Migraine or regular Advil? Let others know in the comments below.