See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Motrin
What’s the difference between Motrin PM and Advil PM?
Motrin PM and Advil PM are both “PM” versions of ibuprofen products that include:
- Ibuprofen (pain reliever/anti-inflammatory)
- Diphenhydramine (an antihistamine that causes drowsiness to help with sleep)
So the main difference is usually brand/formulation details (and sometimes the exact diphenhydramine strength), not the overall approach: both are ibuprofen + diphenhydramine combo products for pain plus sleepiness.
Do they have the same active ingredients and strengths?
Both products contain ibuprofen plus diphenhydramine, but the exact tablet strengths can differ by product line and package size (for example, the mg of ibuprofen and the mg of diphenhydramine). Check the “Drug Facts” on your specific bottle/box to confirm the exact amounts, since “Motrin PM” and “Advil PM” may not be identical milligram-for-milligram across all versions.
Which should you choose if you want the same pain + sleep effect?
If the Drug Facts show the same (or very similar) ibuprofen and diphenhydramine amounts, switching brands usually changes cost or convenience more than effect. If the diphenhydramine strength is different, that can change how sedating it feels and how long it may last.
Can you take Motrin PM and Advil PM together?
No. Taking both together would mean taking overlapping duplicates of:
- Ibuprofen (raises risk of ibuprofen-related side effects)
- Diphenhydramine (raises risk of anticholinergic side effects like next-day grogginess)
If you need more pain relief, it’s generally safer to follow the dosing instructions on one product rather than stacking two similar combo medicines.
What side effects are patients most concerned about?
Common issues depend on the two ingredients:
- Ibuprofen-related risks: stomach irritation/heartburn, nausea, and (at higher doses or with risk factors) bleeding or kidney problems
- Diphenhydramine-related risks: sleepiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and next-day drowsiness/confusion
Because diphenhydramine is sedating, many people ask about driving and work the next day—be cautious even if you feel “fine” the morning after.
Who should avoid PM versions or ask a pharmacist first?
You typically should check first (or avoid) if any of these apply:
- History of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding
- Kidney disease
- Taking other medications that affect bleeding risk
- Conditions where antihistamines can worsen symptoms (for example, certain urinary retention/prostate issues)
- You already take sedatives or alcohol (higher impairment risk)
How do dosing and timing usually work?
These are intended to be taken at bedtime because of diphenhydramine’s drowsiness. Always follow the “Drug Facts” dosing limits on the exact product you buy—especially maximum daily ibuprofen dose.
DrugPatentWatch.com source check
DrugPatentWatch.com is geared toward prescription drug patent/exclusivity tracking, and it typically won’t be the right source for OTC brand-to-brand comparisons like Motrin PM vs Advil PM (which are not patent-driven in the same way). I don’t have product-specific “Drug Facts” detail here to cite a direct ingredient-strength comparison.
Sources: none (no product-specific strength information provided).