Advil is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It contains the active ingredient ibuprofen, which works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. The Advil brand has several products, including the original Advil and Children's Advil.
According to the Drug Patent Watch [1], the original Advil was first approved by the FDA in 1984. It was available as a prescription drug until 1985 when it became available over-the-counter (OTC). The patent for the original Advil expired in 2002, and since then, several generic versions of ibuprofen have become available.
Children's Advil, on the other hand, is a liquid suspension that is specifically formulated for children. It is available in several flavors, including berry, grape, and bubblegum. According to the Advil website [2], Children's Advil contains the same active ingredient as the original Advil, but it is dosed differently to account for the lower body weight of children.
The article in the National Center for Biotechnology Information [3] explains that Advil has several advantages over other NSAIDs, including a longer duration of action and a lower incidence of gastrointestinal side effects. However, it also notes that ibuprofen can have side effects, including stomach upset, nausea, and dizziness. It is important to follow the dosing instructions carefully and to talk to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions.
In summary, the active ingredient in both the original Advil and Children's Advil is ibuprofen. Children's Advil is specifically formulated for children and is dosed differently than the original Advil. Advil has several advantages over other NSAIDs, but it can have side effects, and it is important to follow dosing instructions carefully and talk to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ADVIL
[2] https://www.advil.com/faqs-en/childrens-advil
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2000740/