Aleve’s active ingredient is naproxen sodium, dosed at 220 mg per tablet or caplet. That 220 mg of naproxen sodium delivers 200 mg of naproxen, the compound that actually reduces pain and inflammation, plus 20 mg of sodium, which helps the drug dissolve and absorb faster. The rest of the pill is a mix of binders, coatings, and colorants that hold everything together.
How Naproxen Sodium Works
Naproxen belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs, the same family as ibuprofen and aspirin. It works by blocking enzymes in your body called COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes produce hormone-like chemicals that trigger pain, swelling, and fever. By blocking both enzymes, naproxen reduces all three at once. It’s considered a nonselective NSAID, meaning it doesn’t target one enzyme over the other.
One practical difference between naproxen and ibuprofen is duration. A single Aleve dose lasts 8 to 12 hours, while ibuprofen typically lasts 4 to 6. That’s why Aleve’s dosing schedule calls for one pill every 8 to 12 hours rather than every 4 to 6.
Inactive Ingredients in Standard Aleve
The inactive ingredients don’t treat pain. They shape the tablet, control how it breaks down in your stomach, and give it that smooth blue coating. A standard Aleve tablet contains:
- Microcrystalline cellulose: a plant-based filler that gives the tablet its bulk and structure
- Hypromellose and polyethylene glycol: form the smooth film coating on the outside
- Povidone: a binder that holds the powdered ingredients together
- Magnesium stearate: a lubricant that prevents the powder from sticking to manufacturing equipment
- Talc: another anti-sticking agent
- Titanium dioxide: a white pigment used in the coating
- FD&C Blue #2: the dye responsible for Aleve’s signature blue color
Some tablet formulations also list aluminum oxide. None of these contain lactose, gluten, or starch, which matters if you’re checking for common allergens. However, if you’re sensitive to artificial dyes, the FD&C Blue #2 is worth noting.
Sodium Content
Each Aleve caplet contains 20 mg of sodium. That’s a small amount (less than 1% of the typical daily recommended limit of 2,300 mg), but it can add up if you’re taking the maximum of three caplets per day, bringing your total to 60 mg just from Aleve. If you’re on a strict sodium-restricted diet, this is something to be aware of, though for most people it’s negligible.
Aleve Liquid Gels
The liquid gel version contains the same 220 mg of naproxen sodium but delivers it in a different form. Instead of a compressed tablet, the drug is dissolved inside a soft gelatin capsule. The inactive ingredient list reflects that difference: gelatin forms the capsule shell, while glycerin, sorbitol, and mannitol keep the liquid fill stable. FD&C Blue #1 (rather than #2) provides the color. Purified water, lactic acid, propylene glycol, and sorbitan round out the formula.
Because the drug is already in liquid form, these capsules may absorb slightly faster than standard tablets. The gelatin shell is animal-derived, so the liquid gels are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
What’s Different in Aleve PM
Aleve PM adds a second active ingredient: 25 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that causes drowsiness. This is the same sleep-aid compound found in products like Benadryl and ZzzQuil. The naproxen sodium dose stays the same at 220 mg. The idea is to relieve minor pain while helping you fall asleep, so it’s designed strictly for nighttime use.
What’s Different in Aleve-D
Aleve-D Sinus & Cold pairs the standard 220 mg naproxen sodium with 120 mg of pseudoephedrine, a nasal decongestant. The pseudoephedrine is in an extended-release form, meaning it dissolves gradually rather than all at once. Because pseudoephedrine can be used to manufacture methamphetamine, Aleve-D is kept behind the pharmacy counter in most states. You don’t need a prescription, but you’ll need to ask the pharmacist and show ID.
Quick Comparison Across Formulations
- Aleve (tablets and caplets): 220 mg naproxen sodium only
- Aleve Liquid Gels: 220 mg naproxen sodium in a gelatin capsule
- Aleve PM: 220 mg naproxen sodium + 25 mg diphenhydramine
- Aleve-D Sinus & Cold: 220 mg naproxen sodium + 120 mg pseudoephedrine
Every version shares the same core pain reliever at the same dose. The differences come down to whether an additional active ingredient has been added for sleep or congestion, and whether the delivery format uses a compressed tablet or a liquid-filled capsule.