What Aleve tablets look like

Aleve tablets are oval or oblong in shape and typically blue in color. The most common Aleve product — Aleve regular strength — has "ALEVE" printed on one side and "220" on the other. The tablets are smooth and coated, not rough or powdery to the touch.

The size is roughly the size of a standard aspirin or ibuprofen tablet — small enough to swallow with water, but large enough to handle easily. If you are holding a blue oval tablet with "ALEVE" and "220" stamped into it, you have the standard over-the-counter Aleve product.

Aleve also makes other formulations that look different. Aleve PM (which combines naproxen with a sleep aid) is a white or off-white tablet and is slightly larger than regular Aleve. Aleve Liquid Gels are soft capsules, not tablets, and are amber or reddish-brown. If you are looking specifically at tablets, the blue oval is the most common form you will encounter.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Aleve tablets are blue, oval-shaped, and have "ALEVE" and "220" printed on them.
  • Aleve PM tablets are white or off-white and larger than regular Aleve tablets.
  • The tablet is smooth and coated, designed to be swallowed whole with water.
  • If the tablet does not match this description, check the label or packaging to confirm what product you actually have.

Why the appearance matters for safety

Knowing what your medication looks like is a basic safety step. If you reach into a medicine cabinet or a bottle and pull out a tablet, you should be able to recognize it before you take it. Mistakes happen when tablets from different bottles get mixed up, or when someone takes a medication they did not intend to.

The imprint — the stamped numbers and letters — is the most reliable identifier. The "220" on Aleve refers to the dose: 220 milligrams of naproxen sodium. If you see a blue oval tablet with different numbers or letters, it is not Aleve, even if the color and shape are similar.

How to check if you have the right tablet

Start with the packaging. The box or bottle should clearly say "Aleve" and list the active ingredient as naproxen sodium. Keep the label or take a photo of it so you know what you are looking for.

If the tablet itself is your only reference, look for the imprint. Use a magnifying glass if the print is hard to read. The imprint "ALEVE 220" is specific to Aleve regular strength. You can also search the imprint online — most pharmacy websites and pill identifier tools will show you images of the real tablet and confirm what it is.

If you are unsure, do not take the tablet. Call your pharmacist or the number on the original bottle. A two-minute phone call is worth the peace of mind, especially if the tablet looks worn, discolored, or damaged.

What to do if your Aleve looks different than expected

Tablets can change appearance if they are old, stored in humid conditions, or exposed to heat. A tablet that has become sticky, crumbly, or discolored should not be taken. Moisture and heat break down the coating and can affect how the medication works.

If your Aleve tablets look different from what you expected but the imprint is still clear and readable, the difference may be cosmetic — a change in the manufacturer's process or a different batch. Check the expiration date on the bottle. If the date has passed, throw the tablets away and get a new bottle.

If the imprint is worn away, illegible, or missing entirely, you cannot safely confirm what the tablet is. Discard it and use a fresh tablet from a new bottle.

Storing Aleve so tablets stay recognizable

Keep Aleve in its original container with the label intact. The label tells you the dose, the expiration date, and any warnings. Transferring tablets to a different bottle — even a pill organizer — makes it harder to identify them later if you have questions.

Store the bottle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. A bathroom medicine cabinet works if you keep the door closed and the room is not steamy. A kitchen cabinet away from the stove is better. Heat and humidity break down the tablet coating and can change its appearance.

Keep the bottle tightly closed between uses. Air and moisture speed up deterioration. If you use a pill organizer for convenience, label each compartment clearly with the medication name and dose, and refill it from a fresh bottle rather than storing tablets long-term in the organizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Aleve if the tablet is slightly faded or discolored?

Minor fading is usually not a safety issue if the tablet is not sticky, crumbly, or damaged. However, if the discoloration is significant or the tablet feels different than it should, do not take it. When in doubt, use a fresh tablet from a new bottle.

What does the "220" on Aleve tablets mean?

The "220" refers to the dose: 220 milligrams of naproxen sodium. This is the standard over-the-counter strength. Do not confuse it with naproxen base, which is a different measurement — 220 mg of naproxen sodium equals about 200 mg of naproxen base.

Are all blue oval tablets Aleve?

No. Many medications are blue and oval-shaped. The imprint is what identifies the tablet. Always check for "ALEVE" and "220" printed on the tablet itself, not just the color and shape.

What should I do if I took a tablet I could not identify?

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (available 24/7 in the United States) or your local emergency number if you are concerned. Have the tablet bottle or label nearby so you can describe what you took. They can tell you whether you need medical attention.

Can I cut or crush an Aleve tablet?

No. Aleve tablets are coated to protect your stomach and to release the medication slowly. Cutting or crushing breaks the coating and can cause stomach upset or change how the medication works. Swallow the tablet whole with water.