Naproxen Sodium Dosage

When treating acute pain with naproxen sodium, dosage recommendations typically start at 220 mg to 550 mg, twice a day. For arthritis pain, the suggested dose is 275 mg or 550 mg, twice a day. If symptoms still persist after several weeks, your healthcare provider may suggest a higher naproxen sodium dosage. You should take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time to decrease the risk of side effects.

 

Naproxen Sodium Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of naproxen sodium (brand names include Aleve®, Anaprox®, and Naprelan®) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your naproxen sodium dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Naproxen Sodium Dosage for Acute Pain
For acute pain relief or treatment of painful menstrual periods, the usual adult dose of naproxen sodium is 220 mg to 550 mg, twice a day. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 1100 mg per day.
 
If you are using over-the-counter naproxen sodium products (such as Aleve), you should follow the instructions on the label. Do not exceed the recommended over-the-counter doses (1 tablet or 220 mg, twice a day), and do not take naproxen sodium for more than 10 days, unless your healthcare provider recommends it.
 
Naproxen Sodium Dosage for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis
The recommended starting dosage of naproxen sodium for most people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis is 275 mg or 550 mg, twice a day. If pain is still present after several weeks, your healthcare provider may choose to increase your dose, up to a maximum of 1650 mg per day. If pain still does not improve, your healthcare provider may recommend other options for pain relief.
 
If you are taking naproxen sodium to help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it may take one to two weeks for the full effects to be felt.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;