Naproxen Sodium

Naproxen sodium is a type of pain-relief medication that is available as both a prescription drug and over-the-counter medicine. It is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by a number of conditions, including injury; menstrual cramps; arthritis; and other types of bone, muscle, or tendon pain. Naproxen sodium comes in a variety of strengths and is available in tablet, gelcap, or caplet form.

 

What Is Naproxen Sodium?

Naproxen sodium is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is available as a generic ("Naproxen Sodium") and under the brands Aleve®, Anaprox®, and Naprelan®. Naproxen sodium is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by many conditions, including injury, arthritis, gout, menstrual cramps, and other types of bone, muscle, or tendon pain. It is also combined with other medications in several cold, allergy, and flu products.
 

What Is Naproxen Sodium Used For?

Uses for naproxen sodium include the following:
 
  • Pain relief, such as for pain following a medical procedure, from straining a muscle, or for inflammation in a tendon (tendonitis) or bursa (bursitis). It can also be used to treat general pain, such as lower back pain, neck pain, or knee pain.
     
  • Treatment of arthritis symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling. Naproxen sodium can be used to treat several different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis (also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. However, naproxen sodium cannot cure arthritis.
     
  • Treatment of painful menstrual periods.
     
  • As mentioned, naproxen sodium may also be combined with other medications in several common cold, allergy, and flu products to help relieve common cold symptoms, such as fever and aches and pains.
 
(Click Naproxen Sodium Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses for the drug.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;