Naproxen Dosage (Cont.)

 

Naproxen Dose for Muscle Pain, Bone Pain, or Painful Skin Irritation

The recommended starting prescription-strength dose for most people with mild to moderate pain associated with these conditions is one of the following:
 
  • Naproxen 250 to 500 mg by mouth twice daily
  • Naproxen 375 to 500 mg delayed-release tablets by mouth twice daily
  • Naproxen 750 mg to 1000 mg extended-release tablets by mouth once daily
  • Naproxen sodium 275 mg to 550 mg by mouth twice daily
  • Naproxen sodium extended-release 825 mg to 1100 mg by mouth once daily.
     

Dosing Recommendations for Acute Gout

The recommended starting prescription-strength dose for most people with an acute gout attack is one of the following:
 
  • Naproxen 750 mg by mouth initially, then 250 mg every eight hours until gout symptoms improve
     
  • Naproxen 1000 mg to 1500 mg extended-release tablets by mouth on the first day, then naproxen 1000 mg extended-release daily until the attack resolves
     
  • Naproxen sodium 825 mg by mouth initially, then 275 mg every eight hours until the gout attack has resolved.
     

Dosing Guidelines for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

The recommended starting prescription-strength dose for most children over the age of two with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (also known as juvenile arthritis) is naproxen 10 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight by mouth every day, divided into two doses (i.e., 5 mg per kg given twice a day). For example, a 30-kg child would receive 150 mg by mouth twice a day (300 mg total per day).
 

General Information on Dosing With Naproxen

Some considerations for people taking naproxen include the following:
 
  • If using over-the-counter naproxen sodium products (Aleve), you should follow the instructions on the label. Do not exceed the recommended over-the-counter doses for naproxen (one tablet or 220 milligrams every 8 to 12 hours), and do not take this medication for more than ten days unless your healthcare provider recommends it.
     
  • If you do not take your naproxen as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take a double dose or take with other NSAIDs. It is okay, however, to take it with acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
     
  • If taking naproxen to help relieve arthritis symptoms, such as joint inflammation, it may take one to two weeks for the medication to achieve its full potential. However, naproxen helps to relieve pain in about one hour.
     
  • Your naproxen dosage should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent an upset stomach.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets or caplets.
     
  • For naproxen to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider recommends.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or naproxen dosing in general, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
     
Pages:

Previous 1   2

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;