Naproxen Dosage

Naproxen dosage recommendations will vary from person to person depending on several factors. The recommended starting prescription dose for most mild to moderate pain is usually one of the following: naproxen 500 mg to start, followed by 250 mg every six to eight hours; naproxen 500 mg extended-release once daily; or 550 mg naproxen sodium to start, followed by 275 mg every six to eight hours.

 

Naproxen Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of naproxen (brand names include Aleve®, Naprosyn®, EC-Naprosyn®, Anaprox®, Anaprox® DS, and Naprelan®) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The specific naproxen product taken (naproxen sodium dosing is slightly different than naproxen dosing)
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
Do not adjust your naproxen dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so. You should not take over-the-counter naproxen for more than 10 days without consulting your healthcare provider.
 
Mild to Moderate Pain, Including Painful Menstruation
The recommended starting prescription dose for most people with mild to moderate pain or painful menstruation is one of the following:
 
  • Naproxen 500 mg by mouth to start, followed by 250 mg by mouth every six to eight hours as needed. Daily dose should not exceed 1.25 grams of naproxen.
     
  • Naproxen 500 mg extended-release by mouth once daily. Daily dose should not exceed 1 gram of naproxen.
     
  • Naproxen sodium 550 mg by mouth to start, followed by 275 mg every six to eight hours as needed. Your daily dose should not exceed 1.375 grams of naproxen sodium.
     
The recommended non-prescription dose for most people over 12 years of age is naproxen sodium 220 mg by mouth every 8 to 12 hours as needed. Daily dose should not exceed 660 mg for people under 65 years of age.
 
If you are over the age of 65, the recommended dose is naproxen sodium 220 mg by mouth every 12 hours as needed. The daily dose should not exceed 440 mg for people over 65 years of age.
 
These dosing guidelines are effective for both relieving pain and reducing fever; however, do not self-medicate for more than 10 days without talking to your doctor.
(Naproxen Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;