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Naproxen
Naproxen (brand names include Aleve ®, Naprosyn®, EC-Naprosyn®, Anaprox®, Anaprox ® DS, and Naprelan®) is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs). It is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by many conditions, including injury, arthritis, gout, and menstrual cramps, as well as other types of bone, muscle, or tendon pain. It is also combined with other medications in several cold, allergy, and flu products.
Naproxen uses include:
- Pain relief, such as for pain following a medical procedure, from straining a muscle, or because of 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 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, the medication does not cure these types of arthritis.
- Treatment of painful menstrual periods.
Naproxen 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.
Naproxen and other NSAIDs work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, naproxen is useful at:
- Reducing pain related to bone, muscle, or tendon injury or inflammation
- Reducing fever
- Alleviating pain and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis and other diseases.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take naproxen include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet, caplet (capsule-shaped tablet), or liquid form. It is usually taken by mouth no more than twice daily or every 12 hours as needed (or as directed by your healthcare provider) for pain relief. It is best if you take it with food.
- For naproxen to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
- It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of developing serious side effects.
The dose of naproxen your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so. You should not take over-the-counter naproxen for more than ten days without talking to your healthcare provider.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with naproxen. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. Most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Common side effects may include:
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Itching
- Unexplained rash
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid retention.
(Click Naproxen Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Naproxen?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using NSAIDs (other than aspirin), including naproxen, may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke than those who do not. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time. These events can occur without any warning and can lead to death. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or ever have had any of the following:
Prior to taking naproxen, you should also tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- Asthma
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Bleeding problems or are taking medicines that decrease your blood's ability to clot
- Diabetes
- Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
- Any allergies to medicines, including sulfa drugs, aspirin, or other NSAID pain medicines.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Naproxen and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Smoke
- Are having or have recently had heart surgery.
In addition, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much naproxen may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Excessive sleepiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding
- Difficulty urinating.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Naproxen Be Stored?
Naproxen should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your naproxen as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.
Naproxen is manufactured by several different companies, depending on product selected. Some of these manufacturers include:
- Roche Pharmaceuticals
- Watson Pharmaceuticals
- Blansett Pharmaceuticals
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- Sandoz
- Mylan Labs
- Roxane Laboratories.
The specific manufacturers are listed on the package, or you can ask your pharmacist to help you find the appropriate contact information.
Is There a Generic Version?
Naproxen and naproxen sodium are generic medicines. They are also available under several brand names, including:
The difference between naproxen and naproxen sodium is that naproxen sodium is more rapidly absorbed into the body, which leads to faster pain relief. For people taking naproxen, pain relief can begin in about one hour. With naproxen sodium, pain relief can begin within 30 minutes.
Naproxen is available in several strengths, depending on the brand and whether it is over-the-counter or prescription-strength.
Over-the-counter products are available as:
- Naproxen sodium 220 mg oral tablets, gelcaps, or caplets
- Pamprin® Maximum Strength All Day Relief 220 mg oral caplets.
Prescription-strength naproxen is available in the following strengths:
- Naproxen 250 mg tablets
- Naproxen 375 mg tablets (immediate, delayed, and extended-release)
- Naproxen 500 mg tablets (immediate, delayed, and extended-release)
- Naproxen 125 mg/5 mL oral suspension -- one teaspoon (5 mL) contains 125 mg of naproxen
- Naproxen Sodium 275 mg tablets
- Naproxen Sodium 550 mg tablets.
Naproxen can also be found in some other over-the-counter combination cold and allergy medications. Be sure to always read the package label or speak with your healthcare provider before taking a medication.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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