Substitutes for Naproxen

As a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (

NSAID), naproxen (brand names include Aleve^®, Naprosyn^®, EC-Naprosyn^®, Anaprox^®, Anaprox^® DS, and Naprelan^®) is a medication used to treat 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.

Naproxen is generally effective and well tolerated. However, if you experience bothersome side effects or if the medication is not adequately controlling your symptoms, there are several alternatives to this medication. Some of these naproxen substitutes include other NSAIDs, such as:

Aspirin (Ecotrin^®, Bayer^®, Anacin^®)
Ibuprofen (Motrin^®, Advil^®, Nuprin^®)
Indomethacin (Indocin^®, Indocin SR^®)
Ketoprofen (Orudis^®, Actron^®, Oruvail^®)
Ketorolac (Toradol)
Meclofenamate (Meclomen^®)
Oxaprozin (Daypro^®)
Piroxicam (Feldene^®)
Salsalate (Salflex^®, Disalcid^®, Amigesic^®)
Sulindac (Clinoril^®)
Tolmetin (Tolectin^®).

(Click List of NSAIDs for a more complete look at possible substitutes for naproxen. This article offers a detailed list of various other medications that can be used if naproxen is not working for your condition or if it is causing unwanted side effects.)