What Is Naproxen Used For?

Many people wonder, "What is naproxen used for?" Naproxen is used for relieving pain, inflammation, fever, and stiffness from a number of conditions. People may use the pain-relief medicine after an injury, to treat arthritis symptoms, or to help with painful menstrual periods, among other things.

 

What Is Naproxen Used For?

Naproxen (brand names include Aleve®, Naprosyn®, EC-Naprosyn®, Anaprox®, Anaprox® DS, and Naprelan®) is a medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to pain, inflammation, fever, and stiffness.
 
Specific naproxen uses include:
 
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.
 

How Does Naproxen Work?

Naproxen and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) 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 conditions.
 
(What Is Naproxen Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;