What Is Naproxen Used For?

Pain, inflammation, fever, and stiffness from a number of conditions can all be relieved by using naproxen. People may use the pain-relief medicine after an injury, to treat arthritis symptoms, or to help with painful menstrual periods, among other things. Off-label uses include the treatment of fibromyalgia, lupus, and chronic fatigue.

An Introduction to Naproxen Uses

 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 uses for naproxen 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). Naproxen can also be used to treat general pain, such as knee pain, back pain, or foot pain.
     
  • Treatment of arthritis symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling. Naproxen can be used to treat several different types of arthritis, including:
 
The medication does not cure arthritis, however, nor does it change how the condition progresses.
  • 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 symptoms, such as fever, aches, and pains.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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