Naproxen

Uses of Naproxen

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Naproxen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps. It can also be used to treat acute pain caused by other conditions not listed in this medication guide.

The delayed-release or extended-release tablets are slower-acting forms of naproxen that are used only for treating chronic conditions such as arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. These forms will not work fast enough to treat acute pain.

Precautions and Warnings

People who are allergic to any of the following should not use naproxen products.

• Naproxen
• Aleve
• Anaprox
• Naperlan
• Naprosyn
• Aspirin or any other medicine known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific naproxen products they stock.

Heart Surgery. Do not take naproxen right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Taking naproxen during this time can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

What should I know about naproxen before using it?

If naproxen was prescribed to you by a healthcare provider, take it as prescribed.

Do not share naproxen that was prescribed for you by a healthcare provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

You may take naproxen with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your naproxen oral liquid dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Keep naproxen out of the reach of children.

People aged 60 years and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of naproxen. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using naproxen?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if naproxen is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

• Heart problems such as heart failure  or recent heart attack
• Bleeding problems
• Kidney or liver problems
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Stomach ulcers, bleeding, or other stomach problems like heartburn
• High blood pressure
• Asthma
• Stroke

Naproxen may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Naproxen, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Do not take naproxen at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy without talking to your healthcare provider. Taking naproxen during this time may cause harm to an unborn baby and complications during delivery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use naproxen while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Naproxen passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take naproxen while breastfeeding.

Dosage

Your dose of naproxen depends on the reason why you’re taking it, your age, how well your liver and kidneys work, and how well it helps your symptoms.

Usually, the dose to treat:

• joint conditions is 500mg to 1,000mg a day in 1 or 2 doses
• muscle and bone disorders and painful periods is 500mg at first, then 250mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed
• attacks of gout is 750mg, then 250mg every 8 hours until the attack has passed

Doses are usually lower for older people and people with heart, liver or kidney problems.

For children, the doctor will use your child’s weight to work out the right dose.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Upset stomach or stomach pain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Gas or heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Rash
• Bruising
• Flu-like symptoms