Product Description.:
Naproxen sodium is one of a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen and other NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, substances in the body that play a role in causing pain and inflammation.
Naproxen has been used in the United States since 1980. It is available generically and under many brand names. After 14 years as a prescription-only medication, in 1994 naproxen was approved by the Food & Drug Administration as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. The best-known brand name for OTC naproxen is Aleve, which is made by the Bayer Healthcare LLC other brand names for naproxen include Anaprox DS, Naprelan, Anaprox, EC-Naprosyn, and Naprosyn.
As a prescription-strength drug, naproxen comes in the form of tablets or as a liquid suspension. Tablets may be coated to protect your stomach, or they may be extended-release tablets that you need to take only once a day.
Prescription-strength naproxen is often used to treat joint pain and swelling caused by arthritis. Common conditions treated with prescription naproxen include menstrual pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. Nonprescription naproxen is commonly used to relieve pain, swelling, and fever. OTC naproxen is also taken to relieve various aches and pains, cold and flu symptoms, and headaches.
What Are the Most Common and Serious Side Effects of Naproxen?
Side effects from naproxen are more frequent if you need to take this medication over a long period of time. Digestive system complaints are the most frequent side effects. The most common side effects in people taking naproxen in drug trials were:
Heartburn
Stomach ache
Constipation
Headache
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Itching
Skin rash
Skin bruising
Ringing in the ears
Fluid retention
Shortness of breath
If you have any side effects, stop taking naproxen and call your doctor. Serious side effects that you should call your doctor about right away include:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, wheezing, swelling, or trouble breathing
Digestive symptoms, such as bad stomach ache, throwing up blood, or black or bloody bowel movements
Stroke symptoms, such as one-sided weakness, changes in balance or eyesight, or trouble with balance, talking, or thinking
Heart problems, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, abnormal heartbeats, or sudden fluid buildup
Other problems, such as dark urine, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, bad headache, seizure, decreased urine, any bruising or bleeding, severe back pain, or chills and fever
Do Other Drugs Affect the Way Naproxen Works?
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any drugs you take, including other prescription drugs, other OTC drugs, and any vitamins, dietary supplements or herbal remedies. Certain drugs are known to interact with naproxen and may cause problems:
Naproxen may interact with several types of blood pressure medications and make them less effective.
Some types of antacids medications may make naproxen less effective.
Naproxen should be taken very carefully with other NSAIDs, including aspirin.
Naproxen may reduce the effectiveness of some diuretics.
Naproxen may enhance the toxicity of lithium and increase the risk for lithium side effects.
Naproxen may increase the level of the drug methotrexate and increase the risk for methotrexate side effects.
The blood thinner warfarin may be more likely to cause GI (stomach) bleeding when combined with naproxen.
Naproxen may be more likely to cause GI bleeding when combined with antidepressant drugs called SSRIs.
Drinking alcohol and taking naproxen increases the chance of developing an ulcer or having GI bleeding.
What Are the Typical Dosages for Naproxen?
The dose of naproxen will depend on which brand and strength you take, which condition is being treated, and your age. For arthritis, common dosages can range from 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg). In children, the dose is calculated by body weight. At lower doses, naproxen works best to relieve pain. Higher doses may be needed to reduce swelling.
Here are general guidelines for naproxen dosages:
Extended-release tablets may be taken once a day.
Enteric coated tablets may be taken twice a day.
Tablets may be taken every 8 hours for gout or pain.
OTC naproxen is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours.
Here are some general rules for taking naproxen:
Take naproxen with food if it causes an upset stomach.
Always take naproxen with a full glass of water.
Do not chew, split, or crush naproxen tablets. Take them whole.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol while taking naproxen.
Although naproxen and other NSAIDs have warnings and side effects you need to be aware of, they have been an impor
