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Naproxen

Generic Name: 

Naproxen sodium

Brand Names: 

Aflaxen, Aleve, Aleve Arthritis, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn

Naproxen Description: 

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) pain reliever and fever reducer that is commonly found over-the-counter in the form of Aleve and also as a prescription tablet or liquid suspension. Naproxen is used to treat mild to moderate pain associated with a wide variety of conditions, and is commonly used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with arthritis.

Naproxen Side Effects: 

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following serious side effects from naproxen use, as they may be signs of dangerous conditions:

  • Bloody or black stools
  • Chest pain
  • Feeling faint
  • Fever that worsens or lasts more than 3 days
  • Heartburn
  • Pain that worsens or lasts more than 10 days
  • Redness or swelling in an area with pain
  • Slurred speech
  • Stomach pain that worsens
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Vision problems
  • Vomiting blood
  • Weakness

For more information, see our Naproxen side effects page.

Naproxen Uses: 

Common uses for naproxen include the treatment of mild to moderate pain associated with tendonitis, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, headache, toothache, the common cold, gout, bursitis, and tendonitis. Naproxen can also relieve the painful symptoms of arthritis, including the inflammation and stiffness of osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Naproxen may be used in patients with ankylosing spondylitis to relieve spinal joint pain.

It should be noted that naproxen can serve as a treatment for the painful symptoms associated with arthritis, but it is not a cure for the condition.

Naproxen Interactions: 

Do not use other NSAID medications while using naproxen, both prescription and nonprescription NSAIDs such as ketoprofen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Do not combine naproxen with blood thinners (anticoagulants) or steroid medications. Other drugs that should not be combined with naproxen before talking to a doctor include:

  • Arixtra (fondaparinux)
  • Atripla
  • BabyBIG
  • Bexxar (tositumomab)
  • Carimune
  • Clexane (enoxaparin)
  • Coumadin (warfarin)
  • CytoGam
  • Effient (prasugrel)
  • Flebogamma
  • Folex PFS
  • Fragmin (dalteparin)
  • Gamimune
  • Gammagard
  • Gamunex
  • Hepsera (adefovir)
  • Hepsera (adefovir)
  • Jantoven (warfarin)
  • Lovenox (enoxaparin)
  • Miradon (anisinidione)
  • Normiflo (ardeparin)
  • Normiflo (ardeparin)
  • Octagam
  • Orgaran (danaparoid)
  • OsmoPrep
  • Panglobulin
  • Pedia-Lax enema
  • Phosphate laxative
  • Polygam S/D
  • Privigen
  • Prograf (tacrolimus)
  • Rapamune (sirolimus)
  • RespiGam
  • Sandoglobulin
  • Sprycel (dasatinib)
  • Toradol (ketorolac)
  • Trexail (methotrexate)
  • Truvada
  • Viread (tenofovir)
  • Visicol
  • Vistide (cidofovir)
  • Xigris (drotrecogin alfa)
  • Zevalin (ibritumomab)
Naproxen Dosage Information: 

Typical Dosage Recommendations

Naproxen is usually prescribed as one tablet taken every 8 to 12 hours for as long as symptoms last. Treatment should not last longer than 10 days. Patients should not take more than two tablets in an 8- to 12-hour period. Do not exceed three tablets in a 24-hour period.

Missing a Dose of Naproxen

If you miss a dose of naproxen, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Naproxen Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you believe you have overdosed on naproxen. Symptoms of overdose include:

  • Black or bloody stools
  • Confusion
  • Coughing up blood
  • Drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • Nausea
  • Shallow breathing
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Coma
Naproxen FDA Approval: 

March 11, 1976

Naproxen Recall/Black Box Warning Information: 

Other Warnings

Naproxen may cause severe allergic reactions in rare cases, especially in people allergic to aspirin. If allergic reaction occurs, stop using naproxen immediately and seek medical attention. Symptoms of allergic reaction include:

  • Blisters
  • Facial swelling
  • Hives
  • Rash
  • Red skin
  • Shock
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

As an NSAID, naproxen may cause stomach bleeding. The risk for stomach bleeding is increased if you:

  • Are over the age of 60
  • Have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
  • Currently use blood thinning drugs (anticoagulant) or steroid medications
  • Currently use other NSAID medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen
  • Consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day
  • Take naproxen for longer than prescribed
Sources: 
  1. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602223
  2. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/Scripts/cder/DrugsatFDA/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=NAPROXEN
  3. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085911.pdf
  4. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2004
    /ucm108387.htm
  5. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafety
    InformationforPatientsandProviders/UCM164733.pdf
  6. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationfor
    PatientsandProviders/ucm110423.htm
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