This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Naproxen Consumer Information
NAPROXEN
Generic Name: naproxen (na PROX en)
Brand Names: Aleve, Aleve Caplet, Anaprox, Anaprox-DS, EC Naprosyn, Naprelan, Naprosyn
What is the most important information I should know about naproxen?
- Take naproxen with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- Do not crush or chew any extended-release forms of naproxen. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body. Ask your pharmacist if you do not know if you have an extended-release formulation.
- Watch for bloody, black, or tarry stools or blood in your vomit. These symptoms could indicate damage to your gastrointestinal tract.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, naproxen may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Naproxen may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
What is naproxen?
- Naproxen is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Naproxen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Naproxen is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by many conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, injury, abdominal cramps associated with menstruation, tendinitis, and bursitis.
- Naproxen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take naproxen?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs,
- have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach,
- drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day,
- have liver disease,
- have kidney disease,
- have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder,
- have congestive heart failure,
- have fluid retention,
- have heart disease, or
- have high blood pressure.
- You may not be able to take naproxen, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Naproxen is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Naproxen should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because a similar drug is known to affect the baby's heart. Do not take naproxen without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Naproxen passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medicine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take naproxen?
- Take naproxen exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take naproxen with milk, food, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- Do not crush or chew any extended-release forms of naproxen. Swallow them whole. These are specially formulated to release slowly in your body. Ask your pharmacist if you do not know if you have an extended release formulation.
- To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of naproxen with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well
- Store naproxen at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed since the missed dose, skip it and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a naproxen overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, sweating, numbness or tingling, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.
What should I avoid while taking naproxen?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Naproxen may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Naproxen may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, naproxen may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.