Naproxen
About Naproxen
Naproxen belongs to a class of painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen is primarily used to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the backbone), cervical spondylitis (wear and tear of spinal discs in the neck) and acute gout (severe pain due to excess of uric acid). Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling of one or more joints, resulting in pain and stiffness of joints that worsen over time.
Naproxen contains Naproxen, which works by blocking the action of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme in the body that is involved in the production of certain chemical substances, such as prostaglandins, that cause pain and swelling. Thereby, helps in relieving pain and swelling associated with different types of arthritis.
Take Naproxen as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take your Naproxen based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, bruising, itching, rash, and ringing in your ears. Most of these side effects of Naproxen do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Naproxen or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Naproxen. Do not consume alcohol with Naproxen as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Naproxen may cause an increased risk of severe heart problems like myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. It should not be used by a patient who has undergone recent heart bypass surgery or is going to have it. Naproxen increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal conditions like bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.
Uses of Naproxen
Medicinal Benefits
Naproxen is used to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the backbone), cervical spondylitis (wear and tear of spinal discs in neck) and acute gout (severe pain due to excess of uric acid). It is also used to treat fibrositis (muscle pain and stiffness), tenosynovitis (swelling of tendons), low back pain, strains and sprains.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Naproxen
Indigestion
Heartburn
Stomach pain
Constipation
Gas
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Naproxen or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Naproxen is not recommended for pregnant women especially in third trimester as it may cause harm to the baby. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Naproxen. Elderly patients are at greater risk for gastrointestinal bleeding problems so the doctor can limit their dose. Do not consume alcohol with Naproxen as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Naproxen may cause an increased risk of severe heart problems like myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. If you notice bleeding from your back passage as black sticky motions or bloody stools, blood in vomit or stomach pain spreading to back, please stop taking Naproxen and contact your doctor immediately. It should not be used by the patient who had undergone recent heart bypass surgery or are about to undergo surgery. Naproxen increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal conditions like bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. If you experience weight loss, diarrhea, pain or vomiting, please stop taking Naproxen and consult a doctor immediately as these might be signs of worsening or Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (swelling in digestive tract).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Naproxen may have interaction with pain killers (ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol, aspirin), high blood pressure-lowering medicines (propranolol, enalapril, cilazapril, losartan, candesartan, eprosartan)
Drug- Food Interaction: Naproxen may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake while taking Naproxen as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interaction: People with diabetes, stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, asthma, kidney, liver or heart problems and an autoimmune condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (joint pain, fever and skin rashes), colitis or Crohn’s disease (conditions causing swelling of the bowel, diarrhoea, bowel pain, vomiting and weight loss) should consult a doctor before taking Naproxen.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Naproxen as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcer.
Pregnancy
cautionNaproxen is a Category C pregnancy drug and is considered unsafe for pregnant women especially in the third trimester. However, please consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionAvoid breastfeeding while taking Naproxen as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby.
Driving
cautionNaproxen may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness or vision problems in some people. So, drive only if you are alert after taking Naproxen.
Liver
cautionTake Naproxen with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionNaproxen is not recommended for use in patients with moderate to severe and severe renal impairment whose creatinine clearance is less than 30 mL/min. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionNaproxen can be prescribed to the children for the treatment of muscle/bone disorders for children (from 1 month), joint disease diseases (from 2 years) and for period pain in girl children (under 15 years). However, your doctor will decide whether Naproxen should be given for the specific condition or not.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise such as cycling, walking, jogging, dancing or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
- Maintain healthy body weight (BMI between 18.5 - 24.9) as obesity may worsen joint pains and cause injury at the damaged site.
- Maintain a low fat and a low calorie diet and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
If you are elderly, smoker, had stroke previously, or have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, please inform your doctor as these conditions may increase the risk of heart problems.
- Do not take more than the prescribed dose as it may cause Naproxen overdose and lead to symptoms such as heartburn, stomach upset, unconsciousness, dizziness, ringing or buzzing in ears, fits, fainting, diarrhoea or excitation.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Arthritis: It is a condition that causes swelling of one or more joints resulting in pain and stiffness of joints that worsen over time. There are different types of arthritis of which osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are most common types. The symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, redness, tenderness, swelling in and around joints and reduced movement of joints. The risk of arthritis increases with age, obesity, previous joint injury or family history. Proper medication, physiotherapy or sometimes surgery may help to reduce symptoms of arthritis and enhance quality of life.
FAQs
Naproxen is used to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the backbone), cervical spondylitis (wear and tear of spinal discs in neck) and acute gout (severe pain due to excess of uric acid).
Naproxen works by blocking the action of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme in the body that is involved in the production of certain chemical substances, such as prostaglandins, that cause pain and swelling.
Arthritis is chronic condition of joints with pain and inflammation. Naproxen does not cure arthritis but relieve symptoms of arthritis like joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
No, Naproxen is not recommended for use during pregnancy especially in the last three months. It can affect and may harm the unborn baby (fetus). Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, please inform your doctor before taking Naproxen.
Yes, Naproxen may increase the risk of heart problems such as heart attack and stroke especially when used in high doses or for prolonged duration. It is advised to inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions or have history of heart problems or stroke before taking Naproxen. However, it is recommended to take Naproxen in dose and for duration as prescribed by your doctor. It should be not used by the patient who have had recent heart by pass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft - CABG).
Naproxen is a pregnancy category C medicine so, it is advisable to tell your doctor before its intake. It may inhibit ovulation (release of egg from ovary) and decrease the levels of progesterone leading to infertility in women. However, this effect is temporary and ovulation returns to normal mostly after one month of stopping Naproxen. However, if you are planning for pregnancy or have difficulties becoming pregnant, please inform your doctor before taking Naproxen.
No, you are not recommended to take Naproxen with warfarin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, if you notice blood in urine or stools, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, weakness or headache, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately to use safely.
In rare cases, taking anti-inflammatory medicines, including Naproxen, may increase the chances of getting heart failure. However, the risk is minimal for most people.
Always take Naproxen with or after a meal so it does not affect your stomach.
Using Naproxen together with other Painkillers is generally not recommended. Combining these medications may increase the risk of side effects in the gastrointestinal tract, such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and, rarely, perforation.
The doctor should decide the dose and duration based on your medical needs.
It is okay to take Naproxen with paracetamol, but this should only be done for short periods.
Please do not stop taking Naproxen without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Naproxen for as long as your doctor prescribes it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Naproxen.
NSAIDs, including Naproxen, may cause an increased risk of sudden kidney failure and even progressive kidney damage.
Naproxen is not a steroid. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
If you've been taking Naproxen for a long time, you are at risk of getting a stomach ulcer. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine, such as omeprazole or other medications, to protect your stomach.
The choice between a lower and higher dose of medication depends on your specific needs. A lower dose may be suitable for mild symptoms, while a higher dose may be needed for more severe symptoms. However, higher doses can also increase the risk of side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the best dosage for you.
Before stopping Naproxen, always check with your healthcare provider, even if your migraine symptoms have improved. They prescribed the medication for a specific time to ensure your migraine is fully treated and to avoid relapse. Suddenly stopping can cause new headaches or withdrawal effects. Your healthcare provider will advise you on how to reduce the dosage if needed safely and when it's okay to stop taking the medication.
Naproxen may cause diarrhoea. Naproxen can irritate the stomach and gut, leading to diarrhoea, tummy pain, or nausea. Talk to your doctor about diarrhoea or other side effects while taking Naproxen. Do not take any antidiarrheal medical medications unless recommended by the doctor.
Naproxen may not safe for everyone. Don't take them if you're allergic to Naproxen, have a bleeding stomach ulcer, kidney disease, severe heart failure, or are in your third trimester of pregnancy. Also, avoid taking them if you're breastfeeding unless your doctor says it's okay. And don't combine them with other NSAIDs or blood thinners. Always check with your healthcare provider first to make sure it's safe for you to take Naproxen Tablets.
NSAIDs like Naproxen can cause kidney inflammation (nephritis) or other kidney problems. However, this is more likely to occur in people who already have kidney issues, high blood pressure, or are taking other medications that affect kidney function. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking Naproxen, especially if you have pre-existing kidney conditions or concerns.
Taking more than the recommended dosage does not provide additional relief and can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Keep Naproxen out of reach and out of sight to children.
You should start to feel better about one hour after taking Naproxen. However, this may vary from person to person based on various factors.
No, Naproxen is not addictive, but it's essential always to take it as advised.
Long-term use or high doses of Naproxen can lead to stomach ulcers, especially if you're older or have poor health. If you've had ulcers, your doctor may prescribe protective medication to take alongside it, safeguarding your stomach and preventing potential complications.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Naproxen. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by Naproxen.
Common side effects of Naproxen may include indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, bruising, itching, rash, and ringing in your ears. Most of these side effects of Naproxen do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
