Brand Name: Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn
Generic Name: naproxen
Drug Class: NSAIDs
What is naproxen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Naproxen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation.
Naproxen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced.
Naproxen was approved by the FDA in December 1991.
Naproxen is used for the treatment of the following:
- Mild to moderate pain
- Inflammation
- Fever
What is the dosage for naproxen?
- The usual adult dose for pain is 250 every 6 to 8 hours or 500 mg twice daily using regular naproxen tablets.
- The usual dose for Naprelan controlled release tablets is 750 to 1000 mg given once daily.
- For EC-Naprosyn, the usual dose is 375-500 mg twice daily.
Naproxen should be given with food to reduce upset stomach.
- The dose for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis is 500 to 1000 mg every 12 hours.
- Dysmenorrhea is treated with 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours after an initial dose of 500 mg.
What are the side effects of naproxen?
The most common side effects from naproxen are:
- rash,
- ringing in the ears,
- headaches,
- dizziness,
- drowsiness, abdominal pain, nausea,
- diarrhea,
- constipation,
- heartburn,
- fluid retention, and
- shortness of breath.
Other important side effects include:
- fluid retention,
- blood clots,
- heart attacks,
- hypertension, and
- heart failure.
Which drugs or supplements interact with naproxen?
Naproxen is associated with several suspected or probable interactions that affect the action of other drugs.
The following examples are the most common suspected interactions:
- Naproxen may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys. Increased levels of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity.
- Naproxen may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of blood pressure medications. This may occur because prostaglandins play a role in the regulation of blood pressure.
- When naproxen is used in combination with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) or aminoglycosides (for example, gentamicin) the blood levels of the methotrexate or aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because the elimination from the body of these drugs is reduced. This may lead to more methotrexate or aminoglycoside-related side effects.
- Individuals taking anticoagulants, for example, warfarin, (Coumadin), should avoid naproxen because naproxen also thins the blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding.
- Naproxen increases the negative effect of cyclosporine on kidney function and reduces the effect of furosemide (Lasix) and thiazide diuretics because of prostaglandin inhibition.
- Naproxen should be avoided by patients with a history of asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs. If aspirin is taken with naproxen there may be an increased risk of developing an ulcer.
- Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day may be at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking naproxen or other NSAIDs.
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SLIDESHOW
16 Surprising Headache Triggers and Tips for Pain Relief See SlideshowIs naproxen safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
NSAIDs may cause a fetal birth defect called ductus arteriosus (early closure of two major blood vessels of the heart and lung) in the third trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, NSAIDs should be avoided during this last part of pregnancy.
A small amount of naproxen is excreted in breast milk. Because the concentration in breast milk is low, breastfeeding while taking naproxen probably is not harmful to the infant.
What else should I know about naproxen?
Preparations
- Anaprox (tablets): 275 and 550 mg
- Naprosyn (tablets): 250, 375 and 500 mg
- Naprosyn suspension: 125 mg/5ml
- EC-Naprosyn: 375 mg
- Aleve: 220 mg
- Naprelan (controlled-release tablets): 375 and 500 mg.
Storage
Naproxen should be stored at room temperature: 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).
Brand names
Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve, and Mediproxen are the brand names available for naproxen in the US.
Prescription or nonprescription
Aleve is available over-the-counter (OTC, without a prescription), but the other brand names require a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Summary
Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn) is in the class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen is prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever. Side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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SAPHO syndrome is a chronic disorder that involves the skin, bone, and joints. SAPHO syndrome is an eponym for the combination of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. SAPHO syndrome is related to arthritic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis. Treatment is directed toward the individual symptoms that are present, and includes medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and cortisone medications.
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Menstrual Cramps and PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) Treatment
Menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain, mood swings, anxiety and more. Treatment for menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include regular sleep, exercise, smoking cessation, diet changes, and OTC or prescription medication depending on the severity of the condition.
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Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four ligaments that stabilize the knee. MCL injuries are referred to as tears or sprains. Sprains are graded from 1-3 based on the severity of the injury. Symptoms and signs of MCL injuries include swelling, pain, stiffness, and limping. Treatment of MCL injuries may involve resting and bracing the affected knee, and physical therapy can help to restore the range of motion.
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Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH or Forestier's disease) is a form of degenerative arthritis. It is characterized by calcification along the sides of the vertebrae of the spine. Symptoms include stiffness and pain in the upper and lower back. Anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat DISH.
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Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury to a person's neck following a car accident (in most cases). Symptoms include headache, neck pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, shoulder pain, fatigue, dizziness, jaw pain, arm pain, weakness of the arm(s), visual disturbances, and tinnitus. Diagnosis is generally with a physical exam, X-rays, or possibly an MRI. Treatment generally includes physical therapy and time.
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What Happens When You Get Shingles When Pregnant?
Becoming infected with chickenpox during pregnancy could cause birth defects in your unborn child. Likewise, shingles could also cause problems for your unborn child. If you are pregnant and haven't had chickenpox, avoid exposure to infected people. Zostavax, the shingles vaccine, can reduce the incidence of shingles by half. Women should wait at least three months after receiving the vaccine before trying to get pregnant.
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Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is also known as lateral epicondylitis. Symptoms of tennis elbow include tenderness and dull pain of the outer elbow. Resting, applying cold packs, and taking anti-inflammatory medications are usually effective treatments for tennis elbow.
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Migraine vs. Headache: Differences and Similarities
Headaches are the most common reason why a person goes to the doctor or other healthcare professional for treatment. There are different types of headaches, for example, migraine, tension, and cluster headaches. The most common type of headache is tension headache. Migraine is much less common. There are few similarities between migraine and other headaches, for example, the severity of the pain can be the same, mild, moderate, or severe; and they can occur on one side or both sides of the head. However, there are many differences between migraine and other types of headaches. Migraine headaches also have different names, for example, migraine with aura and menstrual migraine. Symptoms of migraine that usually aren't experienced by a person with another type of headache include nausea, vomiting, worsens with mild exercise, debilitating pain, eye pain, throbbing head pain. Migraine trigger include light, mild exercise, strong smells, certain foods like red wine, aged cheese, smoked meats, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, alcohol, and dairy products, menstrual period, stress, oversleeping, and changes in barometric pressure. Untreated migraine attacks usually last from 4 to 72 hours, but may last for weeks. Most headaches resolve within 24-48 hours. Doctors don't know exactly what causes migraine headaches; however, other headaches like tension headaches have more specific triggers and causes. Additional tests usually are required to diagnose migraine from other types of headaches, diseases, or other medical problems. Most headaches can be treated and cured with home remedies like essential oils, massage, and over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn) or ibuprofen (Advil, Midol, Motrin). Most headaches resolve with OTC and home remedy treatment, while your doctor may need to prescribe medication to treat your migraines. If you have the "worst headache of your life," seek medical care immediately.
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De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendon on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. De Quervain's tenosynovitis can be caused by a simple strain injury to the extensor pollicus longus tendon. Typical causes include stresses such as lifting heavy grocery bags by the loops, and lifting up gardening pots. Treatment for de Quervain's tenosynovitis includes any combination of rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and/or cortisone injections.
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What Is Kawasaki Disease?
Kawasaki disease is a rare children's disease characterized by a fever that lasts more than five days and at least four of the following five symptoms are present: rash, swollen neck lymph gland, red tongue, swelling or redness of the hands or feet, and conjunctivitis. High doses of aspirin are used to treat Kawasaki disease. Cortisone and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used during treatment.
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Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) annually affects one child in every thousand. There are six types of JRA. Treatment of juvenile arthritis depends upon the type the child has and should focus on treating the symptoms that manifest.
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Reye Syndrome
Reye's syndrome (RS or Reye syndrome) is a sudden, sometimes fatal, disease of the brain with degeneration of the liver. Reye syndrome is associated with giving children medications containing aspirin. Symptoms include vomiting, listlessness, irritability or combativeness, confusion, delirium, delusions, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. Treatment depends on early diagnosis and focuses on protecting the brain against irreversible damage by reducing brain swelling, reversing the metabolic injury, preventing complications in the lungs, and anticipating cardiac arrest.
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Giant Platelet Syndrome (Bernard-Soulier Disease)
Giant Platelet Syndrome (Bernard-Soulier Disease) is a rare inherited bleeding disorder caused by a defect in the platelet glycoprotein complex 1b-IX-V. Symptoms and signs include bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and problems with anything that induces bleeding, such as surgery, ulcers, trauma, and menstruation. Treatment involves avoiding medications that interfere with clot formation, such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. People with Bernard-Soulier syndrome should avoid contact sports.
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Pain Management: Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is chronic pain resulting from injury to the nervous system. The injury can be to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Toe Pain
- Tightness in Chest
- Chills
- Hand Pain
- Limping
- Finger Pain
- Muscle Pain (Myalgia)
- Joint Pain
- Stiff Neck
- Joint Redness
- Arm Pain
- Foot Pain
- Unsteady Gait
- Lower Back Pain
- Heel Pain
- Swollen Ankles and/or Swollen Feet
- Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)
- Ankle Pain
- Jaw Pain
- Joint Stiffness
- Fever
- Hip Pain
- Menstrual Cramps
- Neck Pain (Cervicalgia)
- Sprained Ankle
- Joint Warmth
- Torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear)
- Joint Cracking (Joint Popping)
- Shoulder Pain
- Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Toothache
- Burn
- Swollen Joints
- Osteoarthritis
- Headache
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (Bechterew's Disease)
- Gout
- Arthritis
- Elbow Pain
- Wrist Pain
- PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
- IT Band Syndrome
- Costochondritis
- Knee Pain
- Menorrhagia
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Encephalitis
- Swollen Knee
- Bursitis
- Hamstring Injury
- Fifth Disease
- Pericarditis
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Endometriosis
- Bone Cancer
- Crohn's Disease
- Trigger Finger
- Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's Appointment
- Shin Splints
- Chikungunya Virus Infection
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Repetitive Motion Disorder
- Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
- Torn Meniscus
- Sciatica
- Strain
- Morton's Neuroma
- Headaches FAQs
- Fibromyalgia FAQs
- Gout FAQs
- Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQs
- Back Pain FAQs
- Pain FAQs
- Ankylosing Spondylitis FAQs
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): 17 Warning Signs of Serious Complications
- How To Reduce Your Medication Costs
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Pain Management Over-The-Counter
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- Home Remedies for Shingles
- Osteoarthritis of the Hands
- Home Remedies, Treatment, and Prevention of Sprains and Strains
- Herbs: Toxicities and Drug Interactions
- Pain Relievers and High Blood Pressure
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- ibuprofen
- aspirin
- Drug Interactions
- meloxicam
- celecoxib (Celebrex)
- phenylbutazone (Butazolidine)
- indomethacin, Indocin, Indocin-SR (Discontinued Brand in U.S.)
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
- flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
- nabumetone
- erenumab (Aimovig)
- ketoprofen
- choline magnesium salicylate, Trilisate
- Types of Migraine Headache Medications
- salsalate, Amigesic, Salflex, Argesic-SA, Marthritic, Salsitab, Artha-G
- oxaprozin (Daypro)
- fenoprofen (Nalfon)
- Treximet (sumatriptan and naproxen sodium)
- naproxen/sumatriptan
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