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Brand Name: Aleve; Anaprox; Naprelan; Naprosyn
Generic Name: Naproxen
(na prox' en)
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Why is naproxen prescribed?
Naproxen is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It also is used to relieve other pain, including muscle and menstrual pain and pain after surgery, dental work, or childbirth.
Naproxen is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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How should naproxen be used properly?
Naproxen comes as a regular tablet, an extended-release tablet, and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day for arthritis, every 8 hours for gout, and once a day (extended-release tablets) or every 6-8 hours (regular tablets) as needed for pain. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take naproxen exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Liquid naproxen should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
If you obtained naproxen without a prescription, do not take it for more than 3 days for fever or 10 days for pain without talking to a doctor.
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What special precautions should I follow when using naproxen?
Before taking naproxen,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to naproxen, aspirin or other medications for pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ('water pills'), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamins. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using naproxen unless directed to do so by your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; any stomach problems; or any other gastrointestinal disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking naproxen, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking naproxen.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
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What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking naproxen?
Naproxen may cause an upset stomach. Take naproxen with food or milk.
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What should I do if I forget a dose of naproxen?
You should take the missed dose of naproxen just as soon as you remember to take it. Unless, it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of your medication to make up for a missed one.
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What side effects can naproxen cause?
Although side effects from naproxen are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stomach pain or cramps
- upset stomach
- nervousness
- constipation
- dizziness
- headache
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- gas
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- swelling of hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
- ringing in the ears
- blurred vision
- bloody vomit
- skin rash
- itching
» topWhat storage conditions are needed for naproxen?
Always keep the naproxen in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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What do I do in case of emergency or a naproxen overdose?
In case of a naproxen overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
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What other information should I know about naproxen?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to naproxen.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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