People usually use the drug naproxen to relieve pain and swelling, but it can also help treat fever. Naproxen side effects may include headaches, dizziness, and ringing in the ears.
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Naproxen is available by prescription, or people can purchase lower-strength forms over the counter.
This article provides an overview of naproxen, including how it works, its uses, the potential side effects, and more.
Naproxen is a pain medication that relieves inflammation and joint stiffness. It is a
Naproxen works by blocking the enzyme that produces prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play an essential role in inflammation. The body produces them at the site of injured tissue, and they cause redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
Naproxen is available as naproxen or naproxen sodium. The major difference between naproxen and naproxen sodium is that naproxen sodium is
The body reaches peak levels of naproxen between
In the United States, over-the-counter (OTC) naproxen is called Aleve.
Prescription naproxen
People may use naproxen for the following conditions:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- osteoarthritis
- ankylosing spondylitis
- juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- tendonitis
- bursitis
- gout
- muscle aches, strains, and sprains
- headaches
- dental pain
- menstrual cramps
- fever
There are various types and strengths of naproxen. Regular naproxen tablets contain 250 milligrams (mg), 375 mg, or 500 mg of naproxen.
Fast-absorbing naproxen sodium is available in 220 mg OTC capsules and tablets, and 275 mg and 550 mg tablets by prescription. Low-dose naproxen is available in tablet or capsule form.
Children and people who have difficulty swallowing tablets can use naproxen suspension. Naproxen suspension contains 125 mg of the drug per 5 milliliters (mL).
The following table lists the inactive ingredients in regular naproxen, naproxen sodium, and naproxen suspension. People who have allergies or intolerances to any inactive ingredients should avoid using naproxen.
| Naproxen | Naproxen sodium | Naproxen suspension |
|---|---|---|
| • microcrystalline cellulose • croscarmellose sodium • magnesium stearate • iron oxide • povidone | • microcrystalline cellulose • croscarmellose sodium • povidone • magnesium stearate • colloidal silicon dioxide • talc | • methylparaben • fumaric acid • magnesium aluminum silicate • sodium chloride • sorbitol solution 70% • sucrose • flavor • FD&C Yellow No. 6 |
Naproxen is also available in enteric-coated tablets. These tablets release naproxen in the intestine rather than in the stomach. This formulation helps prevent gastrointestinal side effects that manufacturers have sometimes associated with naproxen.
Similarly to regular naproxen, enteric-coated tablets come in tablets of 375 mg and 500 mg.
Naproxen is available as tablets, liquid capsules, and liquid.
The dose of naproxen that a person requires depends on why they are using the medication. A general rule is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. This dosing helps prevent side effects from occurring.
Doctors advise people to take naproxen and other NSAIDs with food to prevent nausea or other gastrointestinal side effects.
Mild to moderate pain
For fever and mild to moderate pain, adults can take one
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis
People can manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis with a dose of 220 mg to 550 mg of naproxen every 12 hours.
Naproxen does not cure these conditions but offers relief from pain and inflammation.
Acute gout attacks
People with acute gout attacks may take 825 mg for one dose, followed by 275 mg every 8 hours.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Doctors may prescribe naproxen to manage the pain and inflammation caused by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
People can administer the liquid suspension of naproxen to children 2 years old and older. The recommended dose is 10 mg per kilogram (kg), or mg/kg divided into two doses 12 hours apart.
Headaches
Using naproxen to relieve pain from headaches and migraine is controversial.
People can try taking 550 mg of naproxen sodium every 12 hours and may increase it to 825 mg if needed. The daily dose should not exceed 1,375 mg.
Naproxen sodium is degraded more slowly than regular naproxen and other NSAIDs. This means that naproxen sodium should remain active for longer than other anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, after 2 hours, headache pain relief is lower with naproxen sodium than with other NSAIDs.
Although naproxen can be used to reduce the pain of headaches and migraine headaches, other NSAIDs may provide better relief.
Learn about natural headache remedies.
Maximum recommended daily dose
People should only use OTC naproxen for a short-term period. It is best to stop taking naproxen and contact a doctor if pain remains for more than 10 days, or more than 3 days for fever.
For children between 2 and 12 years old, the
When OTC medications, children 12 years and older should not take more than 660 mg in 24 hours.
Studies have not shown any benefit in using daily doses higher than 1,000 mg for adults, but some sources suggest a maximum of 1,650 mg per day for up to 6 months for arthritis.
The frequency and severity of side effects that naproxen causes depend on several factors.
Considerations include the dose and duration of treatment, other medical diagnoses a person may have, and individual risk factors.
The following sections discuss the common and serious side effects of naproxen.
Possible side effects
Possible side effects of naproxen include:
- heartburn
- constipation
- nausea
- gas
- headache
- dizziness
- itchy skin
- changes in urination
- excessive thirst
- hearing problems or ringing in the ears
- tingling sensation in the arms or legs
- symptoms of the common cold
Serious side effects
Examples of serious side effects of naproxen include:
- heart attack
- stroke
- blood clots
- jaundice
- symptoms of an allergic reaction
Although people can buy low dose naproxen without a prescription, it is not safe for everyone.
People with serious heart conditions, such as heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and congestive heart failure, may experience severe side effects from taking naproxen.
People with high blood pressure should only take naproxen cautiously.
Naproxen can cause sodium retention in the kidneys, which can result in increased blood pressure. A person with high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking naproxen.
Gastrointestinal side effects of taking naproxen can be severe. Bleeding in the stomach, the formation of ulcers, and stomach or intestinal blockages can occur when taking naproxen. Older adults and those with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding may be more vulnerable to more serious gastrointestinal side effects.
Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and what to do
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:
- hives
- swelling of the face or mouth
- wheezing
- fast, shallow breathing
- a fast heart rate
- clammy skin
- anxiety or confusion
- dizziness
- vomiting
- blue or white lips
- fainting or loss of consciousness
If someone has these symptoms:
- Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
- Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
- Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
- Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.
Naproxen may interact with several prescription and nonprescription drugs. Drinking alcohol and taking naproxen may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
People taking the antidepressant class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers when taking naproxen. SSRIs include:
- citalopram
- escitalopram
- fluoxetine
- fluvoxamine
- paroxetine
- sertraline
- vortioxetine
Oral steroids
Oral steroids, such as prednisone and antiplatelet drugs, may also increase stomach and intestinal bleeding and ulceration if people combine them with naproxen.
Blood thinners
Naproxen blocks the aggregation of platelets, which is an essential step in blood clotting. Blocking the aggregation of platelets can increase the time it takes for bleeding to stop.
People must talk with a doctor before combining naproxen with blood thinners, such as antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications.
People should avoid taking naproxen in certain cases.
Allergies
If a person has a history of an allergy or intolerance to any NSAID, they should not take naproxen. Cross-allergies and intolerances may occur between NSAIDs.
NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD)
One type of intolerance to naproxen and other NSAIDs is NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD). It
- hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
- asthma symptoms
- chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps
Pregnancy
After around 20 weeks of pregnancy, a person should avoid taking naproxen.
It is also important to contact a doctor for advice before taking naproxen at any point earlier in pregnancy.
Learn more about taking pain medication during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Naproxen may be present in breast milk, which can cause serious side effects for an infant.
Also, nursing babies may experience serious side effects if the mother is taking naproxen. Doctors do not usually recommend naproxen for women who are breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
Drug interactions
People should not combine certain antidepressants, high blood pressure, and blood thinners with naproxen.
A person can check with their doctor about whether naproxen may interact with any medications they are taking.
Medical conditions
Certain diagnoses may increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects, such as heart disease, ulcers, and kidney disease. Doctors may recommend alternatives to naproxen if a person has a condition that may result in side effects.
Age
Children under
Naproxen is a prescription and nonprescription NSAID. People can use it to relieve pain caused by inflammation.
Naproxen is not safe for everyone. People taking certain medications should use naproxen cautiously to avoid side effects. People with stomach or intestinal diseases, cardiac disease, or kidney disease should discuss the use of NSAIDs with their doctor.
Naproxen can also be dangerous during pregnancy and breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
It is important to contact a doctor if a person has concerns about taking naproxen or other NSAIDs.