Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is typically prescribed to relieve pain, sensitivity to the touch, swelling and stiffness associated to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Naproxen, like all NSAIDs, works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are the molecules involved in the inflammatory processes.
What is Naproxen?
Naproxen is used in the treatment of pain associated with bursitis, tendonitis, or arthritis caused by gout and other types of pain syndromes, including menstrual pain.
The counter medicines made from Naproxen may instead be taken to combat headache, body aches, arthritis pain, menstrual pain, toothache, back pain, lower fever or to fight cold symptoms.
How should Naproxen be taken?
Naproxen can be taken orally in the form of tablets, delayed release tablets, prolonged release tablets and oral suspension. The tablet release dosage is generally one dose per day, but it can go up to two doses per day in case of arthritis and three doses in case of gout.
When used to treat acute pain syndromes, Naproxen can be taken as needed every 6- 8 hours.
The counter medicines containing Naproxen should be taken on a full stomach in order to avoid causing nausea.
Side effects associated with Naproxen
The intake of NSAIDs increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Possible side effects of Naproxen include the following:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach gas
- Excessive thirst
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling light-headed
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Burning or tingling in the arms or legs
- Cold symptoms
- Tinnitus
- Hearing difficulties
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if the intake of the drug triggers:
- Vision problems
- Feeling that the tablet is stuck in the throat
- Weight gain
- Sore throat, fever, chills and other symptoms of infection
- Blisters
- Skin rash
- Skin redness
- Itch
- Urticaria
- Swelling of eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles or calves
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dry mouth
- Excessive tiredness
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Nausea
- Jaundice
- Flu-like symptoms
- Bruising or purple spots under the skin
- Tachycardia
- Cloudy urine
- Colorless urine
- Blood in urine
- Back ache
- Difficult or painful urination
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Naproxen
Naproxen should not be taken immediately before or after a surgery of coronary bypass.
It must not be taken together with other painkillers.
Naproxen may interfere with your ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. Drowsiness induced by the drug may be enhanced by alcohol.
Before taking Naproxen, it is important to tell your doctor:
- If you are allergic to the active substance or to other NSAIDs, any pain medication or anti-pyretic or any other medication
- If you are taking any medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, beta-blockers, diuretics, lithium, anti-diabetes, methotrexate, probenecid, SSRI, sulfa drugs and warfarin
- If you have to follow a low-sodium diet
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from asthma (especially when associated with frequent runny or stuffy nose or nasal polyps), anemia or kidney or liver disease
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is important to inform surgeons and dentists about any ongoing treatment with Naproxen.
