Naproxen (Aleve)

What Is Naproxen (Aleve)?

Naproxen sodium is the generic ingredient in Aleve and several other brands of pain medication.
Naproxen is in a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, substances in the body that play a role in pain and inflammation.
Naproxen has been used in the United States since 1980. It is available generically and under many brand names.
After 14 years as a prescription-only medication, in 1994 naproxen was approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug.
The best-known brand name for OTC naproxen is Aleve, which is made by the Bayer Healthcare.
Other brand names for naproxen include Anaprox DS, Naprelan, Anaprox, EC-Naprosyn, and Naprosyn.
As a prescription-strength drug, naproxen comes in the form of tablets or as a liquid.
Tablets may be coated to protect your stomach, or they may be extended-release tablets that you need to take only once a day.
Prescription-strength naproxen is often used to treat joint pain, menstrual pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis.
Nonprescription naproxen is commonly used to relieve pain, swelling, fever, cold and flu symptoms, and headaches.

Naproxen Warnings

Naproxen may raise your risk for heart attacks and stroke.
Heart and stroke risk is greater if you have a history of or risk factors for heart disease.
Naproxen may cause ulcers and bleeding in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Ulcer and bleeding risk is higher if you are elderly.
Because elderly people are more likely to have side effects, you should take the lowest possible effective dose if you are over age 65.
This drug is not recommended for children younger than 2 years.
Always tell your doctor if you are taking naproxen before having any surgical procedure, including dental surgery.
Before you take naproxen, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to NSAIDs.
In addition to stroke, heart disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding, other conditions also carry warnings related to naproxen use, so tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of these conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Anemia
• Asthma
• Nasal congestion or nasal polyps
• Stomach ulcer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Naproxen and Pregnancy

Naproxen may cause harm to a developing fetus, and should not be used in the later stages of pregnancy.
There's some evidence that naproxen can cause problems for developing babies and increase the risk for maternal bleeding during delivery.

Naproxen and Breastfeeding

Studies of naproxen use by women who are breastfeeding are inconsistent.
Some evidence suggests that naproxen is safe for a breastfeeding mother to use in moderate doses if her infant is at least one month old.
However, the American Academy of Family Physicians warns that naproxen can accumulate in an infant if a breastfeeding mother uses the drug for an extended period of time.
Ask your doctor if it's safe to use naproxen while breastfeeding. There may be safer alternatives for you and your nursing baby.

Naproxen Side Effects

Side effects from naproxen are more frequent if you need to take this medication over a long period of time.
Digestive system complaints are the most frequent side effects of naproxen. Others include:

• Heartburn
• Stomach ache
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Itching
• Skin rash
• Skin bruising
• Ringing in the ears
• Fluid retention
• Shortness of breath

If you have any side effects, stop taking naproxen and call your doctor.
Serious side effects of naproxen that you should call your doctor about right away include:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, wheezing, swelling, or trouble breathing
• Digestive symptoms, such as bad stomach ache, throwing up blood, or black or bloody bowel movements
• Stroke symptoms, such as one-sided weakness, changes in balance or eyesight, or trouble with balance, talking, or thinking
• Heart problems, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, abnormal heartbeats, or sudden fluid buildup
• Other problems, such as dark urine, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), bad headache, seizure, decreased urine, any bruising or bleeding, severe back pain, or chills and fever

Naproxen Interactions

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any drugs you take, including other prescription drugs, other OTC drugs, and any vitamins, dietary supplements or herbal remedies.
Certain drugs are known to interact with naproxen and may cause problems:

• Naproxen may interact with several types of blood pressure medications and make them less effective.
• Some types of antacids medications may make naproxen less effective.
• Naproxen should be taken very carefully with other NSAIDs, including aspirin.
• Naproxen may reduce the effectiveness of some diuretics.
• Naproxen may enhance the toxicity of lithium and increase the risk for lithium side effects.
• Naproxen may increase the level of the drug methotrexate and increase the risk for methotrexate side effects.
• The blood thinner warfarin may be more likely to cause GI (stomach) bleeding when combined with naproxen.
• Naproxen may be more likely to cause GI bleeding when combined with antidepressant drugs called SSRIs.

Alcohol and Naproxen

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking naproxen.
Drinking alcohol and taking naproxen increases the chance of developing a stomach ulcer or having gastrointestinal bleeding.

Naproxen and Other Interactions

Ask your healthcare provider prior to using cold, allergy, or pain medications.
These may contain other medicines similar to naproxen, and taking the products together may give you too much of the medication.
While taking naproxen, avoid sunlight exposure and tanning beds, as you can sunburn more easily.

Naproxen Dosage

Your dose of naproxen will depend on which brand and strength you take, which condition is being treated, and your age.
For arthritis, common dosages can range from 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg). In children, the dose is calculated by body weight.
At lower doses, naproxen works best to relieve pain. Higher doses may be needed to reduce swelling.
Here are general guidelines for naproxen dosages:

• Extended-release tablets may be taken once a day.
• Enteric coated tablets may be taken twice a day.
• Tablets may be taken every 8 hours for gout or pain.
• OTC naproxen is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours.

Here are some general rules for taking naproxen:

• Take naproxen with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Always take naproxen with a full glass of water.
• Do not chew, split, or crush naproxen tablets. Swallow them whole.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol while taking naproxen.

Although naproxen and other NSAIDs have warnings and side effects you need to be aware of, they have been an important treatment for millions of people with muscle, bone, and joint problems for more than 30 years.
Most people can take naproxen without any problems. Make sure you know how to take naproxen safely. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Naproxen Overdose

An overdose of naproxen may cause:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Trouble breathing

If you think you have taken an overdose or if someone else may have overdosed on naproxen, call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or call 9-1-1.

Missed Dose of Naproxen 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you think of it, but do not take two doses at the same time, and do not take extra doses.
If you are close to your dose time, take your normal dose.
If you are well past your dose time, skip the missed dose and just wait until your next scheduled dose.

Naproxen (Aleve) Pictures

Naprosyn 500 mg, yellow, oblong,

Naprosyn 250 mg, yellow, round,

EC-Naprosyn 500 mg, white, oval, film coated

Naprelan 375 mg, white, oblong,