Naproxen
Introduction To Naproxen
Naproxen is a pain-relieving medicine. It provides relief from pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and juvenile arthritis. It also helps in relieving muscle and joint pain, headache, toothache, and menstrual cramps.
Naproxen should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset and reduce side effects. In general, you should try to use the smallest amount necessary to control your symptoms, for the shortest possible time. You should take this medicine regularly while you need it. Try not to miss doses as it will become less effective if you do.
The most common side effects of this medicine include indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, rash, bruises, and edema. If any of these side effects do not resolve with time or get worse, you should let your doctor know. Your doctor may be able to suggest ways of preventing or reducing the symptoms.
This medicine is generally considered safe but is not suitable for everybody. Before you take it, you should tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, asthma, blood disorders, or drink a lot of alcohol. Also, tell your doctor what other medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine.
Uses of Naproxen
- Pain relief
Benefits of Naproxen
Pain relief
Naproxen is used for short-term relief of pain, inflammation, and swelling
in conditions that affect joints and muscles. It works by blocking chemical
messengers in the brain that tell us we have pain. It can help relieve pain in
conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Take it as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. Do not take more or for
longer than needed as that can be dangerous. In general, you should take the
lowest dose that works, for the shortest possible time. This will help you to
go about your daily activities more easily and have a better, more active,
quality of life.
Side effects of Naproxen
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Naprosyn
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Rash
- Bruise
- Edema (swelling)
How to use Naproxen
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Naproxen is to be taken with food.
How Naproxen works
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that cause fever, pain and inflammation (redness and swelling).
Quick tips
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You have been prescribed Naproxen to relieve pain and inflammation.
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Take it with food or milk to prevent upset stomach.
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Take it as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Long term use may lead to serious complications such as stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
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Do not take indigestion remedies (antacids) within two hours of taking Naproxen.
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Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Naproxen as it can increase your risk of stomach problems.
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Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or stroke.
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Your doctor may regularly monitor your kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components if you are taking this medicine for long-term treatment.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Naproxen if I’m pregnant?
Naproxen may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Naproxen if I’m breastfeeding?
Naproxen is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Naproxen safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Naproxen.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Naproxen?
Naproxen may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Naproxen may make you feel dizzy, depressed, sleepy, tired, or make it difficult to sleep. It may also affect your vision. This may affect your driving ability.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Naproxen if I have/had kidney diseases?
Naproxen should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Naproxen may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Naproxen if I have/had liver diseases?
Naproxen should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Naproxen may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Naproxen help with pain?
Naproxen is a pain killer and is used to reduce pain. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used to treat diseases of joints such as rheumatoid arthritis (including in children), osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treat attacks of gout, muscle and bone disorders and painful periods.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for a sinus infection?
Naproxen may be given to reduce the pain and swelling associated with sinus infection. It does not, however, treat any infections, you would need antibiotics for the same. Consult a doctor for the treatment of sinus infection.
Q. Does Naproxen raise blood pressure?
Naproxen can raise your blood pressure, however, it is not a very common side effect. Talk to your doctor if you are a hypertensive (patient of high blood pressure) and you have been asked to take Naproxen or you experience high blood pressure while taking Naproxen.
Q. Does Naproxen cause constipation?
Naproxen can cause constipation, however, it is not a very common side effect. Talk to your doctor before if you experience constipation while taking Naproxen.
Q. Does Naproxen contain sulfa?
Naproxen doesn't contain any sulfa substance.
Q. Is Naproxen a controlled substance?
Naproxen is not a controlled substance, however, it is available only when prescribed by a doctor.
Q. Is Naproxen addictive?
Naproxen has not been reported to have any addictive potential.
Q. Is Naproxen safe?
Naproxen is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Q. Is Naproxen a narcotic?
Naproxen is not a narcotic medicine. It is a painkiller and belongs to the group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Q. Is Naproxen safe in pregnancy?
Naproxen should not be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or you are planning to have a baby, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
Q. Is Naproxen a blood thinner?
Naproxen is not a blood thinner. It is a painkiller and belongs to the group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Q. Is Naproxen good for headaches?
Naproxen can help in relieving a headache and has been used for treating migraine headaches. However, it has not been found to be very effective for the relief of migraine headaches as mentioned in some studies. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines for the relief of headache.
Q. Is Naproxen over the counter?
Naproxen is not an over the counter (OTC) product. It belongs to a class of prescription drugs.
Q. Can I take Naproxen with oxycodone?
Naproxen can be taken with oxycodone. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Naproxen with prednisone?
Naproxen and prednisone can increase the toxicity of each other. Talk to your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for cramps (painful periods)?
Naproxen can be used for treating cramps (painful periods). Talk to your doctor before taking any medicines for cramps.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for fever?
Naproxen is not generally used to treat fever. It is a pain-killer and is used for treating various painful conditions. Consult a doctor if you have a fever as it is important to know the cause of fever before starting any medicines.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for back pain?
Naproxen can be used to treat muscle and bone disorders, so, it can help in relieving back pain. However, consult a doctor for the relief of back pain as it is important to find out the cause of back pain before starting any medicines.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for a cold?
Naproxen is not used to treat cold. Consult a doctor if you have a cold before taking any medicine.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for a hangover?
Naproxen is not used to treat a hangover.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for gallbladder pain?
Naproxen is not used to treat gallbladder pain. Consult a doctor if you think you have gall bladder pain as it is important to know the reason for pain before starting any medicines.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for tonsillitis?
Naproxen is not used to treat tonsillitis. Consult a doctor if you think you have tonsillitis as it would need to be diagnosed before the start of any treatment.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Naproxen is not used to treat urinary tract infection (UTI) as it is a pain killer and you would need an antibiotic for the treatment of an infection. Please consult your doctor if you think you have urinary tract infection (UTI) as it requires proper diagnosis and treatment.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for a toothache (dental pain)?
Naproxen is a pain killer, so can be used for the treatment of a toothache (dental pain), however, please consult your doctor before starting any painkillers as there could be an underlying infection which needs to be taken care of along with.
Q. Does Naproxen make you sleepy?
Naproxen may make you feel dizzy, drowsy or tired and may cause blurred vision and you need to be careful while driving or operating any machinery. Talk to your doctor before taking Naproxen.
Q. Does Naproxen work immediately?
Naproxen starts working immediately as it is absorbed quickly from the gastrointestinal tract. Some pain relief occurs after a few hours, however, the full effect is seen after a couple of weeks. Please consult your doctor for more details.
Q. Does Naproxen expire?
Yes, Naproxen does expire. All the medicines come with an expiry date mentioned on the pack. You must check the expiry date before using any medicine.
Q. Does Naproxen have aspirin in it?
Naproxen does not contain aspirin. These are two different drugs which belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Q. Does Naproxen get you high?
Naproxen does not get you high. It has not been reported to have any addiction potential.
Q. Does Naproxen work?
Naproxen works if used for the right indication at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for the treatment of flu?
Naproxen is not recommended for the treatment of flu. Talk to your doctor if you have flu before taking any medicines. It is a self-limiting condition and you may not need to take any treatment for this.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for swollen glands?
Naproxen may be given to reduce the pain and swelling associated with the swollen glands. It does not, however, treat any underlying infections if any, you would need antibiotics for the same. Consult a doctor before taking any antibiotics.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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