Naproxen is a mild to moderate painkiller belong to the family of Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatories (NSAIDs), the same family as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac. It is...
Naproxen is a mild to moderate painkiller belong to the family of Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatories (NSAIDs), the same family as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac.
It is used to treat pain and inflammation in a variety of conditions such as:
Naproxen generally has a longer duration of action than Ibuprofen and can stay active in the body from 8-12 hours.
Naproxen is not as strong as opioid based painkillers such as codeine or morphine, and hence is not suitable for post-surgical pain relief, especially after major surgery.
Naproxen can come in both; Over the Counter (OTC) and Prescription forms. Over the counter forms can be used for mild conditions such as headaches, back aches or muscle aches. Prescription forms are prescribed for more chronic conditions like arthritis or gout, and their flare ups.
Naproxen also comes in the form of Naproxen sodium which helps it be better absorbed into the bloodstream. The doses of Naproxen sodium and Naproxen are similar whereas the doses of Prescription Naproxen are slightly higher. Please speak to your healthcare advisor about the right form and dose of Naproxen for you.
Naproxen like all medications has some side effects and these can range from mild or moderate to severe. Check out the list of the prominent side effects on our website below and the full list in the patient information leaflet provided in the medicine pack.
Naproxen is a Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory (NSAID) that works to reduce inflammation and pain in the body. The NSAID class has other well-known medicines such as Ibuprofen, Celecoxib and Diclofenac. It reduces the production of inflammatory substances in the body like Prostaglandins that otherwise cause inflammation, pain and fever.
Naproxen can be used to treat a range of health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout flare ups, period pains, tendonitis, bursitis or ankylosing spondylitis. Due to being non-steroidal, it can also be used to treat muscle and bone disorders such as sprains or back pain.
You should take Naproxen as advised by your GP or alternative suitable healthcare provider. This usually involves the following guidelines:
Prescription doses can range from 250 mg to 500 mg and can come in 3 tablet forms; standard, effervescent and gastro-resistant as well as in a liquid.
The standard tablet form should be swallowed with milk or food, this helps lower the risk of stomach irritation.
Effervescent tablets should be completely dissolved in a glass of water and swallowed with food or soon after food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
Gastro-resistant tablets should be swallowed whole (It is not advisable to chew these) alongside or shortly after food. The Gastro-resistant form is coated to avoid being digested by the stomach and is instead digested in the bowels. This helps reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
If taking the liquid forms of Naproxen, use the syringe provided to measure out the prescribed amount. Liquid naproxen should also be taken with or shortly after food.
When considering how long Naproxen takes to kick in; it’s important to consider that it takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour to work depending on factors such as the food its taken with, the condition being treated and individual response.
After taking Naproxen, avoid lying down for 10-15 minutes, this reduces the risk that the medicine will irritate your oesophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach).
With Naproxen the foods to avoid are mainly alcohol as it can increase the risk of stomach irritation.
Please take Naproxen as prescribed or advised by your healthcare provider, alternatively please follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet provided.
Most people over the age of 18 can take naproxen and most children over the age of 15 can buy Naproxen from a pharmacy for period pains.
Naproxen can be taken by children under 15 in the following circumstances:
Naproxen isn’t the appropriate medication for everyone, due to its side effect profile, this is particularly for people who have underlying medical conditions. Please speak to your healthcare advisor about whether Naproxen is right for you.
Naproxen is generally not advised in people who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
Naproxen is also not advisable for people who have
Naproxen is meant as a short-term treatment and not taking it as directed can increase the risks of harmful side effects.
It is important to take naproxen as advised by your healthcare provider.
Do not take naproxen for longer than is recommended by your healthcare provider. This can cause an overdose in the body. If you think you have taken too much Naproxen, call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency as soon as possible.
You should avoid missing doses or not sticking to the prescribed schedule as this may mean Naproxen will not work as well or at all.
If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible. Do not take a missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. You should not double up to make up for a mixed dose.
Like all medications, there are side effects of Naproxen, however these don’t necessarily affect everyone:
These common side effects should settle after a few days of use, if they continue, please bring this up to your healthcare provider so they can appropriately alter your dose or provide an alternative treatment option.
If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
If you experience any allergic side effects to Naproxen, such as the following, call 999 or go to A&E immediately:
One of the most common side effects of taking Naproxen long term is an ulcer/break in the stomach lining. This can cause internal bleeding.
The most common symptom of an ulcer is a burning sensation in the centre of the stomach. However other symptoms include nausea, heartburn or indigestion.
If you have a previous history of a stomach ulcer, please disclose this to your healthcare provider in your discussions about whether to take naproxen.
For mild to moderate pain, the dosage of Over the counter (OTC) naproxen is as follows:
Do not exceed the 1000mg (maximum dose of naproxen) a day of prescription naproxen.
Please speak to your healthcare provider about the recommended dose and prescribed scheduled of Naproxen for arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Acute gout attacks is usually treated with prescription naproxen.
Please speak to your healthcare provider about the appropriate dose of Naproxen for acute gout attacks.
For Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), naproxen is given to manage pain and inflammation for children older than 2 yrs.
JRA occurs in children and the typical dose of naproxen prescribed is based on the child’s weight and the specific treatment plan made by a healthcare provider.
The usual dose of naproxen for JRA is 10mg/kg/day depending on the child’s body weight. For example, a child who weighs 40 kg would be given 400mg a day. This daily dosage is divided into 2 and taken twice a day.
Please speak to your healthcare provider about the correct dose of Naproxen for your child’s JRA.
Naproxen can be taken both over the counter (OTC) and via prescription for headaches.
For mild to moderate headaches, OTC doses of naproxen can be used:
The naproxen dosage of migraine and headaches is similar, however its important to consult your healthcare advisor to determine the right dosage for you.
Please speak to your healthcare provider about the appropriate naproxen dosage for your headaches and a plan for when and how to take your medicines.
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