Naproxen: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Naproxen?

What is Naproxen for?

Naproxen is a drug with a function to reduce pain such as headaches, muscle pain, tendonitis, toothaches, and menstrual cramps. It also helps reduce pain, swelling, and stiff joints caused by arthritis, bursitis, and gout attacks. These drugs are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by inhibiting the production of certain substances that cause inflammation in the body.

If you are curing a chronic illness such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and / or using other medications to treat your pain. See the Warning section.

Naproxen dosage and naproxen side effects will be explained further below.

How to use Naproxen?

Take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day with a glass of water (8 ounces / 240 milliliters). Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking the medicine. To prevent stomach upset, take this medication with food, milk, or antacids.

The dosage is based on the medical condition and the body's response to treatment. To reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or take your medication more often than recommended. For ongoing illnesses such as arthritis, continue to take medication as directed by your doctor.

For certain conditions (such as rheumatoid), it can take up to two weeks to take this medication regularly until you get the best results.

If you are taking medications only as needed (not on a regular schedule), remember that they work best when they are used when new signs of pain begin. If you wait for the pain to get worse, it is likely that the medication will not work well.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

How do I store Naproxen?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Naproxen dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Naproxen for adults?

Usual Adult Dose for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Initial: 250 mg-500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg-550 mg (naproxen sodium) taken twice daily. The starting dose for controlled-release naproxen sodium is two 375 mg (750 mg) tablets per one-time oral, one 750 mg tablet taken once daily, or two 500 mg (1000 mg) tablets once daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis: Initial: 250 mg-500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg-550 mg (naproxen sodium) taken twice daily. The starting dose for controlled-release naproxen sodium is two 375 mg (750 mg) tablets taken once daily, one 750 mg tablet taken once daily, or two 500 mg (1000 mg) tablets taken once daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Initial: 250 mg-500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg-550 mg (naproxen sodium) orally twice a day. The starting dose for controlled release naproxen sodium is two 375 mg (750 mg) tablets taken once daily, one 750 mg tablet taken once daily, or two 500 mg (1000 mg) tablets taken once daily.

Usual Adult Dose for acute gout: 750 mg (naproxen) or 825 mg (naproxen sodium) taken by mouth once, followed by 250 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg (naproxen sodium) every 8 hours until the gout attack subsides, usually 2-3 days. The recommended dosage for controlled-release naproxen sodium is two or three 500 mg tablets (1000-1500 mg) taken on the first day, followed by two 500 mg tablets (1000 mg) taken daily until subsided.

Usual Adult Dose for Bursitis: 550 mg naproxen sodium once orally, followed by 550 mg naproxen sodium every 12 hours, or 275 mg (naproxen sodium) / 250 mg (naproxen) every 6-8 hours as needed. Titrate for a maximum daily dose of 1,100 mg naproxen sodium or 1000 mg naproxen. The recommended starting dose for controlled-release naproxen sodium is two 500 mg (1000 mg) tablets taken once daily. For patients requiring greater analgesics, two 750 mg (1500 mg) tablets or three 500 mg (1500 mg) tablets can be used for a limited period of time. After that, the total daily dose should not exceed two 500 mg (1000 mg) tablets.

Usual Adult Dose for Tendonitis: 550 mg naproxen sodium by mouth once, followed by 550 mg naproxen sodium every 12 hours, or 275 mg (naproxen sodium) / 250 mg (naproxen) every 6-8 hours as needed. Titrate for a maximum daily dose of 1,100 mg naproxen sodium or 1000 mg naproxen. The recommended starting dose for controlled-release naproxen sodium is two 500 mg (1000 mg) tablets taken once daily. For patients requiring greater analgesics, two 750 mg (1500 mg) tablets or three 500 mg (1500 mg) tablets can be used for a limited period of time. After that, the total daily dose should not exceed two 500 mg (1000 mg) tablets.

Usual Adult Dose for Dysmenorrhea: 550 mg naproxen sodium by mouth once, followed by 550 mg naproxen sodium every 12 hours, or 275 mg (naproxen sodium) / 250 mg (naproxen) every 6-8 hours as needed. Titrate for a maximum daily dose of 1,100 mg naproxen sodium or 1000 mg naproxen.

Usual Adult Dose for Pain: 550 mg naproxen sodium by mouth once, followed by 550 mg naproxen sodium every 12 hours, or 275 mg (naproxen sodium) / 250 mg (naproxen) every 6-8 hours as needed. Titrate for a maximum daily dose of 1,100 mg naproxen sodium or 1000 mg naproxen.

What is the dosage of Naproxen for children?

Usual Pediatric Dose for Fever

Dosage guidelines are based on naproxen: Over 2 years: 2.5-10 mg / kg / dose. The maximum daily dose is 10 mg / kg, given every 8 to 12 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain

Dosage guidelines are based on naproxen: Over 2 years: 2.5-10 mg / kg / dose. The maximum daily dose is 10 mg / kg, given every 8 to 12 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dosage guidelines are based on naproxen: More than or equal to 2 years: 5 mg / kg taken twice daily. Maximum dose: 1000 mg / day.

In what dosage is Naproxen available?

Tablet, Oral: 220 mg.

Naproxen side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Naproxen?

Get emergency medical help if you experience any of these signs of an allergic reaction to naproxen: hives; hard to breath; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using naproxen and call your doctor right away if you experience:

• Chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, problems with vision or balance;
• Black or bloody stools
• Coughing up blood or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds;
• Rapid weight gain, infrequent or no urination;
• Nausea, upper abdominal pain, hives, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• Bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• Fever, headache, stiff neck, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and / or seizures
• Skin reactions, such as fever, sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, burning in the eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and results in blisters and peeling of the skin.

Common side effects of taking naproxen include:

• Stomach pain, light heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation;
• Bloated;
• Dizziness, headache, nervousness;
• Skin itching or rash;
• Blurred vision or
• The ears are buzzing.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns regarding side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Naproxen Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Naproxen?

Before taking naproxen,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to naproxen, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Actron), medications for pain or fever, and other medicines.
• Contact your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are using or will be using. Make sure you mention the following drugs: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon)), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and Trandolapril (Mavik); angiotensin II receptor antagonists (angiotensin receptor blockers; ARBs) such as candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro, di Avalide), losartan (Cozaar, in Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), and (Diovan); beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); cholestyramine (Questran); diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), a drug for diabetes; methotrexate (Rheumatrex); probenecid (Benemid); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft); sulfa drugs such as sulfamethoxazole (in Septra, Bactrim); and warfarin (Coumadin). If you are taking delayed-release tablets, also tell your doctor if you are taking an antacid or sucralfate (Carafate). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor you more carefully to avoid side effects.
• Do not use naproxen with other medicines unless your doctor advises you to do so.
• Tell your doctor if you have been asked to follow a low sodium diet and if you have or have ever had a disease such as asthma, especially if you also experience frequent bloating, runny nose or nasal polyps (swelling of the inside of the nose); swelling of the hands, arms, legs, ankles, or lower legs; anemia (red blood cells don't bind enough oxygen to all parts of the body); liver or kidney disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last period of pregnancy, or you plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using naproxen, call your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using naproxen if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults usually have to take lower doses of naproxen for short periods of time because regular use of higher doses is not more effective and is likely to cause serious side effects.
• If you are going to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking naproxen.
• You should know that this drug makes you dizzy, drowsy, or depressed. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• Note that alcohol can increase the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Is Naproxen safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Naproxen Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Naproxen?

Drug interactions can change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. It is likely that this document does not list all drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription or nonprescription medicines and herbal products) and tell your doctor and pharmacist. Do not take, stop, or change the dose of any medication you are taking without your doctor's permission.

Ask your doctor before using naproxen if you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking these medicines with an NSAID may cause bruising or bleed easily.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you are also taking any of the following medicines.

• Blood thinners (warfarin, Coumadin);
• Lithium;
• Methotrexate;
• Diuretics or "water pills";
• Steroids (prednisone and others);
• Aspirin or other NSAIDs - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or
• Heart or blood pressure medications such as benazepril, candesartan, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, olmesartan, quinapril, ramipril, telmisartan, valsartan, and others.

Can food or alcohol interact with Naproxen?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Naproxen?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Anemia
• Bleeding problems
• Blood clotting
• Edema (fluid retention or body swelling)
• Heart attack,
• Heart disease (for example, congestive heart failure)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Kidney illness
• Liver disease (eg hepatitis)
• Stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding,
• Stroke, (have experienced). Use with care. It might make the condition worse.
• Aspirin-sensitive asthma or
• Aspirin sensitivity. Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
• Heart surgery (eg, coronary artery bypass graft) - Should not be used for pain relief before or after surgery

Naproxen overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of an overdose include:

• Dizzy
• Extreme fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Stomach ache
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Gag
• Difficulty breathing or slow breathing

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.