Naprosyn
® (
naproxen) is a prescription medicine used to reduce pain, inflammation, fever, and stiffness caused by many conditions, including injury,
arthritis, gout, menstrual cramps, and other types of bone, muscle, or tendon pain. Naprosyn is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs). It comes in two forms -- Naprosyn (immediate-release) and
EC-Naprosyn® (delayed-release).
It is manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals.
Naprosyn uses include:
- Pain relief, such as for pain following a medical procedure, from straining a muscle, or caused by inflammation in a tendon (tendonitis) or bursa (bursitis). It can also be used to treat general pain, such as lower back pain, neck pain, or knee pain. EC-Naprosyn is generally not recommended for the treatment of this type of pain because its effects are delayed compared to immediate-release Naprosyn.
- Treatment of arthritis symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling. Naprosyn can be used to treat several different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis (also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. It does not cure these types of arthritis or affect their progression.
- Treatment of painful menstrual periods.
Naprosyn and other
NSAIDs work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, Naprosyn is useful at reducing fever and pain related to a number of conditions. This includes pain and joint swelling associated with different forms of
arthritis and other diseases; and pain related to inflammation or bone, muscle, or tendon injury.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Naprosyn include:
- Naprosyn comes in tablet or liquid form. It is usually taken by mouth no more than twice daily or every 12 hours as needed for pain relief, or as your healthcare provider has directed. It is best if you take it with food.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
- It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of developing serious side effects.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(The side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of Naprosyn. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Naprosyn. Yet, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. When people do develop side effects, in many cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Common side effects with Naprosyn can include:
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Itching
- Unexplained rash
- Ringing in the ears
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid retention.
Some less common but serious side effects include:
These possible side effects are shared with all
NSAIDs and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
(Click Naprosyn Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of the drug, including possible serious side effects to look out for.)
Naprosyn can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using
NSAIDs, including Naprosyn, may have a higher risk of having a
heart attack or
stroke than those people who do not take NSAIDs. This warning does not apply to those who take aspirin. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time. These events can occur without any warning and can lead to death. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following:
You should also talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Naprosyn if you have:
- Asthma
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease or failure
- Kidney disease or failure
- Bleeding problems (or if you are taking medicines that decrease the ability of your blood to clot)
- Diabetes
- Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
- Any allergies to medicines, including sulfa drugs, aspirin, or other NSAID pain medicines.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Naprosyn and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Smoke
- Are having or have recently had heart surgery.
Also tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much Naprosyn may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
- Dizziness
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Excessive sleepiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding
- Difficulty urinating.
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
The medication should be stored at room temperature. Naprosyn tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Naprosyn and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Naprosyn as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
Naprosyn is available in the following strengths:
- Naprosyn 250 mg tablets
- Naprosyn 375 mg tablets
- Naprosyn 500 mg tablets
- Naprosyn 125mg/5mL oral suspension (liquid) -- one teaspoon (5 mL) contains 125 mg of Naprosyn.
Naprosyn is available as a generic.
