Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory used to treat pain and inflammation. Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. Naproxen is commonly called Noflam or Naprosyn.
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What is naproxen?
Naproxen is in a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to treat different types of pain such as muscle pain, dental pain, migraine and pain from injury or after surgery. Naproxen also helps to ease redness and swelling caused by injury, and acute gout attacks. It blocks the inflammation process in your body and in this way eases swelling and pain. In New Zealand naproxen is available as tablets.
Lower strengths of naproxen tablets (Naprogesic® and Sonaflam®) can be bought over-the-counter from a pharmacy.
Dose
The dose of naproxen will be different for different people. As a guide:
- If you are taking naproxen for a long-term condition (such as arthritis), the usual dose is 500 mg to 1 gram per day, taken as either a single dose, or divided into 2 doses during the day.
- For short-term conditions (such as muscle/tendon pain or sprains/strains), the usual dose is 250 mg taken 3 or 4 times daily when needed. It is often recommended that a double dose (500 mg) be taken for the first dose.
- For gout pain, the usual dose is 750 mg for the first dose, and then 250 mg every 8 hours until the flare has passed.
- For period pain, the usual dose is 250 mg three times daily for up to 5 days.
Always take your naproxen exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
How to take naproxen
- Timing: Take naproxen with food or immediately after food, to prevent stomach upset. Take naproxen with a full glass of water. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew them.
- Limit or avoid alcohol while you are taking naproxen. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach upset.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it when you next need pain relief and then continue as before. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Take care with naproxen
For most people, taking naproxen is safe. However, extra care is needed if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, stomach ulcers, kidney problems or if you smoke. It can also be harmful if you take it when you are dehydrated or have been sick with nausea or vomiting. Discuss with your doctor if taking naproxen is suitable for you.
NSAIDs (except low-dose aspirin) increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke, which can lead to death. These serious side effects can occur even in the first weeks of using an NSAID and the risk may increase the longer you are taking them. The risk appears greater at higher doses; use the lowest effective amount for the shortest possible time. Some other medicines contain NSAIDs, including those used for colds, flu, so always read the labels and avoid taking multiple medicines that contain NSAIDs.
Precautions before taking naproxen
- Do you have high blood pressure or problems with your heart?
- Do you have any problems with the way your kidneys or liver works?
- Have you had stomach ulcers?
- Do you have inflammatory bowel disease?
- Are you pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding?
- Do you have any breathing problems or asthma?
- Have you had an allergic reaction to a medicine, particularly to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, diclofenac and ibuprofen) or a COX-2 such as celecoxib?
If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor before you start taking naproxen. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions or taking other medicines, or it can only be used with extra care.
What are the side effects of naproxen?
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Interactions
Naproxen interacts with some medicines, especially those used for high blood pressure, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking it.
Do not take other NSAIDs such as diclofenac or ibuprofen or COX-2s such as celecoxib while taking naproxen. This can increase your risk of side effects.
Taking NSAIDs together with medicines called ACE inhibitors or ARBs and diuretics (water pills) can be harmful to your kidneys. This is called the ‘triple whammy’. If you are taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs and diuretics, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting ibuprofen.
- Examples of ACE inhibitors are captopril, cilazapril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril and trandolapril.
- Examples of ARBs are losartan, valsartan and candesartan.
- Examples of diuretics are furosemide, bumetanide, bendroflumethiazide, chlortalidone, indapamide and metolazone.
Read more: The triple whammy SafeRx
Learn more
The following links have more information about naproxen.
Naproxen (Māori) New Zealand Formulary Patient Information
Medsafe Consumer Information Sheets: