Naproxen | Medicines A-Z Directory

In this Article:

01: How does naproxen work? 02: What is naproxen used for? 03: Who can take naproxen? 04: How do you take naproxen? 05: What is the typical dosage of naproxen? 06: What do you do if you forget to take naproxen? 07: What do you do if you take too much naproxen? 08: What are the side effects of naproxen? 09: Medicines you can and can't take with naproxen 10: Frequently asked questions about naproxen 11: References

How does naproxen work?

Naproxen works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances in the body that cause inflammation and pain[1].

What is naproxen used for?

Naproxen is used to treat a variety of conditions, including[2][3]:

Arthritis (such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis)

Ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis affecting the spine)

Gout

Tendinitis

Bursitis

Menstrual cramps

Muscle pain

Back pain

Tooth pain

Who can take naproxen?

Most adults can take naproxen, but it is not suitable for everyone[6]. People who should avoid naproxen include those who:

Have had allergic reactions to naproxen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs

Have stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding

Have severe heart, liver, or kidney problems

Have a blood-clotting disorder

Are pregnant, especially in the third trimester, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding

Have certain conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus

It can be prescribed to children to treat:

Muscle and bone disorders in babies from 1 month

Conditions which affect the joints of children from 2 years

Period pain for children under 15

How do you take naproxen?

Naproxen is available in three forms of tablet: standard, effervescent and gastro-resistant. It is also available in liquid form. It should be taken with or after food to minimise stomach upset[8]. The specific instructions for taking naproxen depend on the form and dosage prescribed by your doctor[7].

What is the typical dosage of naproxen?

The dosage of naproxen varies depending on the condition being treated[9][10]. Common dosages include:

For joint conditions: 500mg to 1,000mg a day in 1 or 2 doses

For muscle and bone disorders and periods: 500mg initially, then 250mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed

For gout: 750mg initially, then 250mg every 8 hours until the attack passes

What do you do if you forget to take naproxen?

If you forget to take a dose of naproxen, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose[8][7]. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one[8][7].

What do you do if you take too much naproxen?

If you take more than your prescribed dose of naproxen, it’s more likely that you’ll experience the common side effects, rather than the more serious side effects. However, you should contact your doctor or GP right away regardless.

What are the side effects of naproxen?

The most common side effects of naproxen include[2][4][5]:

Indigestion

Heartburn

Stomach pain

Nausea

Headache

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Bruising

Rash

Swelling

The more serious side effects of naproxen can include[2][4][5]:

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Stomach ulcers

Increased risk of heart attack or stroke

Kidney problems

Liver problems

Severe allergic reactions

If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking naproxen and consult your GP or call 111.

Medicines you can and can't take with naproxen

Naproxen can interact with multiple different medications, including[13][2][14]:

Other NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen)

Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, rivaroxaban)

Steroids (e.g., prednisolone)

Antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, SSRIs)

Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)

Blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs)

Lithium

Rheumatoid arthritis medication (e.g., methotrexate)

Do not take naproxen with ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, however you can take it with over-the-counter pain medication like paracetamol or co-codamol for short periods of time. If you must take extra painkillers with naproxen for more than a few days, you should speak to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions about naproxen

How long does naproxen stay in your system?

Naproxen has a half-life of 12 to 17 hours, meaning it can stay in your system for up to 24 hours[15].

How long does it take for naproxen to work?

You will usually start to improve about 1 hour after taking naproxen, but it could take up to 3 days for naproxen to work fully if you take it twice a day.

Can you take naproxen while pregnant?

Naproxen is not recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus[16].

Is naproxen an anti-inflammatory?

Yes, naproxen is an NSAID and has anti-inflammatory properties[16].

Is naproxen addictive?

No, naproxen isn’t addictive, but you should still take it as prescribed by your doctor.

Can I use naproxen for any pain?

Naproxen doesn’t work for every pain you have. The type of painkiller you need depends on what type of pain you have. For instance, naproxen does not work for nerve pain.

If medicine isn’t working, your doctor may look at alternative solutions, like exercise, physiotherapy, or alternative painkillers.

Can you drink alcohol while taking naproxen?

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking naproxen as both can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding[11].

Does naproxen cause heart failure or irregular heartbeat?

Not directly but taking anti-inflammatory medicines can increase the risk of heart failure and an irregular heartbeat. However, this risk is incredibly small for most people.

If you’re on naproxen for an extended period or are taking higher doses than recommended, speak to your doctor.

Does naproxen cause hearing loss?

There have been reports of women taking some anti-inflammatory medicine, including naproxen, twice a day for more than a year, having a higher chance of hearing loss. But there is no proof that naproxen or similar anti-inflammatories cause hearing loss; however, it is more common as people age.

If you notice any sudden hearing changes, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

Can I drive or ride a bike while taking naproxen?

If naproxen makes you sleepy, gives you blurred vision, or makes you feel dizzy, confused or unable to concentrate, then you should not drive or ride a bike. It's an offence to drive if your ability to drive safely is impacted.