Naproxen

What is naproxen?

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is available under various brand names, such as Naprosyn[1]. 

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

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any conditions you may have before starting naproxen, and always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[17].

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 or pharmacist[7].

What is the typical dosage of naproxen?

The dosage of naproxen varies depending on the condition being treated[9]. 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 pharmacist 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.

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with this medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional[17].

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice.

Medicines you can and can't take with naproxen

Naproxen can interact with multiple different medications, including[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 or pharmacist.

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take before you start a new medicine, and follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[17].

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 or pharmacist. 

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 or pharmacist 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 or pharmacist. 

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 or pharmacist 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. 

For the official NHS guide to naproxen, visit their website.