Naproxen
Description
Naproxen is a painkiller with anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever-reducing
) properties. It is used to provide relief from the pain associated with various types of arthritis such as spondylitis, rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, gout and also menstrual pain. This medicine acts by blocking the release of the chemical substance responsible for pain and inflammation. It should not be taken by children under 16 years of age and by children below 5 years of age who have had rheumatoid arthritis since birth. The most common side effects of this medicine are heartburn, nausea, vomiting. Before using this medicine, inform the doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding and about your detailed medical history.
Uses
It is used to give relief from mild to moderate pain in conditions of joints, muscles and tendons; like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (a painful condition), inflammation of tendons/ joint burns, acute gout and pain before and during menstrual periods (in the absence of a disease)....
Contraindications
When should one not use Naproxen
- Allergic reactions in response to Ibuprofen, Aspirin or another Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory/ analgesic medicine
- Active or history of stomach/ intestinal ulcers or active bleeding from these ulcers
- History of asthma
- Urticaria
- Kidney disease
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Belching, heartburn
- Bruising
- Difficult breathing
- Feeling of indigestion
- Headache
- Itching to the skin or sometimes purplish patches in the skin
- Pain in the chest below the breastbone
- Skin eruptions
- Stomach pain
- Swelling and tightness in the chest
- Bleeding from stomach, coffee color vomit, black stools or bloody
- Diarrhea
- Ulcer in stomach
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Naproxen during pregnancy?
A:
This medicine is not recommended in women attempting to conceive as it may impair female fertility. This medicine is not to be used during the last three months of pregnancy. In the first six months of pregnancy, it is used only if prescribed by your doctor.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Naproxen while breastfeeding?
A:
The available data indicate that levels of Naproxen in breastmilk are low and adverse effects in breastfed infants are apparently uncommon. Please consult with your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe you a safer alternative.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Naproxen?
A:
This medicine may lead to dizziness. Do not drive unless you feel well.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Naproxen?
A:
Do not drink alcohol while taking Naproxen. Alcohol may lead to increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- If you have liver disease or asthma, dose adjustment of this medicine may be needed. Please consult with your doctor
- Naproxen can increase the risk of a heart attack. It occurs when there is long term or taking high doses or if you have heart disease. People without heart disease or risk factors may lead to cause a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine. This medicine is not to be used just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft)...
- This medicine may lead to cause an effect of the stomach or intestinal bleeding which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using Naproxen, especially in the elderly
- You should not use Naproxen if you are allergic to it. Discuss with your doctor if you have any such condition
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Prostaglandins are chemicals released in the body which cause swelling and pain. Naproxen is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. It works by reducing inflammation and also by relieving pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints and muscles....
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
Most significant interactions with Zolpidem, Aspirin, Diphenhydramine, Duloxetine, Omega-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids, Cyclobenzaprine, Atorvastatin and Pregabalin.
Dosage
Overdose
Inform your doctor immediately in case of an overdose. Symptoms of overdose include headache, heartburn, vomiting, nausea, epigastric pain, seizures, drowsiness, prolongation of clotting time leading to easy bruising and a higher risk of bleeding....
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose & do not take extra medicine for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD, CCEBDM Diabetology
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Naproxen?
A: Naproxen can increase the risk of heart attack. It occurs when it is taken for a for long term, if you are taking high doses or if you have heart disease. People without heart disease or risk factors may lead to cause a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine. This medicine is not to be used just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft). This medicine may lead to cause an effect of the stomach or intestinal bleeding which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using Naproxen, especially in the elderly. You should not continue the use this if you are allergic to Naproxen. Discuss with your doctor if you have any such condition. Also, tell your doctor about all your ongoing medications.
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
- Tablet/Capsule: Take orally with a full glass of water, take with food or milk if you occur with stomach upset
- Oral Suspension: Shake gently before use. Use with the dosing device provided
- Controlled and delayed-release tablets: Do not break, crush or chew the tablet
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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