Aflaxen

Naproxen is both an over-the-counter and a prescription medication. The over-the-counter form is used to treat minor aches and pains, and to reduce fever. The prescription form is used to reduce pain, redness, swelling, and heat (inflammation) from conditions such as different types of arthritis, menstrual cramps, and other types of short-term pain. Naproxen belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These work by stopping substances in your body that cause inflammation and pain.

Prescription

Naproxen comes as a regular tablet, an enteric coated tablet (delayed-release tablet), an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. The extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day. The tablets, enteric coated tablets, and suspension are usually taken twice a day for arthritis. The tablets and suspension are usually taken every 8 hours for gout, and every 6 to 8 hours as needed for pain. If you are taking naproxen on a regular basis, you should take it at the same time(s) every day.

Over-the-counter

Naproxen is available as tablets, caplets, gelcaps, and liquid gels to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours. 

Common side effects of naproxen include stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, and gas. Naproxen can aslo cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication will affect you.

Immediate Release Tablets and Suspension:
250 mg to 500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg to 550 mg (naproxen sodium) orally twice a day

Controlled Release:
750 mg to 1000 mg orally once a day

Delayed Release:
375 mg to 500 mg orally twice a day

Comments:
-May increase to 1500 mg orally once a day for a limited time up to 6 months in patients requiring higher levels of anti-inflammatory/analgesic activity.
-When treating patients, especially at higher doses, sufficient increased clinical benefit should be observed to offset the potential for increased risk of adverse events.
-Symptomatic improvement of arthritis is usually observed within 1 week; however, treatment for 2 weeks may be required to achieve therapeutic benefit.

Uses: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis

Immediate Release Tablets and Suspension:
250 mg to 500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg to 550 mg (naproxen sodium) orally twice a day

Controlled Release:
750 mg to 1000 mg orally once a day

Delayed Release:
375 mg to 500 mg orally twice a day

Comments:
-May increase to 1500 mg orally once a day for a limited time up to 6 months in patients requiring higher levels of anti-inflammatory/analgesic activity.
-When treating patients, especially at higher doses, sufficient increased clinical benefit should be observed to offset the potential for increased risk of adverse events.
-Symptomatic improvement of arthritis is usually observed within 1 week; however, treatment for 2 weeks may be required to achieve therapeutic benefit.

Uses: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis

Over the Counter:
220 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms persist
-May take 440 mg orally once in the first hour if needed
Maximum dose: 440 mg (in any 8 to 12 hour period); 660 mg (in any 24 hour period)

Use: For the temporary reduction of fever

Over the Counter:
12 years or older: 220 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms persist
-May take 440 mg orally once in the first hour if needed
Maximum dose: 440 mg (in any 8 to 12 hour period); 660 mg (in any 24 hour period)

Uses: For the relief of minor aches and pains and for the temporary reduction of fever

Immediate Release Tablets and Suspension:
2 years or older: 5 mg/kg orally twice a day

Comments:
-The oral suspension is recommended due to flexible dose titration based on patient's weight.
-The delayed release formulation has not been studied in patients less than 18 years.

Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Mild renal dysfunction: Caution is recommended; lower doses should be considered
Moderate to severe renal dysfunction: Not recommended.

-Dose adjustments may be required in patients with liver dysfunction, however, no specific guidelines have been suggested. Caution recommended.

-Patients who have an abnormal liver test or who develop signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction should be evaluated for hepatic dysfunction.
-If liver disease develops or if systemic manifestations such as eosinophilia or rash occur, this drug should be discontinued.

Use should be avoided. Excreted into human milk: Yes Comments: The effects in the nursing infant are unknown.

This drug has been found in the milk of lactating women at concentrations of approximately 1% of that found in plasma. Due to the long half-life and potential for serious adverse events in breastfed infants, other agents may be preferred.

Substance Name

Naproxen

CAS Registry Number

22204-53-1

Drug Class

Analgesic Agents

Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents