Naproxen

Naproxen is associated with several suspected or probable interactions that affect the action of other drugs. The following examples are the most common suspected interactions.

• Naproxen may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys. Increased levels of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity.
• Naproxen may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of blood pressure medications. This may occur because prostaglandins play a role in the regulation of blood pressure.
• When naproxen is used in combination with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) or aminoglycosides (for example, gentamicin) the blood levels of the methotrexate or aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because the elimination from the body of these drugs is reduced. This may lead to more methotrexate or aminoglycoside-related side effects.
• Individuals taking anticoagulants, for example, warfarin, (Coumadin), should avoid naproxen because naproxen also thins the blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding.
• Naproxen increases the negative effect of cyclosporine on kidney function and reduces the effect of furosemide (Lasix) and thiazide diuretics because of prostaglandin inhibition.
• Naproxen should be avoided by patients with a history of asthma attacks, hives or other allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs. If aspirin is taken with naproxen there may be an increased risk for developing an ulcer.
• Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day may be at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking naproxen or other NSAIDs.

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.

If you take too much naproxen, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

Store naproxen tablets and suspension at room temperature and protect from light.

Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Storage

Oral

15–30°C.225

20–25°C.230

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).267

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).268 Store in original container with desiccant packet; do not repackage.268

15–30°C in light-resistant container.225

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile arthritis) such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Naproxen also helps relieve symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in the spine. However, naproxen does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it.

naproxen may also be used to treat mild to moderate pain, including acute gout and other painful conditions such as bursitis, tendinitis, or menstrual cramps.

naproxen is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Naproxen Oral Suspension USP

The 125 mg per 5 mL oral suspension is supplied as a (pineapple-orange-flavored) light-orange suspension which readily resuspends on shaking. Sodium content: 39.3 mg/5 mL, 1.71 mEq/5 mL.

NDC 68134-201-16: Bottles of 500 mL

Store at 20˚ to 25˚C (68˚ to 77˚F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Avoid excessive heat, above 40°C (104°F).

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant, child-resistant container as defined in the USP/NF. SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING.

Manufactured by:

West-Ward Columbus Inc.

Columbus, OH 43228

Distributed by:

Palmetto Pharmaceuticals

Greenville, SC 29615

10009092/02

Revised May 2016

(na PROKS en)

• Naproxen Sodium

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Capsule, Oral, as sodium:

Aleve: 220 mg [contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1)]

Cream, External:

EnovaRX-Naproxen: 10% (60 g, 120 g) [contains cetyl alcohol]

Equipto-Naproxen: 10% (120 g)

Kit, Combination:

Flanax Pain Relief: 500 mg [contains cetearyl alcohol, cremophor el, propylparaben]

Naproxen Comfort Pac: 500 mg [contains methylparaben, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Suspension, Oral:

Naprosyn: 125 mg/5 mL (473 mL) [contains fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), methylparaben, sorbitol; pineapple-orange flavor]

Generic: 125 mg/5 mL (473 mL, 500 mL)

Tablet, Oral:

Naprosyn: 250 mg [DSC] [scored]

Naprosyn: 375 mg [DSC]

Naprosyn: 500 mg [scored]

Naproxen Kit: 500 mg [DSC] [scored]

Generic: 250 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg

Tablet, Oral, as sodium:

Aleve: 220 mg [contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]

All Day Relief: 220 mg [DSC]

All Day Relief: 220 mg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]

All Day Relief: 220 mg [gluten free; contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]

Anaprox: 275 mg [DSC]

Anaprox DS: 550 mg [scored]

Flanax Pain Relief: 220 mg [contains fd&c blue #2 (indigotine)]

GoodSense Naproxen Sodium: 220 mg [gluten free; contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]

Mediproxen: 220 mg

Generic: 220 mg, 275 mg, 550 mg

Tablet Delayed Release, Oral:

EC-Naprosyn: 375 mg, 500 mg

Naproxen DR: 375 mg, 500 mg

Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour, Oral, as sodium [strength expressed as base]:

Naprelan: 375 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg

Generic: 375 mg, 500 mg

Naproxen may interfere with 5-HIAA urinary assays; due to an interaction with m-dinitrobenzene, naproxen should be discontinued 72 hours before adrenal function testing if the Porter-Silber test is used. May interfere with urine detection of cannabinoids and barbiturates (false-positives); may lead to false-positive aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) (Funder 2016)