Naproxen
Naproxen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for relief of pain and inflammation associated with adult and adolescent rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (chronic inflammation of the spine), bursitis, tendinitis, and gout. It is also used in treating headaches and menstrual cramps. Naproxen is an effective painkiller after childbirth, orthopedic surgery, dental treatment, and for strains and sprains. It blocks the production of certain chemicals called prostaglandins that may trigger pain and inflammation.
This drug may be purchased over the counter in tablets of 225 mg. It is available in larger dosages—by prescription only—in tablets of 250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg; in sustained-release tablets of 375 mg and 500 mg; and as a liquid, administered orally in 125 mg per 5-ml spoonful. The typical adult oral dosage for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis is 200 to 500 mg twice a day. For gout, the initial adult dosage is 750 mg followed by 250 mg every eight hours until symptoms disappear. For bursitis, tendinitis, menstrual cramps, and other pain, the initial adult dosage is 500 mg followed by 250 mg every six to eight hours. The total daily dosage should not exceed 1250 mg. For children with rheumatoid arthritis, the dosage is determined on the basis of body weight. Pain relief should begin within one hour, although the full anti-inflammatory effect of this drug may not be apparent for two to four weeks after continuous use.
Naproxen should be taken on a regular schedule, without missing doses. If possible, it should be taken on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before meals or 2 hours after meals. If stomach irritation occurs, it may be taken with food or antacids. To minimize adverse side effects, the lowest effective daily dose should be used. Naproxen should not be used by persons who have had a previous allergic reaction to this drug or an asthmatic reaction to aspirin; pregnant or breast-feeding women; or persons with peptic ulcers or any form of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, bleeding or blood cell disorders, liver disease, or severe impairment of kidney function. It should be used with caution by persons with reduced liver or kidney function. The safety and efficacy of this drug for children under the age of two have not been established. Reduced dosages are advised for persons over the age of 60 until their tolerance of naproxen has been determined. Driving or other risk-related activities should be restricted if drowsiness or dizziness occur with the use of this drug.
Certain mild side effects may occur with naproxen that should disappear as the body adapts to the drug. These include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, sweating, or vomiting. More serious but uncommon adverse effects include activation of peptic ulcer disease or ulcerative colitis, bleeding in the stomach or bowel, difficulty breathing, changes in menstruation, and liver or kidney damage. This drug may also cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Naproxen may interact adversely with alcoholic beverages and certain other drugs including anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin; aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory drugs; lithium; methotrexate; beta blockers such as acebutolol, atenolol, metoprolol, and timolol; furosemide and thiazide-type diuretics; and probenecid.
Brand Names:Aleve, Naprosyn
This drug may be purchased over the counter in tablets of 225 mg. It is available in larger dosages—by prescription only—in tablets of 250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg; in sustained-release tablets of 375 mg and 500 mg; and as a liquid, administered orally in 125 mg per 5-ml spoonful. The typical adult oral dosage for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis is 200 to 500 mg twice a day. For gout, the initial adult dosage is 750 mg followed by 250 mg every eight hours until symptoms disappear. For bursitis, tendinitis, menstrual cramps, and other pain, the initial adult dosage is 500 mg followed by 250 mg every six to eight hours. The total daily dosage should not exceed 1250 mg. For children with rheumatoid arthritis, the dosage is determined on the basis of body weight. Pain relief should begin within one hour, although the full anti-inflammatory effect of this drug may not be apparent for two to four weeks after continuous use.
Naproxen should be taken on a regular schedule, without missing doses. If possible, it should be taken on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before meals or 2 hours after meals. If stomach irritation occurs, it may be taken with food or antacids. To minimize adverse side effects, the lowest effective daily dose should be used. Naproxen should not be used by persons who have had a previous allergic reaction to this drug or an asthmatic reaction to aspirin; pregnant or breast-feeding women; or persons with peptic ulcers or any form of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, bleeding or blood cell disorders, liver disease, or severe impairment of kidney function. It should be used with caution by persons with reduced liver or kidney function. The safety and efficacy of this drug for children under the age of two have not been established. Reduced dosages are advised for persons over the age of 60 until their tolerance of naproxen has been determined. Driving or other risk-related activities should be restricted if drowsiness or dizziness occur with the use of this drug.
Certain mild side effects may occur with naproxen that should disappear as the body adapts to the drug. These include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, sweating, or vomiting. More serious but uncommon adverse effects include activation of peptic ulcer disease or ulcerative colitis, bleeding in the stomach or bowel, difficulty breathing, changes in menstruation, and liver or kidney damage. This drug may also cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Naproxen may interact adversely with alcoholic beverages and certain other drugs including anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin; aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory drugs; lithium; methotrexate; beta blockers such as acebutolol, atenolol, metoprolol, and timolol; furosemide and thiazide-type diuretics; and probenecid.
Brand Names:Aleve, Naprosyn
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