Naproxen: What It Is and How It Works

2021-05-24

what

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.

Naproxen is available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) forms. The prescription form is used to treat more severe pain and inflammation, while the OTC form is used to treat mild to moderate pain and inflammation.

Naproxen is a safe and effective medication when it is used as directed. However, it can cause side effects, such as stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. In rare cases, naproxen can cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage, kidney damage, and heart attack. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of naproxen before you start taking it.

What is Naproxen

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation.

Relieves pain, fever, and inflammation
Inhibits production of prostaglandins
Available in prescription and OTC forms
Safe and effective when used as directed
Can cause side effects like stomach upset
Rarely causes serious side effects
Talk to doctor before taking naproxen
Used to treat arthritis, menstrual cramps, and headaches
Available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms
Can interact with other medications

Naproxen is a widely used and effective medication for the relief of pain, fever, and inflammation. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to talk to your doctor before taking naproxen.

Relieves pain, fever, and inflammation

Naproxen is effective in relieving pain, fever, and inflammation caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, and muscle strains.

Pain: Naproxen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. By reducing prostaglandin production, naproxen can help to relieve pain and stiffness in the joints, muscles, and other tissues.
Fever: Naproxen can also be used to reduce fever. Fever is a natural response to infection or illness, but it can also be uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities. Naproxen works by resetting the body's thermostat, which helps to lower body temperature and relieve fever.
Inflammation: Naproxen is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug. It can help to reduce inflammation in the joints, muscles, and other tissues. This can help to improve mobility, reduce pain, and speed healing.
Other conditions: Naproxen is also sometimes used to treat other conditions, such as gout, bursitis, and tendonitis. It can also be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by dental procedures or surgery.

Naproxen is a safe and effective medication for the relief of pain, fever, and inflammation. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking naproxen to discuss the risks and benefits of the medication.

Inhibits production of prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are chemicals that are produced by the body in response to injury, infection, and other stimuli. They play a role in a variety of bodily functions, including inflammation, pain, and fever.

Inflammation: Prostaglandins are involved in the inflammatory process. They cause blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, which allows white blood cells and other immune cells to reach the site of injury or infection. Prostaglandins also stimulate the production of other inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines.
Pain: Prostaglandins directly stimulate pain receptors in the nervous system. They also increase the sensitivity of pain receptors to other stimuli.
Fever: Prostaglandins act on the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. They cause the hypothalamus to raise the body's thermostat, which leads to fever.
Other functions: Prostaglandins are also involved in a variety of other bodily functions, including blood clotting, stomach acid production, and uterine contractions.

Naproxen works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. This can help to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. Naproxen is a non-selective COX-2 inhibitor, which means that it blocks the production of both COX-1 and COX-2 prostaglandins. COX-1 prostaglandins are involved in normal bodily functions, such as stomach lining protection and blood clotting, while COX-2 prostaglandins are involved in inflammation and pain.

Available in prescription and OTC forms

Prescription naproxen: Prescription naproxen is available in strengths of 250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg. It is typically taken twice a day, with or without food. Prescription naproxen is used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, menstrual cramps, and gout.
OTC naproxen: OTC naproxen is available in strengths of 200 mg and 250 mg. It is typically taken every 8 to 12 hours, with or without food. OTC naproxen is used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, backaches, and muscle aches. It can also be used to reduce fever.
Dosing: The recommended dosage of naproxen will depend on the condition being treated and the severity of the pain or inflammation. It is important to follow the dosing instructions on the medication label or as directed by your doctor.
Formulations: Naproxen is available in a variety of formulations, including tablets, capsules, and liquid. Some formulations are designed to be taken with food, while others can be taken without food. There are also extended-release formulations of naproxen that are taken once or twice a day.

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking naproxen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. Naproxen can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, and methotrexate.

Safe and effective when used as directed

Naproxen is a safe and effective medication when it is used as directed. It has been extensively studied and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including arthritis, menstrual cramps, and headaches. Naproxen is generally well-tolerated, and most people who take it experience few, if any, side effects.

However, it is important to note that naproxen can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, and methotrexate. It is also important to avoid taking naproxen if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking naproxen.

The most common side effects of naproxen include stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days. However, if you experience any severe side effects, such as stomach bleeding, liver damage, or kidney damage, you should stop taking naproxen and see your doctor immediately.

To use naproxen safely and effectively, it is important to follow the dosing instructions on the medication label or as directed by your doctor. You should also take naproxen with food or milk to reduce the risk of stomach upset. If you are taking naproxen for a long period of time, your doctor may recommend that you take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to protect your stomach from ulcers.

Overall, naproxen is a safe and effective medication when it is used as directed. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to talk to your doctor before taking naproxen.

Can cause side effects like stomach upset

Naproxen can cause a variety of side effects, including stomach upset. Stomach upset is the most common side effect of naproxen, affecting up to 1 in 10 people who take the medication. It is usually mild and goes away after a few days. However, if you experience severe stomach upset, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should stop taking naproxen and see your doctor immediately.

Causes of stomach upset: Naproxen can irritate the lining of the stomach, which can lead to stomach upset. This is especially true if you take naproxen on an empty stomach or if you take high doses of the medication.
Risk factors: Certain people are more at risk for developing stomach upset from naproxen. These include people who are older, people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, and people who are taking other medications that can irritate the stomach, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or corticosteroids.
Preventing stomach upset: There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing stomach upset from naproxen. These include taking the medication with food or milk, taking a lower dose of the medication, and avoiding taking naproxen for long periods of time.
Treating stomach upset: If you do experience stomach upset from naproxen, there are a few things you can do to relieve the symptoms. These include taking an antacid, such as Tums or Rolaids, or drinking plenty of fluids. If your stomach upset is severe or does not go away after a few days, you should see your doctor.

Overall, naproxen is a safe and effective medication when it is used as directed. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects, including stomach upset. If you experience stomach upset from naproxen, there are a few things you can do to relieve the symptoms. If your stomach upset is severe or does not go away after a few days, you should see your doctor.

Rarely causes serious side effects

Naproxen can rarely cause serious side effects, such as stomach bleeding, liver damage, and kidney damage. These side effects are more likely to occur in people who are taking high doses of naproxen or who are taking the medication for a long period of time. They are also more likely to occur in people who are older or who have other medical conditions, such as heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Stomach bleeding: Naproxen can irritate the lining of the stomach, which can lead to stomach bleeding. This is a serious side effect that can occur even in people who are taking low doses of naproxen. Symptoms of stomach bleeding include black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, and abdominal pain.
Liver damage: Naproxen can also cause liver damage, especially in people who are taking high doses of the medication or who are taking it for a long period of time. Symptoms of liver damage include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, and fatigue.
Kidney damage: Naproxen can also cause kidney damage, especially in people who are taking high doses of the medication or who are taking it for a long period of time. Symptoms of kidney damage include swelling in the hands and feet, high blood pressure, and decreased urination.
Heart attack and stroke: Naproxen may also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people who have other risk factors for these conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Overall, naproxen is a safe and effective medication when it is used as directed. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects, including the rare but serious side effects listed above. If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop taking naproxen and see your doctor immediately.

Talk to doctor before taking naproxen

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking naproxen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. Naproxen can interact with a variety of medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, and methotrexate. It is also important to avoid taking naproxen if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Underlying health conditions: Naproxen can worsen some underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking naproxen if you have any of these conditions.
Other medications: Naproxen can interact with a variety of medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, and methotrexate. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements.
Pregnancy: Naproxen should not be taken during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Naproxen can increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and other pregnancy complications.
Breastfeeding: Naproxen passes into breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered safe to take naproxen while breastfeeding, but it is important to talk to your doctor first.

Overall, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking naproxen to discuss the risks and benefits of the medication. Your doctor can help you determine if naproxen is right for you and can monitor you for side effects.

Used to treat arthritis, menstrual cramps, and headaches

Naproxen is used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, menstrual cramps, and headaches. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which means that it works by reducing inflammation and pain.

Arthritis: Naproxen is effective in treating the pain and inflammation of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can help to improve joint function and mobility.
Menstrual cramps: Naproxen can be used to relieve menstrual cramps. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause the uterus to contract. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Headaches: Naproxen can be used to relieve headaches, including tension headaches and migraines. It works by reducing inflammation and pain.
Other conditions: Naproxen is also sometimes used to treat other conditions, such as gout, bursitis, and tendonitis. It can also be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by dental procedures or surgery.

Naproxen is a safe and effective medication when it is used as directed. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking naproxen to discuss the risks and benefits of the medication.

Available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms

Naproxen is available in a variety of formulations, including tablets, capsules, and liquid. This allows patients to choose the form of naproxen that is most convenient for them.

Tablets: Naproxen tablets are the most common form of the medication. They are available in strengths of 200 mg, 250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg. Tablets are typically taken once or twice a day, with or without food.

Capsules: Naproxen capsules are also available in strengths of 200 mg, 250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg. Capsules are typically taken once or twice a day, with or without food. Some naproxen capsules are designed to be taken with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Liquid: Naproxen is also available in liquid form. The liquid form is typically used for children or people who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. The liquid is available in strengths of 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL. It is typically taken twice a day, with or without food.

There are also extended-release formulations of naproxen available. Extended-release formulations are designed to release the medication slowly over a period of time. This can help to reduce the frequency of dosing and improve compliance.

Overall, naproxen is available in a variety of formulations to meet the needs of different patients. Patients should talk to their doctor about which form of naproxen is right for them.

Can interact with other medications

Naproxen can interact with a variety of other medications, including:

Blood thinners: Naproxen can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, such as warfarin, heparin, and clopidogrel.
Diuretics: Naproxen can reduce the effectiveness of diuretics, which are medications that help to remove excess fluid from the body. This can lead to fluid retention and swelling.
Methotrexate: Naproxen can increase the levels of methotrexate in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects.
Lithium: Naproxen can increase the levels of lithium in the blood, which can lead to lithium toxicity.
Other NSAIDs: Taking naproxen with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs: Naproxen can reduce the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors and ARBs, which are medications that are used to treat high blood pressure.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Naproxen can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with SSRIs, which are medications that are used to treat depression and anxiety.

It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. This will help your doctor to determine if naproxen is safe for you to take and to monitor you for side effects.

If you are taking any of the medications listed above, you should talk to your doctor before taking naproxen. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of naproxen or monitor you more closely for side effects.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about naproxen:

Question 1: What is naproxen?
Answer: Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation.

Question 2: What conditions can naproxen be used to treat?
Answer: Naproxen can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, and muscle pain.

Question 3: Is naproxen safe to take?
Answer: Naproxen is safe to take when it is used as directed. However, it can cause side effects, such as stomach upset, heartburn, and nausea.

Question 4: Can naproxen interact with other medications?
Answer: Yes, naproxen can interact with a variety of other medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, and methotrexate. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before you start taking naproxen.

Question 5: How should I take naproxen?
Answer: Naproxen should be taken as directed by your doctor. It is typically taken once or twice a day, with or without food.

Question 6: What are some of the side effects of naproxen?
Answer: The most common side effects of naproxen include stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. More serious side effects can include stomach bleeding, liver damage, and kidney damage.

Question 7: When should I avoid taking naproxen?
Answer: You should avoid taking naproxen if you are allergic to it, if you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

If you have any questions about naproxen, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Naproxen can be an effective medication for the relief of pain, fever, and inflammation. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to talk to your doctor before taking naproxen.

Tips

Here are some tips for taking naproxen safely and effectively:

Tip 1: Take naproxen with food or milk. This can help to reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Tip 2: Avoid taking naproxen for long periods of time. If you need to take naproxen for more than 10 days, talk to your doctor. Long-term use of naproxen can increase the risk of side effects, such as stomach bleeding and kidney damage.

Tip 3: Be aware of the potential side effects of naproxen. The most common side effects of naproxen include stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. More serious side effects can include stomach bleeding, liver damage, and kidney damage. If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking naproxen and see your doctor immediately.

Tip 4: Talk to your doctor before taking naproxen. This is especially important if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the risk of side effects from naproxen and ensure that you are taking the medication safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Naproxen is a safe and effective medication for the relief of pain, fever, and inflammation. It is available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, menstrual cramps, and headaches.

However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of naproxen, which can include stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. More serious side effects can include stomach bleeding, liver damage, and kidney damage. Naproxen can also interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before you start taking naproxen.

If you are considering taking naproxen, talk to your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of the medication. Your doctor can help you determine if naproxen is right for you and can monitor you for side effects.

Closing Message:

Naproxen can be an effective medication for the relief of pain, fever, and inflammation. However, it is important to use naproxen safely and responsibly. Talk to your doctor before taking naproxen and follow the instructions on the medication label.