naproxen

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Naproxen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.

Naproxen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not use naproxen if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Naproxen may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or have heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Naproxen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are taking naproxen.

Before taking this medicine

Naproxen may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or have heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Naproxen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are taking this medicine.

You should not use naproxen if you are allergic to it, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;

• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• liver or kidney disease;

• asthma;

• polyps in your nose;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or

• if you smoke.

FDA pregnancy category C. Before using naproxen, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Taking naproxen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take this medicine during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Naproxen can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

How should I take naproxen?

Use naproxen exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The delayed-release tablet is a slower-acting form of naproxen and should be used only for treating arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Follow your doctor"s instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release or enteric-coated tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The extended-release pill is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If you use this medication long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor"s office.

Store naproxen at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since naproxen is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain medication. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to naproxen (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen). Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Naproxen can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Naproxen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to naproxen: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using naproxen and call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• swelling or rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions) or

• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common naproxen side effects may include:

• upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation;

• bloating, gas;

• dizziness, headache, nervousness;

• skin itching or rash;

• blurred vision; or

• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect naproxen?

Ask your doctor before using naproxen if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you are also using any of the following drugs:

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin);

• lithium;

• methotrexate;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• steroids (prednisone and others);

• aspirin or other NSAIDs--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or

• heart or blood pressure medication--benazepril, candesartan, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, olmesartan, quinapril, ramipril, telmisartan, valsartan, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with naproxen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.