Naproxen

naproxenType: NSAID

Active ingredient: Naproxen

Common use: Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation. It is commonly used against headache, backache, muscle aches, dental pain, menstrual pain, arthritis, gout, tendonitis, bursitis, and various pains caused by the flu or by the common cold. Naproxen blocks and enzyme needed for the production of prostaglandins.

How to use: Unless otherwise ordered by your doctor, Naproxen is taken with a full glass (circa 250 ml) of water. To prevent stomach upset, take Naproxen with food, diary or an antacid. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Naproxen.

If you miss a dose of Naproxen, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose permanently and stick to your regular dosing schedule. Do no take two doses at once or near each other in time.

How to store: Store Naproxen at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, and keep away from heat, light and moisture.

Warnings:

  • Contact your doctor right away if you experience abdominal pain, swollen hands, swollen feet, sudden weight gain, ringing in the ears, vision changes, rapid heartbeat, pounding heartbeat, easy bruising, easy bleeding, change in amount of urine, stiff neck, severe headache, mood change, fever or persistent sore throat.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of stomach bleeding or intestinal bleeding. Examples of symptoms are black stools, vomit that looks like coffee-grounds and persistent abdominal pain.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain and fatigue.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of an allergic reaction to Naproxen, such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.
  • If you take Naproxen for migraine headache and the pain is not relieved by the first dose, tell your doctor right away.
  • If you are using Naproxen for an undiagnosed condition and the symptoms do not improve within 24 hours, contact your doctor.
  • For some medical conditions, including arthritis, it can take up to two weeks of regular Naproxen use before you notice any significant improvements. It is important to stick to the dose schedule. For more information, contact your doctor.
  • It is important to keep all doctor appointments and laboratory appointments while using Naproxen.
  • Naproxen may alter certain lab test results. Always disclose that you are being treated with Naproxen.
  • Naproxen can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Naproxen.
  • Other medications (both prescription medicine and over-the-counter medicine) can impact how you react to Naproxen.
  • Alcohol, even in small amounts, can impact how you react to Naproxen.
  • Naproxen can cause sensitivity to sun. Limit your exposure to sun, sunlamps and tanning lamps until you know how you react. If you must spend a prolonged period of time in the sun, protect yourself with clothes and strong sunscreen.
  • Do not take Naproxen if you are allergic to aspirin.
  • Do not take Naproxen if you are allergic to NSAIDs.
  • Naproxen can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, especially together with a daily use of alcohol and/or tobacco.
  • Naproxen contains sodium. If you are on a salt-restricted or sodium-restricted diet, discuss the benefits and risks of Naproxen with your doctor.
  • Do not use Naproxen together with any other medicine (prescription or over-the-counter medicine) without consulting your doctor first. Especial caution must be taken with Aspirin and NSAID’s.
  • Special caution is advised when Naproxen is used by the elderly, since an elderly person may be extra sensitive to the effects of Naproxen and especially vulnerable to stomach bleeding and kidney effects.
  • If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of Naproxen with your doctor. Naproxen is sometimes prescribed during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, if the benefits outweighs the risks. Naproxen should not be prescribed for the third trimester.
  • Naproxen is excreted in breast milk. Discuss the benefits and risks of using Naproxen while breastfeeding with your doctor.

Examples of reported side effects:

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Swollen hands
  • Swollen feet
  • Weight gain
  • Tinnitus / Ringing in ears
  • Vision changes
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Pounding heartbeat
  • Easy bruising
  • Easy bleeding
  • Change in urine amount
  • Headache
  • Stick neck
  • Mood changes
  • Persistent sore throat
  • Fever
  • Stomach bleeding
  • Black stools
  • Vomit that looks like coffee-grounds
  • Live problems
  • Jaundice
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Trouble breathing