How much naproxen is safe?

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever associated with various conditions, such as arthritis and gout. It comes in several different forms, such as:

• oral capsules
• oral tablets (regular and extended release)
• liquid suspension

Naproxen is a generic drug, but it also comes in prescription brand-name versions called Naprosyn and Anaprox and an over-the-counter (OTC) brand-name version called Aleve. The OTC form comes in a lower strength than the prescription forms of naproxen.

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How much is too much naproxen?

The amount of naproxen that is safe to take will depend on the form you’re taking and the condition you’re taking it for. In general, the maximum dosage of prescription naproxen is between 1,100 and 1,500 mg per day (24 hours). The maximum dosage for specific conditions is as follows:

• Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis: 1,650 mg per day for up to 6 months
• Severe headache or migraine: 1,375 mg per day
• Maximum recommended daily dose for children ages 2 to 12 years: 1,000 mg per day
• Maximum daily dose of Aleve: 660 mg (3 tablets) per day

You should follow your doctor’s instructions closely when taking naproxen to ensure you do not take too much. Taking too much naproxen could lead to dangerous levels of the drug in your body and cause overdose. Symptoms of naproxen overdose may include:

• fatigue
• heartburn
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of consciousness
• bleeding of the stomach

In rare cases, naproxen overdose can cause:

• high blood pressure
• kidney failure
• difficulty breathing
• coma

How much naproxen is safe for your kidneys?

Taking only the amount of naproxen your doctor prescribes will help manage the health of your kidneys.

If you have kidney problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage. Because of this, you should let your doctor or pharmacist know about any kidney problems you may have before taking naproxen.

Naproxen dosage

Prescription naproxen tablets come in strengths of 250 mg, 275 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg, and 550 mg. The dosage for various conditions may vary.

• Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis: 220 to 550 mg of naproxen taken every 12 hours may relieve pain and inflammation related to these conditions. This is about 440 to 1,100 mg of naproxen per day.
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: 10 mg of naproxen per kilogram of body weight divided into 2 doses taken 12 hours apart may relieve pain and inflammation caused by this condition. Doctors may prescribe a naproxen liquid suspension for children ages 2 years and older.
• Gout flare-ups: 825 mg of naproxen for 1 dose, followed by 275 mg every 8 hours, may help with gout flare-ups. There is no established maximum dosage for gout flare-ups.
• Headaches: 550 mg of naproxen sodium taken every 12 hours may help relieve headaches, although the use of naproxen for headaches is controversial. This is about 1,100 mg of naproxen per day.

The exact dosage of naproxen per day may vary since there are several different forms of naproxen. Read this detailed dosage guide for more information about naproxen’s oral forms.

How many Aleve tablets or capsules can I take?

Naproxen is available OTC as the brand-name drug Aleve and is used for fever and mild to moderate pain. Aleve comes in 220 mg tablets and liquid capsules.

The dosage of Aleve is typically one 220 mg tablet taken every 8 to 12 hours. The maximum daily dose of Aleve for adults is 660 mg. If needed, you can take up to 2 tablets (440 mg) of Aleve at once for your first dose. But after your first dose, you should only take 220 mg per dose.

Do not take more than 440 mg of Aleve in an 8- to 12-hour period, and avoid taking more than 660 mg (3 tablets) in 24 hours.

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Summary

Taking a safe dosage of naproxen is an important part of making sure the medication works safely and effectively for your condition. The maximum dosage of prescription naproxen is around 1,100 mg per day. However, your doctor may prescribe a higher dosage if they feel it’s safe and beneficial for you. The maximum dosage of OTC naproxen (Aleve) is 660 mg, or 3 tablets, per day.

Do not take more naproxen than the prescription label advises unless your doctor or pharmacist has told you to do so. This will help reduce your risk of side effects and possible overdose.

If you feel like naproxen isn’t working or you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor.