This article describes possible interactions with naproxen oral tablets. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Naproxen comes as tablets that you swallow. It’s also available as a suspension (a type of mixture in liquid) that you swallow.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risks of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
Other drugs and naproxen
The drugs in the list below may interact with naproxen oral tablets. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with naproxen.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with naproxen oral tablets include:
- antiplatelets
- anticoagulants
- drug examples: warfarin (Jantoven), apixaban (Eliquis)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of naproxen and the anticoagulant drug
- certain blood pressure medications
- drug examples: lisinopril (Zestril, Qbrelis), losartan (Cozaar), carvedilol (Coreg)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of naproxen and the blood pressure drug, and can make the blood pressure medication less effective
- diuretics
- drug examples: furosemide (Lasix), chlorthalidone (Thalitone)
- what might happen: can make the diuretic drug less effective, and can increase the risk of side effects of naproxen
- other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- drug examples: ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), celecoxib (Celebrex)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of naproxen and the other NSAID
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- drug examples: sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of naproxen and the SSRI drug
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- drug examples: desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of naproxen and the SNRI drug
- cholestyramine (Locholest, Prevalite)
- what might happen: can make naproxen less effective
- cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of cyclosporine
- digoxin (Digox, Lanoxin)
- methotrexate (Trexall, others)
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
When to avoid naproxen
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with naproxen oral tablets. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe naproxen in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of naproxen contraindications for oral tablet forms of the drug:
- Asthma, hives, or other allergic reaction to another NSAID in the past: If you have experienced asthma, hives, or other allergic reaction to another NSAID in the past, taking naproxen oral tablets may cause a similar reaction. (Naproxen is an NSAID.)
- Recent coronary artery (heart) bypass surgery: If you have recently undergone heart bypass surgery, you’re at higher risk for heart and blood vessel problems* if you take naproxen.
- Past allergic reaction to naproxen: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to naproxen oral tablets, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking naproxen, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take naproxen.
*Naproxen has boxed warnings about the risks of serious heart and blood vessel problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. See the end of this article to learn more.
Alcohol and naproxen
Naproxen oral tablets are known to interact with alcohol.
Taking naproxen oral tablets and drinking alcohol increases your risk for serious digestive problems.* Due to this risk, your doctor may advise you to avoid or minimize drinking alcohol while you’re taking naproxen.
If you drink alcohol and have concerns about avoiding it while taking naproxen oral tablets, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can answer any additional questions you may have concerning naproxen interactions with alcohol.
* Naproxen has boxed warnings about the risks of serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. See the end of this article to learn more.
Other interactions and naproxen
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether naproxen oral tablets have these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions possible with naproxen.
Naproxen and supplements
Before taking naproxen oral tablets, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Naproxen interactions with herbs
Naproxen oral tablets may interact with ginkgo biloba. This herb is often used for lowering inflammation.
Taking naproxen and ginkgo biloba may increase your risk of bleeding.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking ginkgo biloba while taking naproxen oral tablets.
Naproxen interactions with vitamins or minerals
Naproxen oral tablets may interact with potassium supplements. This mineral is often used for increasing the amount of potassium in your system. Potassium is also frequently found in multivitamin supplements.
Taking naproxen and a supplement that contains potassium may lead to a high blood potassium level.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking potassium supplements while taking naproxen oral tablets. They can answer additional questions you may have about naproxen interactions with vitamins or minerals.
Naproxen and food
Naproxen oral tablets aren’t known to interact with foods. But this doesn’t mean interactions with foods can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what, if any, foods to avoid while taking naproxen oral tablets.
Naproxen and vaccines
Naproxen oral tablets aren’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking naproxen oral tablets.
Naproxen and lab tests
Naproxen oral tablets aren’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking naproxen oral tablets.
Naproxen and cannabis or CBD
Naproxen oral tablets aren’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with naproxen.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at the federal level in the United States but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and naproxen
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with naproxen oral tablets. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking naproxen, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether naproxen is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with naproxen oral tablets:
Preventing naproxen interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with naproxen oral tablets. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking naproxen oral tablets.
Taking naproxen exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about naproxen and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Should I tell you if I start taking another medication or supplement during my naproxen treatment?
- Does naproxen have similar interactions as ibuprofen or celecoxib?
- If I take naproxen and have certain health conditions, will I be monitored more closely during treatment?
Boxed warnings for naproxen
This drug has boxed warnings about the risks of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems: Similar to other NSAIDs, treatment with naproxen comes with a risk for serious heart and blood vessel problems. Examples include heart attack and stroke. These side effects were rare in studies of naproxen, but are serious and may be life threatening.
Because of this risk, doctors avoid prescribing naproxen if you’ve recently had a heart attack or underwent heart bypass surgery.
If you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, immediately call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
Risk of serious digestive problems: As with other NSAIDs, treatment with naproxen comes with a risk of serious digestive problems. These include bleeding, ulcers, or holes in your stomach or intestines.
Taking a higher dosage of naproxen, as well as taking the drug for a long time, increases your risk of serious digestive problems.
Symptoms of these digestive problems include blood in your stool, abdominal pain, and bloating. You should immediately stop taking naproxen and contact your doctor if you develop symptoms that are mild or moderate. For symptoms that feel serious, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
To learn more, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
