A guide to naproxen

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that doctors often prescribe for pain and inflammation related to certain conditions. It comes in several different forms, such as:

• oral tablets
• liquid capsules
• liquid

Naproxen is a generic drug, but it also comes as 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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What is naproxen used for?

Naproxen may be used to help reduce fever or to ease pain, inflammation, or joint stiffness related to the following conditions:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• osteoarthritis
• ankylosing spondylitis
• juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• tendinitis
• bursitis
• gout flare-ups
• muscle aches, strains, and sprains
• headaches
• dental pain
• pain related to menstruation

Naproxen works to relieve pain by blocking the production of substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play an important role in inflammation. Your body naturally produces them at the site of injured tissue, and they cause redness or other color changes, heat, swelling, and pain.

Although naproxen may help relieve pain due to muscle aches, strains, and sprains, healthcare professionals do not classify it as a muscle relaxer.

What are the side effects of naproxen?

Naproxen may cause mild or serious side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects that naproxen may cause depends on several factors. These include the dosage you are taking, the duration of your treatment, and your individual health history.

Some of naproxen’s more commonly reported side effects may include:

• indigestion
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• headache
• flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, and sore throat

Naproxen may also cause more serious side effects, especially if it is taken long term. Some of these side effects may include:

• heart attack
• stroke
• blood clots
• increased risk of bleeding
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• hyperkalemia (high blood potassium level)
• kidney problems
• liver problems
• life threatening skin reactions
• risk of serious digestive system problems

Make sure you contact your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects from naproxen or side effects that don’t go away.

Naproxen dosage

The dosage and strength of naproxen that’s best for you may vary.

Naproxen is available OTC in 220 milligrams (mg) tablets and liquid capsules, often under the brand name Aleve. This OTC strength is used for fever and mild to moderate pain. Adults can take one 220 mg naproxen tablet every 8 to 12 hours. Children under the age of 12 years should not take naproxen unless their doctor recommends it.

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

• Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis: 220 mg to 550 mg of naproxen taken every 12 hours may relieve pain and inflammation related to these conditions.
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: 10 mg of naproxen per kilogram (kg) of body weight divided into two doses taken 12 hours apart may relieve pain and inflammation caused by this condition. A naproxen liquid suspension may be given to children ages 2 years and older.
• Gout flare-ups: 825 mg of naproxen for one dose, followed by 275 mg every 8 hours, may help with gout flare-ups.
• Headaches: 550 mg of naproxen sodium taken every 12 hours may help relieve headaches, although using naproxen for headaches is controversial.

The exact dosage may vary since there are several different forms of naproxen. See this article for a more detailed dosage guide for naproxen’s oral forms.

How long does naproxen take to kick in?

How long naproxen takes to kick in will depend on which form of naproxen you are taking.

Naproxen is available as naproxen or naproxen sodium. The main difference between these two forms is that naproxen sodium is absorbed faster than regular naproxen.

For mild to moderate pain, you should start to feel relief between 1 to 4 hours after taking naproxen. For arthritis or inflammatory conditions, it may take about a week to feel relief, and it may take 2 weeks or more for the full anti-inflammatory benefits to kick in.

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Summary

Prescription-strength naproxen may be used to treat painful conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The OTC form, Aleve, helps reduce fever and treats mild to moderate pain.

Your dosage will depend on what condition naproxen is being used to treat. You may also experience side effects with naproxen, such as nausea and indigestion. Naproxen usually kicks in within a few hours.