Uses

What is naproxen used for?

Naproxen is commonly used to reduce fever and to treat pain and inflammation caused by several conditions, including arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, menstrual cramps, headache, muscle pain, back pain, and tooth pain. 

Naproxen may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does naproxen work (mechanism of action)?

Naproxen works by blocking certain substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.

How is naproxen supplied (dosage forms)?

Naproxen is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 220 mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg oral tablets
  • 375 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg delayed-release oral tablets
  • 220 mg oral capsule
  • 125 mg/5mL oral suspension

How should I store naproxen?

Naproxen should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool and dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of naproxen?

The most common side effects of naproxen are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Upset stomach or stomach pain
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Gas or heartburn
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Bruising
  • Flu-like symptoms

There may be other side effects of naproxen that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of naproxen?

While less common, the most serious side effects of naproxen are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Heart Attack and Stroke. Naproxen can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk is increased in people with existing heart disease and with longer use of naproxen and higher doses. Do not take naproxen if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your healthcare provider. This could increase your risk of having another heart attack. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech

Bleeding. Naproxen can increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or take other medicines that increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice signs of bleeding including easy bruising or bleeding.

Stomach Bleeding. Naproxen can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, take higher doses of naproxen or take it for longer than directed, have poor health, are age 60 or older, have liver disease, smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain other medicines. Stop taking naproxen and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vomit blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Upset stomach
  • Feel faint

Anemia. Naproxen may cause anemia, which is a condition that causes low levels of red blood cells. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.

  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Pale or yellowish skin 
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Shortness of breath

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking naproxen. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light colored poop
  • Dark colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Naproxen may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble in breathing
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heart beats

Heart Failure. Naproxen may increase your risk for heart failure. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble in breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs (edema)
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking naproxen. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs (edema)
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty in catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Increased Potassium (Hyperkalemia). Naproxen can increase the potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), especially if your kidneys are not working as well as they should. Mild increases in potassium may not cause any symptoms. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of sudden, severe high potassium.

  • Chest pain or fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Unable to move your muscles

Severe Allergic Reactions. Naproxen can cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Skin Reactions. Naproxen can cause severe skin reactions called exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop naproxen and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a severe skin reaction.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Areas of thickened skin
  • Sores that are crusted over

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use naproxen?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use naproxen products.

  • Naproxen
  • Aleve
  • Anaprox
  • Naperlan
  • Naprosyn
  • Aspirin or any other medicine known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific naproxen products they stock.

Heart Surgery. Do not take naproxen right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Taking naproxen during this time can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

What should I know about naproxen before using it?

If naproxen was prescribed to you by a healthcare provider, take it as prescribed. 

Do not share naproxen that was prescribed for you by a healthcare provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

You may take naproxen with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your naproxen oral liquid dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Keep naproxen out of the reach of children.

People aged 60 years and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of naproxen. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using naproxen?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if naproxen is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems such as heart failure  or recent heart attack
  • Bleeding problems
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Fluid retention (edema)
  • Stomach ulcers, bleeding, or other stomach problems like heartburn
  • High blood pressure
  • Asthma
  • Stroke

Other Medicines and Supplements. Naproxen may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Naproxen, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. Do not take naproxen at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy without talking to your healthcare provider. Taking naproxen during this time may cause harm to an unborn baby and complications during delivery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use naproxen while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Naproxen passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take naproxen while breastfeeding. 

Interactions

Does naproxen interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between naproxen and foods or drinks.

Drinking alcohol while taking ibuprofen increases your risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does naproxen interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using naproxen.

  • Any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, and others, which are present in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Aspirin
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
  • A beta-blocker, which is a medicine usually used to reduce blood pressure and for certain other heart conditions
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Pemetrexed (Alimta, Pemfexy), which is a medicine to treat certain cancers
  • Digoxin, which is a medicine used to treat heart failure or certain abnormal heart rhythms
  • Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
  • Probenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for gout
  • An antacid that contains magnesium or aluminum
  • Sucralfate, which is a medicine used for stomach ulcers
Does Naproxen interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much naproxen?

If you or someone else has taken too much naproxen, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of naproxen?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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