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Naproxen

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It reduces swelling (inflammation) and pain in joints and muscles.

It's used to treat:

  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • osteoarthritis
  • gout
  • period pain
  • muscle and bone disorders, such as back pain and sprains and strains

Naproxen is available on prescription as tablets or as a liquid that you swallow.

Who can take naproxen

Most adults can take naproxen. It can also be prescribed to children to treat:

  • muscle and bone disorders for babies from 1 month
  • conditions which affect the joints for children from 2 years
  • period pain for children under 15

Adults and teenagers aged 15 and over can buy it from a pharmacy for period pain.

Naproxen is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to naproxen or any other medicine
  • have ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
  • have or have had stomach ulcers, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or a hole in your stomach
  • have high blood pressure
  • have severe liver or kidney failure
  • have severe heart failure or other heart problems
  • have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
  • have lupus
  • have a blood-clotting disorder
  • are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding

Dosage

Your dose of naproxen depends on the reason why you're taking it, your age, how well your liver and kidneys work, and how well it helps your symptoms.

Usually, the dose to treat:

  • joint conditions is 500mg to 1,000mg a day in 1 or 2 doses
  • muscle and bone disorders and painful periods is 500mg at first, then 250mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed
  • attacks of gout is 750mg, then 250mg every 8 hours until the attack has passed

Doses are usually lower for older people and people with heart, liver or kidney problems.

For children, the doctor will use your child's weight to work out the right dose.

If you have been prescribed naproxen for painful periods, do not take more than 3 tablets in 24 hours.

Naproxen on prescription comes as 3 different tablets: standard, effervescent and gastro-resistant tablets. It's also available as a liquid.

Always take naproxen with or just after a meal so it does not affect your stomach.

How to take tablets

Gastro-resistant tablets have a coating to protect them from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. Instead, the medicine is released further down the gut in your intestine.

If you take gastro-resistant tablets, swallow them whole, with or after food. Do not crush or chew them.

Effervescent tablets are dissolved in water before you take them.

If you take effervescent tablets, dissolve 1 to 2 tablets in a full glass of water and drink all the contents.

To make sure there's no medicine left, when your glass is empty, put some more water in there – a small amount will do – rinse it around the glass, and drink it.

How to take liquid

Naproxen liquid comes with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the correct dose. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give you the right amount.

How long to take it for

Depending on why you're taking naproxen, you may only need to take it for a short time. For example, if you have a sore back or period pain, you may only need to take naproxen for 1 or 2 days.

You may need to take it for longer if you have a long-term condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

If you need to take naproxen longer than that, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to protect your stomach from side effects.

It's best to take the lowest dose of naproxen for the shortest time to control your symptoms.

Talk to your doctor if you're unsure how long you need to take naproxen for.

If you forget to take it

Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

If you take more than your prescribed dose of naproxen tablets, you're more likely to get some of the common side effects. Contact your doctor straight away.

Common side effects

These common side effects of naproxen happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

Call your doctor or contact 111 now if you have:

  • severe indigestion, heartburn, pains in your stomach, feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhoea – these can be signs of an ulcer or swelling (inflammation) in your stomach or gut
  • vomiting blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds, blood in your poo, or black poo that looks like tar – these could be signs of bleeding and perforation of your stomach or gut
  • a frequent sore throat, nosebleeds and infections – these can be signs of problems with your blood cells, known as agranulocytosis
  • feeling faint, tired or short of breath – these can be signs of anaemia
  • blood in your pee, passing less pee, feeling or being sick – these can be signs of kidney damage or infection
  • a yellow colour to the whites of your eyes or your skin turns yellow, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin – these can be signs of jaundice or inflammation of the liver
  • irregular, slow heartbeats – this can be a sign of high levels of potassium in the blood
  • a high temperature, stomach pain and being sick – these can be signs of inflammation of the pancreas

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

  • you have chest pains – this could be a sign of a heart attack and needs to be checked immediately
  • you get a high temperature, feel sick or start being sick, get confused, have a headache, neck stiffness and sensitivity to light – these can be signs of aseptic meningitis

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to naproxen.

Naproxen can cause an ulcer in your stomach or gut if you take it for a long time.

Your doctor may tell you not to take naproxen if you have a stomach ulcer or you have had one in the past. If you need to take naproxen but are at risk of getting a stomach ulcer, your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to take alongside naproxen to protect your stomach.

The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the stomach. But stomach ulcers are not always painful and some people may have other symptoms, such as indigestion, heartburn and feeling sick.

If you're prone to stomach ulcers or have had one before, take paracetamol instead of naproxen as it's gentler on your stomach.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of naproxen. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Naproxen and pregnancy

Naproxen is not usually recommended in pregnancy. This is because it may affect your baby, in particular causing problems with their circulation and amniotic fluid levels.

Your doctor will only advise you to take naproxen while you're pregnant if the benefits of taking the medicine clearly outweigh the risks.

There may be other treatments that are safer for you. Paracetamol is generally the best painkiller to take during pregnancy.

Naproxen is not usually recommended while you are breastfeeding. Other anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, are safer. But if other painkillers are not suitable, your doctor may tell you to take naproxen.

It is better to only take naproxen for a short time if possible.

Naproxen passes into breast milk in small amounts and is unlikely to harm your baby. But there have been 1 or 2 reports of side effects in babies after having naproxen through breast milk. These have included some effects on the babies' blood, drowsiness and being sick.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems drowsy, or has an upset stomach, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

Naproxen and fertility

Taking anti-inflammatory medicines, like naproxen, in large doses or for a long time can affect ovulation, so it may make it more difficult to get pregnant.

Do not take naproxen if you're trying to get pregnant or you're having tests for infertility. Paracetamol is a better painkiller.

There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking naproxen reduces fertility in men.

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that can affect the way naproxen works.

Tell your doctor if you're taking:

  • other anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
  • medicines that help to prevent blood clots, such as warfarin or rivaroxaban
  • steroids, such as prednisolone
  • medicines that make you pee more (diuretics), such as furosemide
  • medicines used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure
  • antidepressants, such as citalopram
  • medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate

Do not take naproxen with ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But it's OK to take naproxen with paracetamol or co-codamol that you buy over the counter. This should just be for short periods of time.

If you often need to take extra painkillers with naproxen or for more than a few days, talk to your doctor. Sometimes, taking different painkillers together is a good way to relieve pain, but there may be other treatments you can try.

It's OK to take other painkillers with naproxen for longer if your doctor has given them to you on prescription and told you to take them together.

If you're unsure, talk to your doctor.

Mixing naproxen with herbal remedies and supplements

There's not enough information to say that complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with naproxen. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

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2,241 public posts

Taking Naproxin with Asthma

Basically I was prescribed Naproxen for knee pain years ago and it seemed to help, when I read up about it, it said Asthmatics should not take it. My Doctor has now prescribed Naproxen 500mg gastro-resistant tablets for toe/ foot pain which has not cleared.
Basically I was prescribed Naproxen for knee pain years ago and it seemed to help, when I read up about it, it said Asthmatics should not take it. My Doctor has now prescribed Naproxen 500mg gastro-resistant tablets for toe/ foot pain which has not cleared.
gentryman profile image
gentryman
in Arthritis Action
4 months ago

pain relief

I’ve tried naproxen and I had bad side effects
I’ve tried naproxen and I had bad side effects
Beatty67 profile image
Beatty67
in NRAS
3 months ago

TMJ and I can relate

lady year had same pain and it hit hard gas inflammation inside gums weak told my gp and she checked and confirmed it but had gone to dentist as well and it’s confirmed also they gave me omeprazol and naproxen for 2 weeks it helps
lady year had same pain and it hit hard gas inflammation inside gums weak told my gp and she checked and confirmed it but had gone to dentist as well and it’s confirmed also they gave me omeprazol and naproxen for 2 weeks it helps
Thor7860 profile image
Thor7860
in Fibromyalgia Action UK
19 days ago
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Omeprazole

I did start taking it again when I had to take naproxen for something. Not taking Naproxen now and only did for very short time . I ended up staying on omeprazole but have had increasingly troublesome non acid reflux causing coughing, lots of throat clearing and even symptoms of post nasal drip.
I did start taking it again when I had to take naproxen for something. Not taking Naproxen now and only did for very short time . I ended up staying on omeprazole but have had increasingly troublesome non acid reflux causing coughing, lots of throat clearing and even symptoms of post nasal drip.
Exhiker profile image
Exhiker
in PMRGCAuk
8 days ago

Prednisolone and Naproxen

What I forgot to ask the consultant was can I take Naproxen and Prednisolone together and if I stop taking Naproxen should I be taking lansoprazole with the Pred only.
What I forgot to ask the consultant was can I take Naproxen and Prednisolone together and if I stop taking Naproxen should I be taking lansoprazole with the Pred only.
Gottarelax profile image
Gottarelax
in NRAS
5 months ago

what could be the cause?

I was prescribed naproxen for the pain...which triggered asthma.I then got acid reflux from the naproxen. 
I was prescribed naproxen for the pain...which triggered asthma.I then got acid reflux from the naproxen. 
BFlying profile image
BFlying
in Acid Reflux Support
3 months ago

CRP and treatment

After steroids and naproxen my level was down to 6. Started on MTX end Oct and CRP level remained low (as far as I know) though I did have to have another steroid course over Dec because of declining mobility.
After steroids and naproxen my level was down to 6. Started on MTX end Oct and CRP level remained low (as far as I know) though I did have to have another steroid course over Dec because of declining mobility.
Gottarelax profile image
Gottarelax
in NRAS
5 days ago

my poor feet!!

thanks so much for your reply’s I have orthotic insoles to, water tablets, naproxen, Pregablin co-codamol & pain patch, & my happy pill sertraline. I’ve endured injections in my spine neck & ribs for 5-6 yrs never again!! I think it’s osteoarthritis/ or polymyalgia or just about everything thing….
thanks so much for your reply’s I have orthotic insoles to, water tablets, naproxen, Pregablin co-codamol & pain patch, & my happy pill sertraline. I’ve endured injections in my spine neck & ribs for 5-6 yrs never again!! I think it’s osteoarthritis/ or polymyalgia or just about everything thing….
Spongebob1 profile image
Spongebob1
in Fibromyalgia Action UK
6 days ago

Pain relief failing - Help!

Finally last week I was prescribed Naproxen again and Codeine Phosphate (15mg) I took 2 codeine and a Naproxen, along with an omeprazole, and it did nothing. I couldn’t sleep I was in so much pain. I applied heat and my tens but nothing helped.
Finally last week I was prescribed Naproxen again and Codeine Phosphate (15mg) I took 2 codeine and a Naproxen, along with an omeprazole, and it did nothing. I couldn’t sleep I was in so much pain. I applied heat and my tens but nothing helped.
AnnFox99 profile image
AnnFox99
in Endometriosis UK
22 days ago

G.p appointment

He just increased my propanol last time, which didn't help and have given me naproxen which make me feel sick. Can I insist on seeing a headache specialist? I'm also taking naratryptan, co codamol and fluoxitine for depression.
He just increased my propanol last time, which didn't help and have given me naproxen which make me feel sick. Can I insist on seeing a headache specialist? I'm also taking naratryptan, co codamol and fluoxitine for depression.
Mary1959 profile image
Mary1959
in National Migraine Centre
4 days ago

naproxen NSAIDS and restless legs

Naproxen and restless legs I am a serious restless legs and PLMD patient as diagnosed by the Sleep Clinic at Royal Brompton Hospital in London I take 250 mg Pregabalin and 0.5mg Clonazepan every night On a rare good night I wake up once and walk for half an hour and then back to bed.
Naproxen and restless legs I am a serious restless legs and PLMD patient as diagnosed by the Sleep Clinic at Royal Brompton Hospital in London I take 250 mg Pregabalin and 0.5mg Clonazepan every night On a rare good night I wake up once and walk for half an hour and then back to bed.
thorp profile image
thorp
in Restless Legs Syndrome
5 months ago

osteoarthritis.

is there any one that has hip pain,and if so what do you take and do for the pain.I’ve got osteoarthritis in both hips.all I take is gabapentin,and it don’t have a good write up about it.to many side effects.I’ve took it every day for too weeks due to the pain.al it does is knock you out.can’t take naproxen
is there any one that has hip pain,and if so what do you take and do for the pain.I’ve got osteoarthritis in both hips.all I take is gabapentin,and it don’t have a good write up about it.to many side effects.I’ve took it every day for too weeks due to the pain.al it does is knock you out.can’t take naproxen
Jaynefox profile image
Jaynefox
in Andover Fibromyalgia & ME Community Group
10 days ago

Nerve pain problem

I am on a fairly good dose of Gabapentin mixed with Naproxen. It does keep the pain bearable, but I know its there. should I ask them to increase my Gabapentin. I’m on 2700mgs per day and 500mgs of naproxen per day. iI do feel though that my anxiousness is increasing. I don’t know why.
I am on a fairly good dose of Gabapentin mixed with Naproxen. It does keep the pain bearable, but I know its there. should I ask them to increase my Gabapentin. I’m on 2700mgs per day and 500mgs of naproxen per day. iI do feel though that my anxiousness is increasing. I don’t know why.
cj75s profile image
cj75s
in Pain Concern
2 months ago

B12 deficiency side effects after drinking

I also had added in my nasacort spray prior to this and been taking naproxen. Feeling wiped out shaky nervous system not happy. But I had no side effects the 2 days I drank . So strange. I have stopped nose spray . Anyone have any advice?
I also had added in my nasacort spray prior to this and been taking naproxen. Feeling wiped out shaky nervous system not happy. But I had no side effects the 2 days I drank . So strange. I have stopped nose spray . Anyone have any advice?
Dlj1213 profile image
Dlj1213
in Pernicious Anaemia Society
2 months ago

Methotrexate, covid jab and naproxen

Another query...I am currently taking naproxen and since I find that the benefits of methotrexate are going to take a long while to take effect, I'm wondering (should have asked the consultant) can naproxen taken alongside during this phase? Thank you!
Another query...I am currently taking naproxen and since I find that the benefits of methotrexate are going to take a long while to take effect, I'm wondering (should have asked the consultant) can naproxen taken alongside during this phase? Thank you!
Gottarelax profile image
Gottarelax
in NRAS
5 months ago

has anyone experienced or been diagnosed itch TMJ

They have given me naproxen and omeprazole but it’s not helped anyone know what to do . also left leg pains a lot if your feeling pain like this what’s the best thing to do . Sorry too much too soon stay blessed
They have given me naproxen and omeprazole but it’s not helped anyone know what to do . also left leg pains a lot if your feeling pain like this what’s the best thing to do . Sorry too much too soon stay blessed
Thor7860 profile image
Thor7860
in Fibromyalgia Action UK
2 months ago

Rheumatologist appointment today…

I have had to stop Naproxen because of the blood thinners I am on. I have had several prednisolone injections in my lower back, but the pain is still there. Today I have been given Tramadol to try. Has anyone had good results or has anyone taken this medication before?
I have had to stop Naproxen because of the blood thinners I am on. I have had several prednisolone injections in my lower back, but the pain is still there. Today I have been given Tramadol to try. Has anyone had good results or has anyone taken this medication before?
Willow7733 profile image
Willow7733
in LUPUS UK
4 days ago

does laxatives cause painful flares?

my doctor gave me laxatives as my Dhydracodine & naproxen is causing constipation. since taking the laxative, I have burning painful womb pressure & feel sick. 
my doctor gave me laxatives as my Dhydracodine & naproxen is causing constipation. since taking the laxative, I have burning painful womb pressure & feel sick. 
Heartof3 profile image
Heartof3
in Endometriosis UK
3 months ago

Barrett's Syndrome

I was wondering if anybody had developed this syndrome after taking heart drugs (particularly Aspirin, Clopidogrel and similar) and/or painkillers like Naproxen? Also were you taking a PPI like Omeprazole or Lansoprazole at the same time? P.S.
I was wondering if anybody had developed this syndrome after taking heart drugs (particularly Aspirin, Clopidogrel and similar) and/or painkillers like Naproxen? Also were you taking a PPI like Omeprazole or Lansoprazole at the same time? P.S.
MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJH
Heart Starin British Heart Foundation
4 months ago

now have congestion in one lung

if you'd read my previous posts,you'll know I badly pulled muscles and naproxen triggered my asthma. it's been 2 days since I stopped naproxen. I have congestion but it is just my left lung. 
if you'd read my previous posts,you'll know I badly pulled muscles and naproxen triggered my asthma. it's been 2 days since I stopped naproxen. I have congestion but it is just my left lung. 
BFlying profile image
BFlying
in Asthma Community Forum
3 months ago
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