naproxen
Prescription-strength naproxen (Naprosyn) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be taken by adults and children to relieve pain and symptoms of certain conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout. Naproxen (Naprosyn) works by blocking specific proteins that cause inflammation and pain. Naproxen (Naprosyn) comes as tablet and liquid suspension that are taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times per day. Some common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, and nausea.
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What is Naproxen (Naprosyn)?
What is Naproxen (Naprosyn) used for?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (arthritis of the spine)
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis in children)
Tendonitis and bursitis
Pain
How Naproxen (Naprosyn) works
Naproxen (Naprosyn) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking proteins (called cyclooxygenase, or COX) in your body that cause inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Drug Facts
More on Naproxen (Naprosyn) essentials
What are the side effects of Naproxen (Naprosyn)?
Common Side Effects
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Itchy skin
- Bruising
- Ringing in the ears
- Swelling
- Shortness of breath
Other Side Effects
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Mouth sores
- Racing heart
- Spinning sensation
- Being more thirsty than usual
- Changes in hearing
Serious Side Effects
- Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech
- Heart failure: difficulty breathing, swelling, fast heartbeat
- High blood pressure: headache, shortness of breath, changes in vision, light-headedness, fatigue
- Worsening liver problems or liver failure: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion, dark or brown urine
- Kidney problems: tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps
- Allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Serious skin reaction: skin reddening, blisters, rash
Source: DailyMed
More on Naproxen (Naprosyn) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Belching
bruising
difficult or labored breathing
feeling of indigestion
headache
itching skin
large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
pain in the chest below the breastbone
skin eruptions
stomach pain
swelling
tightness in the chest
Less common
bloody or black, tarry stools
blurred or loss of vision
burning upper abdominal or stomach pain
cloudy urine
decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
disturbed color perception
double vision
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
halos around lights
indigestion
loss of appetite
nausea or vomiting
night blindness
overbright appearance of lights
pale skin
pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
severe and continuing nausea
severe stomach burning, cramping, or pain
skin rash
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
troubled breathing with exertion
tunnel vision
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds
Rare
back or leg pains
bleeding gums
blindness
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blood in the urine or stools
blue lips and fingernails
change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
chest pain or discomfort
clay-colored stools
cold sweats
coma
confusion
cool, pale skin
cough or hoarseness
coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
cracks in the skin
darkened urine
decreased vision
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficult, fast, or noisy breathing
difficulty with swallowing
dilated neck veins
dizziness
early appearance of redness, or swelling of the skin
excess air or gas in the stomach
extreme fatigue
fainting
fever with or without chills
fluid-filled skin blisters
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
high fever
increased hunger
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
increased sweating
increased thirst
increased urination
increased volume of pale, dilute urine
irregular breathing
joint or muscle pain
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
late appearance of rash with or without weeping blisters that become crusted, especially in sun-exposed areas of skin, may extend to unexposed areas
light-colored stools
lightheadedness
loss of heat from the body
lower back or side pain
nervousness
nightmares
no blood pressure
no breathing
no pulse
nosebleeds
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
pain in the ankles or knees
pain or burning in the throat
pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
painful, red lumps under the skin, mostly on the legs
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
pounding in the ears
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid, shallow breathing
red, irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red-green color blindness
redness or other discoloration of the skin
redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue
seizures
severe sunburn
shakiness
skin thinness
slurred speech
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
sores, welting, or blisters
spots on your skin resembling a blister or pimple
stiff neck or back
stomach cramps or tenderness
stomach upset
swelling in the legs and ankles
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
tiny bumps on the inner lining of the eyelid
unexplained weight loss
unpleasant breath odor
watery or bloody diarrhea
weakness or heaviness of the legs
yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
hearing loss
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
change in hearing
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
passing gas
sensation of spinning
stomach soreness or discomfort
Rare
Appetite changes
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
burning, dry, or itching eyes
difficulty with moving
discharge, excessive tearing
general feeling of discomfort or illness
lack or loss of strength
menstrual changes
muscle aching, cramping, stiffness, or weakness
not able to concentrate
redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
swollen joints
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
trouble getting pregnant
trouble performing routine tasks
trouble sleeping
unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Naproxen (Naprosyn)
Pros
Works well for treating pain and inflammation
Effects last longer than other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
Available as a liquid for people who have a hard time swallowing pills
Cons
Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
Not safe to take after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
Pharmacist tips for Naproxen (Naprosyn)
You're recommended to take naproxen (Naprosyn) with food or milk because it can cause stomach-related side effects, such as stomach pain and irritation.
While you might notice your pain easing within minutes or days after taking naproxen (Naprosyn), it might take several weeks before the swelling goes down. Depending on what you're taking naproxen (Naprosyn) for, you might need to continue treatment for a few weeks before you know whether this medication is helping or not.
Some naproxen (Naprosyn) tablets, such as delayed-release naproxen (Naprosyn), have a special coating on it. In general, swallow naproxen (Naprosyn) whole and don't break, crush, or chew the tablets. Doing so will damage the special coating and affect how naproxen (Naprosyn) is absorbed by your body. Check with your pharmacist if you can break the tablets.
Naproxen (Naprosyn) raises the risk of stomach bleeding. Seek medical help right away if you experience unexplained vomiting or stomach pain, dark-colored stools, or blood in your vomit or stool. Also, limit or avoid the amount of alcohol because it can raise your risk for stomach bleeding and other stomach-related side effects from naproxen (Naprosyn).
Naproxen (Naprosyn) can make blood pressure medications not work as well. If you have high blood pressure, your HCP might ask you to check your blood pressure more often when taking naproxen (Naprosyn).
Don't take naproxen (Naprosyn) with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Doing so puts you at higher risk for stomach bleeds, stroke, and heart attack. NSAIDs are commonly found in over-the-counter pain and cold medications. Talk with your healthcare professional (HCP) or pharmacist if you're not sure whether you're already taking an NSAID.
If you're taking aspirin for your heart, make sure to ask your HCP if it's safe for you to also take naproxen (Naprosyn). Taking both medications together raises your risk for side effects.
If you're pregnant, talk to your healthcare team about safer alternatives than naproxen (Naprosyn) for pain. It should be avoided during the second half of pregnancy because it might cause problems to your unborn baby or cause complications during delivery.
If you're breastfeeding, discuss with your healthcare team about the risks and benefits of taking naproxen (Naprosyn). Limited research shows that naproxen (Naprosyn) can get into breastmilk. This means there might be a small risk of harm to the breastfed baby.
More tips for the oral suspension:
Store the naproxen (Naprosyn) oral suspension at room temperature and keep it in the original bottle it comes in to protect it from light.
Shake the bottle of naproxen (Naprosyn) suspension well before each dose. Use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose of naproxen (Naprosyn). Ask your pharmacy to provide you with one if the product doesn't include it in its packaging or if you need extras. Don't use household spoons because they might not be accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
Frequently asked questions about Naproxen (Naprosyn)
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What are the risks and warnings for Naproxen (Naprosyn)?
Naproxen (Naprosyn) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Stomach bleeding
Risk factors: Older adult | History of stomach bleeding or bleeding problems | Liver problems | Taking other medications that raise your risk of bleeds | Drinking alcohol | Smoking | Taking naproxen (Naprosyn) for a long time
Naproxen (Naprosyn), like all NSAIDS, raises your risk for stomach ulcers (sores) and bleeds. Stomach bleeding can happen at anytime during treatment; it's a dangerous side effect that requires treatment right away. Often times, people who have stomach bleeds don't experience any symptoms. Make sure to tell your healthcare professional (HCP) or pharmacist about all of your conditions and medications before starting naproxen (Naprosyn) so they can talk with you about your risk for stomach bleeding. If you're feeling faint, vomiting blood, have bloody or dark stools, or have severe stomach pain or discomfort that doesn't go away while taking naproxen (Naprosyn), seek medical attention right away.
Heart attack and stroke
Risk factors: Heart problems | Taking higher doses of naproxen (Naprosyn) | Taking naproxen (Naprosyn) for a long time | Past or planned heart surgery
Naproxen (Naprosyn) might raise your risk of having blood clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. To lower your risk of blood clots and heart problems, your HCP will prescribe naproxen (Naprosyn) for the shortest time needed to treat your condition. If you have heart problems, talk to your HCP before starting this medication. Don't take naproxen (Naprosyn) if you had, or will have, heart surgery. Call 911 or get immediate help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.
High blood pressure and heart failure
Risk factors: Heart problems
Naproxen (Naprosyn) can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid, which can raise your blood pressure or put you at risk for heart failure. Tell your HCP if you have a history of heart problems, or are taking blood pressure medications, before starting naproxen (Naprosyn) to make sure it's safe for you. Your HCP will screen you for heart problems before starting you on this medication. Some forms of naproxen (Naprosyn) contains sodium, so it's important to keep track of how much you're getting from your doses if you're on a low-salt diet. If you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while taking naproxen (Naprosyn), contact your HCP.
Kidney damage
Risk factors: Older adult | Kidney problems | Heart failure | Liver problems | High blood sugar levels | Not enough fluids in the body (dehydration) | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems
Naproxen (Naprosyn) can cause kidney problems. Your risk is higher if you have certain factors like older age, certain medical problems like diabetes, or you're taking medications that can cause kidney problems. Your healthcare professional might order lab tests to monitor your kidney health before and during treatment with naproxen (Naprosyn). If your kidney health worsens, your HCP might stop your naproxen (Naprosyn) treatment. Contact your HCP if you develop any signs or symptoms of kidney failure, including changes in your need to urinate, tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, and muscle cramps.
Liver problems
Risk factors: History of liver problems
Though rare, naproxen (Naprosyn) can cause serious liver problems that can lead to liver failure. Get medical attention right away if you notice swelling of your stomach, stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools), nausea, vomiting, confusion, or dark or brown urine. You might need to stop using the medication to prevent further liver damage.
Severe allergic reactions
Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy
Severe allergic reactions to naproxen (Naprosyn) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis. Let your HCP know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before starting naproxen (Naprosyn). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using naproxen (Naprosyn), get medical attention right away.
Although rare, naproxen (Naprosyn) can cause serious skin reactions, such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling. If you notice changes in your skin, stop using naproxen (Naprosyn) and get medical attention right away.
Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females
Naproxen (Naprosyn) can cause harm to your unborn baby, especially if it's taken in the second half of pregnancy (after week 20). It can cause serious complications, such as heart or kidney problems in your unborn baby or problems during delivery. Speak to your HCP about the risks and benefits of taking naproxen (Naprosyn) if you're pregnant before taking this medication. Ask whether there are safer alternatives.
Naproxen (Naprosyn) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Naproxen (Naprosyn)
The different strengths and formulations of naproxen aren't interchangeable. Your healthcare team will likely need to adjust your dose if they're switching you from one form of naproxen to another.
Naproxen (Naprosyn) immediate-release tablet and Naproxen (Naprosyn) 125 mg/5 mL suspension:
RA, OA, and AS: The typical dose ranges from 250 mg to 500 mg by mouth twice per day. The maximum daily dose is 1,500 mg.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (The liquid suspension is preferred for children. The tablet should only be taken by children who weigh more than 50 kg): Your child's pediatrician will determine the dose based on your child's body weight. The typical dose is 5 mg/kg by mouth twice daily.
Pain, menstrual cramps, tendonitis, and bursitis: The typical dose is a single dose of 500 mg by mouth, followed by 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 1,250 mg per day.
Gout: The typical dose is 750 mg by mouth at the start of a gout attack, then 250 mg every 8 hours until your symptoms go away.
Naproxen (EC-Naprosyn) delayed-release tablet:
RA, OA, and AS: The typical dose is 375 mg or 500 mg by mouth twice per day. The maximum daily dose is 1,500 mg.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (for children who weigh 50 kg or greater): Your child's pediatrician will determine the dose based on your child's body weight. The typical dose is 5 mg/kg by mouth twice daily.
More on Naproxen (Naprosyn) dosage forms
Interactions between Naproxen (Naprosyn) and other drugs
More on Naproxen (Naprosyn) interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Amiloride
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Balsalazide
- Bemiparin
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Betamethasone
- Betrixaban
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Budesonide
- Bufexamac
- Bumetanide
- Cangrelor
- Celecoxib
- Ceritinib
- Certoparin
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorthalidone
- Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Clonixin
- Clopamide
- Clopidogrel
- Cortisone
- Cyclopenthiazide
- Cyclosporine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Deflazacort
- Desipramine
- Desirudin
- Desmopressin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diazoxide
- Dibenzepin
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digoxin
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Enoxaparin
- Eplerenone
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Feverfew
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluocortolone
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Furosemide
- Ginkgo
- Gossypol
- Heparin
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrocortisone
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Ibuprofen
- Iloprost
- Imipramine
- Indapamide
- Indomethacin
- Inotersen
- Ketoprofen
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Magnesium Salicylate
- Meadowsweet
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Melitracen
- Meloxicam
- Mesalamine
- Methotrexate
- Methyclothiazide
- Methylprednisolone
- Metolazone
- Milnacipran
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nortriptyline
- Olsalazine
- Opipramol
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Paramethasone
- Parecoxib
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pemetrexed
- Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
- Pentoxifylline
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenyl Salicylate
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Pixantrone
- Polythiazide
- Prasugrel
- Prednisolone
- Prednisone
- Probenecid
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Protriptyline
- Reboxetine
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylamide
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sodium Salicylate
- Spironolactone
- Sulfasalazine
- Sulindac
- Tacrolimus
- Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Tenoxicam
- Tianeptine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Torsemide
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Triamterene
- Trichlormethiazide
- Trimipramine
- Trolamine Salicylate
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
- Xipamide
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Alacepril
- Atenolol
- Azilsartan
- Azilsartan Medoxomil
- Benazepril
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Candesartan Cilexetil
- Captopril
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Eprosartan
- Esmolol
- Fosinopril
- Irbesartan
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Lisinopril
- Losartan
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Moexipril
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Perindopril Erbumine
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Sotalol
- Spirapril
- Telmisartan
- Timolol
- Trandolapril
- Valsartan
How much does Naproxen (Naprosyn) cost?
Naproxen (Naprosyn) contraindications
History of asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or another NSAID
Right before or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), a type of open heart surgery
What are alternatives to Naproxen (Naprosyn)?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (arthritis of the spine)
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis in children)
Tendonitis and bursitis
Pain
Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
Fever
Mild-to-moderate pain
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
Pain from menstrual cramps
Pain from osteoarthritis (capsules, tablets, and oral suspension)
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) (tablets and oral suspension)
Moderate-to-severe pain (Anjeso injection)
What is the latest news about Naproxen (Naprosyn)?
Naproxen (Naprosyn) images
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References
Best studies we foundAurobindo Pharma Limited. (2024). NAPROXEN tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). NAPROXEN - naproxen suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2019). Naproxen. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Magni, Alberto. (2021). Management of Osteoarthritis: Expert Opinion on NSAIDs. Pain and Therapy.
National Kidney Foundation. (2020). 10 signs you may have kidney disease.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). FDA drug safety communication: FDA warns of rare but serious skin reactions with the pain reliever/fever reducer acetaminophen.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.
Virtus Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2021). NAPROXEN- naproxen tablet, delayed release [package insert]. DailyMed.
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