Placed in the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, naproxen is often prescribed for treating fever, swelling, or stiffness. This HealthHearty write-up provides information on the uses and side effects of naproxen.
Naproxen was sold under the trade name Naprosyn as a prescription drug since 1976. It was in 1994 that the Food and Drug Administration approved its use as an over-the-counter drug under the trade name Aleve.
Marketed under brand names such as Naprelan, Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve, Aflaxen, etc., naproxen is a derivative of proprionic acid. It is related to the arylacetic acid group of NSAIDs. As the name suggests, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Actron) help reduce inflammation. Basically, they inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that are responsible for causing inflammation in the body. Inflammation is often a part of the healing process, but it can give rise to a host of symptoms such as pain, fever, swelling, etc. Like the other NSAIDs, naproxen also reduces inflammation, thereby providing relief. It is often prescribed for treating conditions that are characterized by inflammation. Besides being an analgesic, it also has antipyretic properties, which means that it can be taken to treat fever. It is available in the form of suspension tablets, enteric coated tablets, extended release tablets, and liquid-filled capsules.
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to an injury or infection. It facilitates tissue repair and helps speed up the healing process. However, it can give rise to unpleasant symptoms. Under such circumstances, doctors prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for providing relief from such symptoms. Naproxen or other NSAIDs work by inhibiting or blocking cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes that are responsible for the production of prostaglandins. More often than not, naproxen is prescribed for the following conditions:
✦ Osteoarthritis
✦ Rheumatoid arthritis
✦ Juvenile arthritis
✦ Psoriatic arthritis
✦ Gout
✦ Tendinitis
✦ Bursitis
✦ Sprains and strains
✦ Back pain
✦ Ankylosing spondylitis
✦ Migraine
✦ Kidney stones
✦ Menstrual cramps/Painful menstruation
While naproxen tablets and suspension are prescribed for the treatment of certain types of arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, or pain experienced during menstruation, nonprescription naproxen is used as a painkiller and antipyretic for reducing fever and relieving mild pain due to headaches, muscle aches, backache, toothache, menstrual periods, common cold, etc. It is often prescribed for long-term use in case of individuals who are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Unlike other NSAIDs, it is less likely to cause such complications.
Though the reduction in the production of prostaglandins due to naproxen usage helps alleviate fever, pain, or swelling, there can be adverse drug interactions. Therefore, this drug is contraindicated under certain circumstances. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider if:
✦ You are allergic to naproxen or any ingredients used in naproxen
✦ You are allergic to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
✦ You are pregnant or breastfeeding
✦ You are trying to conceive
✦ You are 65 years old or more (Dosage will be lower for the elderly)
✦ You have hypertension
✦ You are affected by a blood clotting disorder
✦ You are affected by bronchial asthma or other breathing problems
✦ You are affected by nasal polyps
✦ You have been asked to follow a low-sodium diet
✦ You are taking medicines for other medical conditions
✦ You are affected by gastrointestinal bleeding
✦ You have peptic ulcers or ulcers in the duodenum
✦ You are affected by liver, kidney, or heart failure
✦ You have recently undergone a surgery or are going to have a surgery
Inform the healthcare provider, if you are taking the following drugs:
✦ Anticoagulants
✦ Lithium
✦ Methotrexate
✦ Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
✦ Angiotensin II receptor antagonists/Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
✦ Beta blockers
✦ Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
✦ Sulfa drugs
✦ Antacids
✦ Prednisone or other steroids
✦ Diuretics
✦ Other NSAIDs
✦ Drugs for treating hypertension or heart problems
COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes are responsible for the production of prostaglandins within the body’s cells. However, COX-1 has a beneficial effect of producing prostaglandins that support the blood clotting function and protect the lining of the stomach from the stomach acid. Since NSAIDs block the COX enzymes and reduce prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining and support blood clotting, the use of these drugs can cause ulcers in the stomach. This can give rise to bleeding. Other side effects that have been associated with the use of these drugs include:
✦ Constipation
✦ Diarrhea
✦ Indigestion
✦ Belching
✦ Itchy skin
✦ Headache
✦ Dizziness or lightheadedness
✦ Excessive thirst
✦ Drowsiness
✦ Ringing in the ears
Some of the serious side effects include:
✦ Changes in vision
✦ Unexplained weight gain
✦ Sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
✦ Blisters/rashes
✦ Shortness of breath
✦ Chest pain
✦ Tarry stools
✦ Reduced urine output
✦ Back pain
✦ Difficult or painful urination
✦ Tingling/numbness
✦ Coughing up blood
✦ Nausea
✦ Loss of appetite
✦ Dark urine
✦ Jaundice
✦ Bruising
✦ Bruises or purple blotches under the skin
✦ Fast heartbeat
Seek medical help immediately, in case of a severe allergic reaction that causes the following symptoms:
✦ Hives
✦ Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or the face
✦ Difficulty breathing or swallowing
It is extremely important to take the drug as per the prescribed dosage. While the extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day, the delayed-release tablets and suspension are usually taken twice a day by individuals affected by arthritis. The tablets and suspension are usually taken every 8 hours for gout, and every 6 to 8 hours as needed for pain. While prescription naproxen should be taken at the same time daily, nonprescription naproxen tablet and the gelatin-coated tablet can be taken every 8-12 hours with a glass of water, or as needed. It must be noted that untoward effects can occur in the event of an overdose. The symptoms of an overdose might include:
✦ Dizziness
✦ Extreme tiredness
✦ Drowsiness
✦ Stomach pain
✦ Heartburn
✦ Nausea
✦ Vomiting
✦ Slow or difficult breathing
On a concluding note, naproxen has been linked to the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding due to the reduced production of prostaglandins. In order to reduce the risk of bleeding, naproxen might be given with a proton-pump inhibitor (a drug that reduces the production of stomach acid), especially in case the patient has an existing stomach ulcer or there’s a greater possibility of developing an ulcer while on NSAIDs. This drug must be stored in a cool, dry place, where it is out of the reach of children. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, don’t double the dose to make up for the missed one. Do inform your healthcare provider about co-existing medical conditions or the drugs/nutritional supplements that you are taking. Seek medical assistance at the earliest, if you experience severe side effects.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
