About Naprosyn
Naprosyn (naproxen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID). It reduces pain and inflammation by blocking
cyclo-oxygenase which lowers prostaglandin levels. Naprosyn
is generally used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis, spinal arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis and gout.
(See arthritis and joint
pain.) It helps to relieve symptoms such as inflammation,
pain, stiffness and swelling. Naprosyn is also used for relief
of menstrual cramps and pain.
Naprosyn is available in prescription strength dosages, as
well as over the counter under the brand name Aleve. Do not
use this medication in combination with any other prescription
or over the counter pain treatment unless specifically instructed
to do so by your doctor.
Naprosyn Side Effects
Common Side Effects:Abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, fluid retention, headache, heartburn, itching, nausea, ringing in the ears, skin eruptions, upset stomach.
Rare Side Effects: Bruising, diarrhea, hearing disturbances, heart palpitations, indigestion, lightheadedness, sweating, thirst, vertigo, visual disturbances.
Contact your doctor if you have an allergic reaction or if you
have side effects that are severe.
Symptoms of overdose include: drowsiness, heart burn, indigestion,
nausea and vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention if you
suspect overdose. There is a risk of ulcers and internal bleeding
with prolonged use of Naprosyn. For individuals who are sensitive,
ulcers and internal bleeding may occur with short term use.
Gastrointestinal bleeding may occur without warning. Discontinue
treatment and contact your doctor if you develop these problems.
Cautions: Certain conditions are incompatible with
Naprosyn treatment, or indicate that treatment should proceed
with care. Advise your doctor of any of the following conditions.
- Allergy: Allergic reactions to Naprosyn means that you should end treatment immediately. Allergies to other NSAIDs, aspirin, or aspirin substitutes also indicates that a person should not take Naprosyn.
- Diabetics: If you take oral diabetes medications, consult your doctor before taking Naprosyn.
- Heart disease: Naprosyn may cause increased water retention, which could aggravate your condition. Notify your doctor of heart problems before using Naprosyn.
- High blood pressure: Naprosyn may cause increased water retention, which could aggravate your condition. Discuss this with your doctor before using Naprosyn.
- Kidney problems: Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking Naprosyn.
- Liver disease: Notify your doctor if you have liver problems. A lower dose of Naprosyn or an alterative treatment plan may be recommended.
- Low sodium diet: Naprosyn suspension contains sodium.
- Pregnancy: There are insufficient studies to show the safety of using Naprosyn while pregnant. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- Ulcer or Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Any history of these conditions is an indication for extreme caution in the use of Naprosyn or any NSAID. These medications may cause or aggravate deterioration and bleeding in the GI tract. Active ulcers are a contraindication for treatment.
- Water retention: Naprosyn can aggravate any problems related to fluid retention such as heart failure, high blood pressure, or swelling.
Naprosyn Interactions
Certain drugs react with Naprosyn. Your doctor may adjust the dosage of one of the medications, or may indicate that they should not be taken together. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions.
- ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors like Accupril (quinapril), Aceon (perindopril), Altace (ramipril), Capoten (captopril), Lotensin (benazepril), Mavik (trandolapril), Monopril (fosinopril), Prinivil or Zestril (lisinopril), Univasc (moexipril), and Vasotec (enalapril) - Naprosyn may reduce the effectiveness of these blood pressure medications.
- Alcohol - Do not drink alcoholic beverages while using Naprosyn, as it puts you at risk for stomach problems and liver deterioration.
- Aspirin - Taking Aspirin with Naprosyn may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Aspirin, you should not take Naprosyn.
- Beta blockers - Naprosyn may reduce the effects of beta blockers such as Cartrol (carteolol) or Tenormin.
- Cerebyx (fosphenytoin) - Naprosyn may increase effects of this medication.
- Coumadin (warfarin) - Increased risk of bleeding, do not combine.
- Diabetes medication - Naprosyn should not be taken with some oral diabetes medications. Consult your doctor before taking Naprosyn.
- Dilantin (phenytoin) - May lead to antiepileptic toxicity.
- Diuretics - Naprosyn may reduce the effects of diuretics such as Lasix (furosemide) and Esidrix (hydrochlorothiazide).
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithane, etc.) - May cause high blood levels of lithium.
- Methotrexate - Methotrexate such as Amethopterin or Mexate may build up to toxic levels when combined with Naprosyn.
- NSAIDs of any other type, such as Celebrex or Motrin may increase risk of side effects when mixed with Naprosyn, particularly GI bleeding or stomach irritation. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to one of these drugs, you should not take Naprosyn.
- Probenecid (Benemid) - If you take Probenecid, consult your doctor before taking Naprosyn.
- Sandimmune (cyclosporine) - Naprosyn may increase the effects of Sandimmune and cause toxic levels.
- Sulfa drugs - May lead to toxicity when combined with Naprosyn.
Naprosyn Dosages
Naprosyn is available in tablets containing 250 mg, 375 mg or 500 mg. EC-Naprosyn (delayed-release) is available in 375 mg and 500 mg tablets. Naprosyn is available in liquid form containing 125 mg/ 5 ml.
For adults:
For treatment of Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Spinal Arthritis the usual dosage is 250 mg, 375 mg, or 500 mg twice per day.
For treatment of acute gout the usual dosage is 750 mg initially, and then 250 mg every 8 hours until the symptoms end. EC-Naprosyn is not used to treat gout because of the delayed release.
For treatment of bursitis, tendonitis, menstrual cramps, or pain the usual dosage is 500 mg initially and then 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours. Daily maximum is 1250 mg. If taken for acute pain EC-Naprosyn is not used because of the delayed release.
For Children:
For treatment of juvenile arthritis the usual dose is 5 mg per kg (2.2 pounds) of body weight twice per day. Carefully follow the doctor's instructions.
Safety and effectiveness is not established for children under 2 years old.
Naprosyn Directions
To reduce upset stomach you may take Naprosyn with food or milk. Do not chew or crush EC-Naprosyn tablets.
Naprosyn should be taken according to your doctor's instructions about dosage and frequency. If you miss a dose, take it immediately if you remember soon after missing it. If it's close to the time when you would ordinarily take another dose, wait until your scheduled time to take the next dose. Do not take a double dose of Naprosyn.
Store Naprosyn away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location, avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep Naprosyn away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.
Naprosyn may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Be cautious if you plan to drive or operate heavy machinery, avoid these activities until you know how the medication will affect you.
Naprosyn and Pregnancy
The safety of using Naprosyn while pregnant is not established. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Naprosyn appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking Naprosyn while breastfeeding.
Naprosyn and Children
Naprosyn is not recommended for children under 2 years old. For children over 2, a reduced dosage may be prescribed. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.
Naprosyn and Seniors
Some seniors may have increased risk and severity of side effects particularly gastrointestinal bleeding. Lower dosages may be prescribed. Notify your doctor of all medical problems including heart problems, water retention, ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Naprosyn is a trademark of Roche
Back to top
This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
|
