Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Aleve?What It TreatsHow to Take AleveSide EffectsContraindicationsInteractionsOverdose
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Aleve?
What It Treats
How to Take Aleve
Side Effects
Contraindications
Interactions
Overdose
Aleve (naproxen)is an over-the-counter (OTC)non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)that comes in tablet, caplet, or gel cap forms. The recommended dose is one pill every eight to 12 hours while symptoms last.
Taking one Aleve every eight to 12 hours should relieve symptoms such as:
For your first dose, you can take two pills within the first hour, but never take more than two pills within any 8- to 12-hour period, You should also not take more than three pills within 24 hours.
This article explains how to take Aleve safely for pain and inflammation, including possible side effects, interactions, and contraindications.
What Is Aleve (Naproxen)?
Aleve is the brand name for naproxen. Naproxen is also available as a generic.
Naproxen is an NSAID that blocks two enzymes calledCOX-1 and COX-2that the body uses to makeprostaglandins. Prostaglandins are compounds that serve many purposes in the human body. includingblood clottingand the induction of labor. But they are also responsible for regulatinginflammation.
By temporarily blocking the production of prostaglandin, Aleve can reduce inflammation and, with it, symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and fever.
What Conditions Does Aleve Help With?
Aleve is used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions, including symptoms ofacute(sudden, severe) orchronic(persistent) inflammation.
Among the conditions that Aleve can help treat are:
Aleve is intended for the short-term relief of pain and inflammation. Each pill contains 200 milligrams (mg) naproxen and 20 mg sodium.Taking naproxen in occasional doses or short two- to three-day courses is generally considered safe.
For adults and children 12 and over:
Do not use Aleve in children under 12 without first speaking with your child’s pediatrician.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, you can skip the dose or take it as soon as you remember. Then, wait for 12 hours before taking your next dose. Stay as close to your regular dosing schedule as possible.
How to Store AleveStore Aleve in its original, light-resistant container. It should be kept at room temperature and well away from heat and moisture. Discard any expired drug. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
How to Store Aleve
Store Aleve in its original, light-resistant container. It should be kept at room temperature and well away from heat and moisture. Discard any expired drug. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Side Effects and Warnings
Aleve is generally regarded as safe if taken as directed. As with all medications, Aleve can cause side effects, most of which are relatively mild and short-lived.
Possible side effects of Aleve include:
Other more potentially serious side effects can occur. In rare cases, the misuse of Aleve can even cause heart and liver complications.
Allergic Reaction
The risk of an allergic reaction to Aleve is low. Even so, allergies have been known to occur and typically cause symptoms within 30 minutes to four hours of a dose. Some reactions take up to 24 hours before symptoms develop.
All allergic reactions to drugs should be taken seriously as they may be early signs of a potentially life-threatening, whole-body reaction known asanaphylaxis.
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience the following signs of anaphylaxis, including:
If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death.
Stomach Bleeding
If Aleve is overused or taken at exceptionally high doses, it can cause stomach bleeding and the formation of potentially severepeptic ulcers.
Seek immediate medical care if you have signs and symptoms of a drug-induced peptic ulcer, including:
Seek emergency care if you arevomiting bloodor have dark, coffee-ground-like vomit.
Cardiovascular Risks
There is evidence that the prolonged use of Aleve and other NSAIDs can increase the risk of certain cardiovascular events, often within a few weeks of daily use. The risk is greatest among those with underlying heart diseases.
Because of this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to include warnings about the cardiovascular health risks of NSAIDs on packaging and labels.
The risks include:
Seek emergency care if you develop sharp chest pain or tightness, trouble walking or seeing, lightheadedness or fainting, or radiating pain in the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw.
Liver Damage
While uncommon, Aleve and other NSAIDs can causehepatotoxicity(liver poisoning), leading to drug-induced liver injury. The risk is higher in people with pre-existing liver disease and/or those withalcohol use disorder(formerly known as alcoholism).
Symptoms of drug-induced liver injury include:
The immediate discontinuation of the NSAID is required to prevent irreversible liver damage.
Who Should Not Take Aleve?
Aleve is not a good option for everyone. People with certain risk factors or existing health conditions should consider other medications to avoid potentially serious complications.
You should not take Aleve if you have:
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, speak to your healthcare provider before taking Aleve. Some studies suggest that naproxen can cause kidney problems in the unborn child if the drug is taken during the third trimester.
Children
There are no liquid formulations of Aleve available for children. You might be better served to use alternatives likeChildren’s Tylenol (acetaminophen)orChildren’s Advil (ibuprofen)for younger children.
Older Adults
Aleve should be used with caution in adults over 65 who may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug than younger adults and are more likely to have age-related kidney, heart, or stomach problems.
Drug Interactions
Many OTC medications contain NSAIDs, including cold & flu remedies. For this reason, it is crucial to read all medication labels to avoid double-dosing.
Some medications and supplements can interact with naproxen and change how it works. Speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take before starting Aleve.
Medications that can interact with naproxen include:
Possible symptoms of a naproxen overdose include:
If you or someone you know has overdosed on Aleve, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Do not induce vomiting unless the helpline advises you to do so.
Summary
Never take more than two Aleves every eight to 12 hours, or three every 24 hours.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bayer.Aleve caplets.Gunaydin C, Bilge SS.Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the molecular level.Eurasian J Med. 2018;50(2):116-121. doi:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2018.0010Angiolillo DJ, Weisman SM.Clinical pharmacology and cardiovascular safety of naproxen.Am J Cardiovasc Drugs.2017;17(2):97-107. doi:10.1007/s40256-016-0200-5National Health Service (UK).Common questions about naproxen.MedlinePlus.Naproxen.Lipscomb J, Wong M, Birkel M.Management of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions.US Pharm.2019;44(3):22-26.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).National Health Service (UK).Who can and cannot take naproxen.DailyMed.Naproxen tablet.DailyMed.Aleve [drug label].Lelievre B, Drouillard I, Thill C, et al.Severe poisoning with naproxen causing coagulopathy.Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2020 May;126(5):458-463. doi:10.1111/bcpt.13365Additional ReadingCurfman, G.FDA strengthens warning that NSAIDs increase heart attack and stroke risk. Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School.Sondergaard K, Weeke P, Wissenberg M et al.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is associated with increased risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide case–time–control study.European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy. 2016:pvw041. doi:10.1093/ehjcvp/pvw041
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bayer.Aleve caplets.Gunaydin C, Bilge SS.Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the molecular level.Eurasian J Med. 2018;50(2):116-121. doi:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2018.0010Angiolillo DJ, Weisman SM.Clinical pharmacology and cardiovascular safety of naproxen.Am J Cardiovasc Drugs.2017;17(2):97-107. doi:10.1007/s40256-016-0200-5National Health Service (UK).Common questions about naproxen.MedlinePlus.Naproxen.Lipscomb J, Wong M, Birkel M.Management of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions.US Pharm.2019;44(3):22-26.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).National Health Service (UK).Who can and cannot take naproxen.DailyMed.Naproxen tablet.DailyMed.Aleve [drug label].Lelievre B, Drouillard I, Thill C, et al.Severe poisoning with naproxen causing coagulopathy.Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2020 May;126(5):458-463. doi:10.1111/bcpt.13365Additional ReadingCurfman, G.FDA strengthens warning that NSAIDs increase heart attack and stroke risk. Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School.Sondergaard K, Weeke P, Wissenberg M et al.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is associated with increased risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide case–time–control study.European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy. 2016:pvw041. doi:10.1093/ehjcvp/pvw041
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bayer.Aleve caplets.Gunaydin C, Bilge SS.Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the molecular level.Eurasian J Med. 2018;50(2):116-121. doi:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2018.0010Angiolillo DJ, Weisman SM.Clinical pharmacology and cardiovascular safety of naproxen.Am J Cardiovasc Drugs.2017;17(2):97-107. doi:10.1007/s40256-016-0200-5National Health Service (UK).Common questions about naproxen.MedlinePlus.Naproxen.Lipscomb J, Wong M, Birkel M.Management of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions.US Pharm.2019;44(3):22-26.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).National Health Service (UK).Who can and cannot take naproxen.DailyMed.Naproxen tablet.DailyMed.Aleve [drug label].Lelievre B, Drouillard I, Thill C, et al.Severe poisoning with naproxen causing coagulopathy.Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2020 May;126(5):458-463. doi:10.1111/bcpt.13365
Bayer.Aleve caplets.
Gunaydin C, Bilge SS.Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the molecular level.Eurasian J Med. 2018;50(2):116-121. doi:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2018.0010
Angiolillo DJ, Weisman SM.Clinical pharmacology and cardiovascular safety of naproxen.Am J Cardiovasc Drugs.2017;17(2):97-107. doi:10.1007/s40256-016-0200-5
National Health Service (UK).Common questions about naproxen.
MedlinePlus.Naproxen.
Lipscomb J, Wong M, Birkel M.Management of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions.US Pharm.2019;44(3):22-26.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
National Health Service (UK).Who can and cannot take naproxen.
DailyMed.Naproxen tablet.
DailyMed.Aleve [drug label].
Lelievre B, Drouillard I, Thill C, et al.Severe poisoning with naproxen causing coagulopathy.Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2020 May;126(5):458-463. doi:10.1111/bcpt.13365
Curfman, G.FDA strengthens warning that NSAIDs increase heart attack and stroke risk. Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School.Sondergaard K, Weeke P, Wissenberg M et al.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is associated with increased risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide case–time–control study.European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy. 2016:pvw041. doi:10.1093/ehjcvp/pvw041
Curfman, G.FDA strengthens warning that NSAIDs increase heart attack and stroke risk. Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School.
Sondergaard K, Weeke P, Wissenberg M et al.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is associated with increased risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide case–time–control study.European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy. 2016:pvw041. doi:10.1093/ehjcvp/pvw041
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
