Naproxen is the generic name for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID)that is used to treat mild to moderate pain and inflammation. It is available for over-the-counter purchase, however, stronger prescription formulations are also available for more severe pain. Naproxen is often used to treat pain for such conditions asarthritis,bursitis,ankylosing spondylitis,tendonitis,gout, or menstrual cramps.Naproxen may also be known under the following brand names,according to RXList:
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How Naproxen Works
Naproxen, like other NSAIDs, works todecrease swelling and to inhibit painsensations. Naproxen reduces hormones that cause inflammation and chronic pain. The exact way it works is not completely understood. However, researchers believe it plays a role in inhibiting a substance calledprostaglandin, which is associated with pain.
Side Effects
Like most painkillers, naproxen may cause certain side effects. Research shoes the following side effects to be common:
Some serious side effects of naproxen use can include but are not limited to bloody or black stools, severe stomach pain, inability to pass urine, blurred vision, ringing in ears, extreme headache, fluid retention, severe rash, wheezing, chest pain and rapid heartbeat, extreme back pain.If these develop, seek immediate medical attention.
Meloxicam vs. Naproxen for Pain
Other Warnings
Naproxen could interfere or interact with other medicines,according to RXList, reporting it has moderate interactions with 229 drugs and mild interactions with at least 80. Some of the medications include but are not limited to benazepril, enalapril, ketorolac intranasal, methotrexate, pemetrexed, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril. Talk to your healthcare provider about using it properly and safely.
Overdose
It is possible to overdose on naproxen. Potential signs of a naproxen overdose may include:
If you take naproxen and notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Keep a List of Your Medications
Before having any blood or lab tests, tell your healthcare provider and the lab personnel that you are taking naproxen. Keep a list of all of the medicines (both prescription and nonprescription you are taking, as well as any dietary supplements, vitamins or minerals. You should keep this list with you at all times in case of an emergency.
8 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.
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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
LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury, National Library of Medicine.Naproxen.
Food and Drug Administration.NAPRELAN® (naproxen sodium).
Kowalski ML, Makowska JS.Seven steps to the diagnosis of NSAIDs hypersensitivity: how to apply a new classification in real practice?.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2015;7(4):312-320. doi:10.4168/aair.2015.7.4.312
Lelièvre B, Drouillard I, Thill C, et al.Severe poisoning with naproxen causing coagulopathy.Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2020;126(5):458-463. doi:10.1111/bcpt.13365
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National Institutes of Health. Naproxen (naproxen) Suspension.
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