Naproxen helps relieve pain and inflammation from various ailments. It is an anti-inflammatory painkiller that belongs to a class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anti-inflammatories. There are two types of prescription naproxen available. Regular Naproxen could be an oral immediate-release tablet, an oral delayed-release tablet, and an oral suspension while naproxen sodium could be an oral immediate-release tablet and an oral extended-release tablet.

Naproxen is a prescription-only medication recommended to treat gout pain, arthritis, sprains and strains, backache, menstrual pain, etc.

Naproxen reduces the levels of prostaglandins, that trigger pain, fever, and inflammation. It blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lowering the concentrations and reduction in inflammation, pain and fever.

The primary Naproxen benefits are relief from pain and inflammation triggered by various conditions. Above all else, it effectively reduces the pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by gout attacks, bursitis, and arthritis. Make sure you thoroughly read the patient information leaflet provided in the product package before beginning with Naproxen.

For gout, the usual dose of Naproxen is 750 mg as the first dose, followed by 250 mg every eight hours until the attack passes.

Swallow Naproxen orally usually 2 to 3 times a day with water. Avoid lying down until ten minutes post taking this medication. You can have Naproxen with food, milk, or an antacid to avoid risking stomach problems.

Begin your treatment with the lowest effective dose of Naproxen for the shortest possible time. That will help reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects. Do not alter your dose without consulting with a healthcare provider first.

Remember that any pain medication works ideally when used as soon as the first signs of pain. Similarly, Naproxen may not work well if your pain has worsened.

For ages 18 and older

Regular Naproxen immediate-release oral tablet

• 750 mg of initial dose followed by 250 mg every 8 hours until the attack recedes.

Regular Naproxen delayed-release oral tablet

• Begin with 1,000 to 1,500 mg dose once daily followed by 1,000 mg once daily until the attack subsides.

Naproxen sodium immediate-release oral tablet

• 825 mg of initial dosage and 275 mg follow-up dosage every 8 hours until the attack subsides.

For people older than 65 years the processing of Naproxen in the body may be slower. It is ideal to begin on a lowered dose to avoid building up too much drug in the body which can lead to complications and unnecessary side effects.

If you forget to take a dose you can take it as soon as you remember if it isn't time for your next dose. In case it is already time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and move on. Avoid taking double dose to make up for the missed dose. Set an alarm for reminders.

Prescription medicines like Naproxen generally come with a list of side effects, however, not everyone faces them.

Some of the common side effects of Naproxen which occur in more than 1 in 100 people include:

• confusion
• headaches
• ringing in the ears
• vision alterations
• tiredness and feeling sleepy
• dizziness
• rashes
• severe indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea which indicates an ulcer or inflammation in the gut
• vomiting blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds, blood in faeces could be signs of bleeding and perforation of the stomach
• sore throat, nose bleeds, and infections indicating agranulocytosis
• fainting, chest pain, or breathlessness are signs of anaemia
• kidney damage or infection
• inflammation of the liver
• irregular, slow heartbeats
• inflammation of the pancreas

In rare cases, Naproxen could lead to a serious allergic reaction. Inform your doctor and schedule an immediate appointment if any of these side effects persist for long.

There are certain groups of people who are unsuitable candidates for Naproxen and the ingredients in this medication could affect their bodies negatively. So talk to a healthcare professional before you begin with Naproxen if you have:

• an allergic reaction to medicines in the past
• allergic reaction to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)
• stomach ulcers, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or a hole in your stomach
• high blood pressure
• severe liver or kidney failure
• severe heart failure or other heart problems
• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• lupus
• blood clotting disorder
• plans for pregnancy or are breastfeeding

There are some key facts about Naproxen that you need to keep in mind before beginning your dosage. These are as follows:

• Take naproxen with or just after food intake
• Begin with the lowest dose of naproxen for a short time to control symptoms
• Some of the most common side effects of this medication consist of confusion, headache, ringing in the ears, changes in vision, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness and rashes.
• In the case of strains and sprains, some doctors recommend waiting 48 hours before taking naproxen as the chances are that it may slow down healing.
• Taking naproxen for a long time may risk a stomach ulcer.

Some medicines interfere with the way naproxen works. Do not alter the dosage of any prescription medicine before checking with your doctor. Since Naproxen is a prescription drug, your healthcare provider will monitor you for any other medications you might already be taking.

That said, you should inform your doctor if you're taking:

• other anti-inflammatory medicines (aspirin or ibuprofen)
• Blood thinners like warfarin or rivaroxaban
• steroids
• diuretics such as furosemide
• heart problems and high blood pressure medications
• antidepressants
• treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate
• benazepril
• captopril
• enalapril
• fosinopril
• ketorolac
• ketorolac intranasal
• lisinopril
• methotrexate
• moexipril
• pemetrexed
• perindopril
• quinapril
• ramipril
• tacrolimus
• trandolapril
• cholestyramine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• lithium
• methotrexate
• pemetrexed
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• insulin or oral diabetes medicine

Make sure to store naproxen at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Tightly close the container and protect it from light. Keep it away from children and pets.

You can place your order for Naproxen our online trusted pharmacy, MedsNow to ensure that you receive only the best and safest products. Before you place your order, you will have to undertake an online consultation to ensure that Naproxen is the ideal remedy for your medical needs. Upon confirmation from our pharmacists, your order will be dispatched and delivered discreetly to your doorstep.

1. Is Naproxen Safe to Take If I am Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

You should not take Naproxen during pregnancy especially if you have progressed 30 or more weeks or are breastfeeding.

2. How Much Naproxen Is Safe?

For gout treatment, start with 750 mg first dose, followed by 250 mg every eight hours as required.

3. Can I get Naproxen Over-The-Counter?

Most doses require a prescription however you can buy the lower doses for pain relief over-the-counter.