What is this medication for?
Naproxen belongs to the class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing a natural chemical produced in response to injury, thus relieving inflammation, swelling, and pain. Naproxen is used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile arthritis.
This medication may also be used to treat symptoms of tendonitis, bursitis, acute gout, and menstrual cramps. It is also used for the management of general pain. Pain relief can begin within 30 to 60 minutes of taking naproxen.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Naprosyn® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Naproxen should be used at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest possible period of time needed to relieve symptoms.
Acute gout: The recommended first dose is 750 mg followed by 250 mg taken every 8 hours until the gout attack has subsided.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis in adults: The recommended dose of naproxen is 250 mg to 500 mg taken twice daily.
Juvenile arthritis: The dose of naproxen for children treated for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is based on body weight. The recommended dose for children aged 2 years and older is 5 mg per kilogram of body weight given twice daily.
When using the liquid form of naproxen, always use an oral syringe, marked measuring spoon or cup to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.
Naproxen should not be used by children under the age of 2 years as the safety and effectiveness of the medication for this age group have not been established.
Mild-to-moderate pain and menstrual cramps, pain management, tendonitis, and bursitis: The recommended starting dose of naproxen is 500 mg, followed by 250 mg taken every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Thereafter, 500 mg of naproxen is taken twice daily.
Naproxen can be taken with or without food. The enteric-coated and delayed-release forms of naproxen should be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to naproxen or any ingredients of this medication
- are planning to have or have recently had open heart or bypass surgery
- have asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., celecoxib, ibuprofen, diclofenac)