Naproxen: Uses, Side Effects & Safety

What it is and what it's used for

Naproxen belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs — non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It relieves pain, reduces inflammation and brings down fever, which is why it is commonly used for arthritis and joint pain, backache, muscle sprains, dental pain, menstrual cramps and sudden gout flares. Compared with some other painkillers of its type, its effect lasts longer, so it is often taken fewer times a day.

In India, naproxen tablets are a Schedule H medicine, meaning they should be taken on a doctor's prescription. They are commonly prescribed by orthopaedic doctors, rheumatologists and dentists.

How it works (simple language)

Pain and inflammation in the body are partly caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins. Naproxen is thought to work by blocking the enzymes (called COX-1 and COX-2) that make these chemicals. With fewer prostaglandins produced, swelling goes down and pain eases. Because naproxen stays in the body longer than many similar painkillers, one dose can keep working for several hours. Naproxen sodium is the same medicine in a slightly different salt form that the body absorbs a little faster, so it is sometimes used when quicker relief is wanted.

Dosage forms available in India (general info only)

Naproxen is commonly available in India as 250 mg and 500 mg tablets, and also as naproxen sodium tablets. The widely known brand Naprosyn is one example; many other brands exist. Your doctor will decide which strength and salt form suits your condition.

Never decide the dose yourself from this article. Always follow your doctor's prescription or the directions on the pack, and check with your pharmacist if you are unsure — especially for children, where the dose depends on the child's weight and age.

Side effects

Common: Stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, indigestion, gas, headache and dizziness. These are more likely when the tablet is taken on an empty stomach.

Serious — seek medical care: Black or tarry stools, vomiting that looks like coffee grounds, or vomiting blood can signal stomach bleeding. Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or weakness on one side of the body may indicate heart or stroke problems, which long-term or high-dose use can raise the risk of. Also seek care for swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing or wheezing (signs of allergy — people allergic to aspirin can react badly to naproxen), very little or no urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or a severe skin rash with blisters.

Precautions and warnings

• Take with food or milk. Naproxen can irritate the stomach lining; taking it with food or milk lowers the chance of pain, heartburn and ulcers.
• Do not combine with other NSAIDs. Using it together with other painkillers of the same type (like ibuprofen or diclofenac) increases side effects without extra benefit.
• Caution with heart, blood pressure and kidney problems. Long-term or high-dose use can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, worsen blood pressure, and strain the kidneys — your doctor should know about these conditions.
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol together with naproxen increases the risk of stomach bleeding.
• Allergy alert. If aspirin or other painkillers have ever caused wheezing, a runny nose, rashes or swelling in you, tell your doctor before using naproxen — a similar reaction is possible.
• Elderly people need extra care. Older adults are more likely to get stomach ulcers and kidney problems from NSAIDs, so doctors usually keep the dose and duration as low as possible.
• Use only as long as needed. For pain and inflammation, NSAIDs are generally meant for the shortest duration and lowest dose that works, as decided with your doctor.

Interactions (general)

Naproxen can interact with blood-thinning medicines (like warfarin), increasing the risk of bleeding. It may also reduce the effect of blood pressure medicines and water tablets (diuretics), and can raise the levels of lithium and methotrexate in the blood. Combining it with alcohol or with corticosteroid tablets increases the chance of stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor about ALL the medicines you take — including herbal, ayurvedic and over-the-counter products — before starting naproxen.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding (general guidance)

Naproxen should be avoided in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, when it can harm the baby's heart and kidneys and delay labour. If you are planning a pregnancy or are in the first two trimesters, consult your doctor first — there may be safer alternatives. Small amounts pass into breast milk; check with your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Storage

Store at room temperature in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep tablets in their original pack until use, and keep them out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if: pain does not improve after a few days of use, you develop stomach pain or black stools, you vomit blood, you notice swelling of the ankles or face, you get breathless or develop a rash, or you need the medicine for more than a few days. Seek emergency care for signs of stomach bleeding, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, or swelling of the face, lips or tongue with difficulty breathing.

FAQs

1. How is naproxen different from ibuprofen?

They belong to the same family and work in a similar way, but naproxen lasts longer in the body, so it is usually taken fewer times a day. Ibuprofen acts a little faster but wears off sooner. Which one suits you depends on the condition, other health issues and your doctor's advice.

2. What is the difference between naproxen and naproxen sodium?

Both are the same active medicine. Naproxen sodium is a salt form that dissolves and is absorbed a bit faster, so it is sometimes used when quicker pain relief is wanted. The overall effects and precautions are the same.

3. Can naproxen be used for period pain?

Yes, doctors commonly prescribe it for menstrual cramps, where its longer-lasting effect can be helpful. Take it with food, and talk to your doctor if the cramps are severe or happen every month.

4. How long can I safely take naproxen?

It is meant for short-term use in most pain conditions — the lowest dose for the shortest time that controls the pain. Long-term use needs a doctor's supervision because of the risks to the stomach, heart, blood pressure and kidneys.