What is Aleve?
Aleve is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). Naproxen works by lowering hormones in the body that cause inflammation and pain. Aleve is prescribed to treat minor aches and pains caused by arthritis, muscular aches, backache, menstrual cramps, headache, toothache, and the common cold. Aleve is also used to treat fevers for a short period of time.
Aleve Uses
It is used in the treatment of a variety of pain conditions, including headaches, muscle aches, tendonitis, dental pain, and menstrual cramps. It also alleviates the pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis, bursitis, and gout attacks. This medication is referred to as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by inhibiting the production of certain natural substances in your body that cause inflammation. Ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain if you have a chronic condition such as arthritis.
How to use Aleve
- Before taking this medication, if you are using an over-the-counter product, read all of the directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed naproxen, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you begin taking it and again when you get a refill.
- Take this medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times per day with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). After taking this, don’t lie down for at least 10 minutes. Take this medication with food, milk, or an antacid to avoid stomach upset.
- The dosage is determined by your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. Take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible to reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more frequently than prescribed by your doctor or on the package label. Continue to take this medication as directed by your doctor if you have an ongoing condition such as arthritis.
- For some conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to two weeks of regular use of this medication before you see the full benefit.
- If you are not taking this medication on a regular basis, remember that pain relievers work best when they are used at the first signs of pain.
Aleve Side Effects
More common side effects
- Belching
- Bruising
- Difficult in breathing
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Itching skin
- Skin eruptions
- Stomach pain
- Swelling
- Tightness in the chest
Less common side effects
- Bloating
- Bloody or black, tarry stools
- Blurred or loss of vision
- Burning upper abdominal
- Stomach pain
- Cloudy urine
- Constipation
- Decrease in urine
- Disturbed colour perception
- Double vision
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Precautions
- Before taking naproxen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen, celecoxib), or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have- asthma, aspirin-sensitive asthma, blood disorders (such as anemia), bleeding, clotting problems, nasal polyps, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, stroke, swelling (edema, fluid retention), stomach/intestinal/esophageal problems (such as bleeding, heartburn, ulcers).
- NSAID medications, including naproxen, can cause kidney problems. If you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or take certain medications, you are more likely to have problems. Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to avoid dehydration, and notify your doctor immediately if the number of urine changes.
- This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. You may become dizzy or drowsy if you consume alcohol. Don’t drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires alertness until you are confident that you can do so safely.
- This medication has the potential to cause stomach bleeding. The use of alcohol and tobacco on a regular basis, especially when combined with this medication, may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Limit your alcohol intake.
- While taking this medication, older adults may be more likely to experience stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, a heart attack, or a stroke.
- Women of childbearing age should consult their doctor before taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. This medication has the potential to harm an unborn baby and cause complications during normal labour and delivery. It is not advised to be used during pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery. If your doctor determines that you must take this medication between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, you should take the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time. This medication should not be used after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
- This medication passes in breast milk and may have unfavorable effects on a nursing infant. Before breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
Interactions
- Aliskiren, ACE inhibitors such as captopril, lisinopril, angiotensin II receptor blockers such as losartan, valsartan, cidofovir, corticosteroids such as prednisone, lithium, and water tablets are some of the products that may interact with this medication.
- When combined with other drugs that can cause bleeding, this medication can increase the risk of bleeding. Antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel and "blood thinners" like dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin are examples.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take any dose or by mistake miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is already the time for the next dose, skip the forgotten dose. Take your next medicine dose at the regular time schedule. Do not double the dose.
Overdose
If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, seek medical advice. Never take more than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
Storage
Store at room temperature only. store it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the bathroom. Keep all medications out of the reach of kids.
Aleve vs Advil
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Aleve is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) that works by lowering hormones in the body that cause inflammation and pain. | Advil is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by lowering hormones in the body that cause inflammation and pain |
It is used in the treatment of a variety of pain conditions, including headaches, muscle aches, tendonitis, dental pain, and menstrual cramps. | Advil is used to treat pain and inflammation caused by a variety of conditions, including headaches, toothaches, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and minor injuries |
Aleve is prescribed to treat minor aches and pains caused by arthritis, muscular aches, backache, menstrual cramps, headache, toothache, and the common cold. | Advil is prescribed to adults and children over the age of two. Consult a doctor if your child is under the age of two. |