What is Naprosyn ?
Naprosyn is also known as naproxen. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Naproxen works by lowering hormones in the body that cause inflammation and pain. Naprosyn is prescribed to treat pain or inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps. Naprosyn delayed-release tablets are naproxen formulations that act more slowly and are only used to treat chronic conditions such as arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. These naproxen formulations do not act quickly enough to treat acute pain.
Naprosyn Uses
Naproxen is used for the treatment of a variety of pain conditions such as 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 using other medications to treat your pain if you have a chronic condition such as arthritis.
How to use
- Before taking this medication, read all of the directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this medicine, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you take it and again when you get a refill.
- This medicine is taken orally and exactly the same as directed by your doctor, 2 or 3 times a day with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 mL). After taking this medicine, 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.
Naprosyn Side Effects
Common side effects are
- Belching
- Bruising
- Difficulty breathing
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Itching skin
- Large patches in the skin
- Pain in the chest below the breastbone
- Skin eruptions
- Stomach pain
- Swelling
- Tightness in the chest
- Bloating
- Bloody tarry stools
- Blurred vision
- Burning of upper abdominal
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Night blindness
Precautions
- NSAID medications, including naproxen, can occasionally 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 water as directed by your doctor to avoid dehydration, and notify your doctor immediately if the number of urine changes.
- 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 consumption and quit smoking. Inquire with your doctor or pharmacist about the amount of alcohol you can consume safely.
- While taking this medication, older adults may be more likely to experience stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, a heart attack, or a stroke.
- Before taking this medication, women of childbearing age should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctor(s). Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. This medication has the potential to harm an unborn baby and cause complications during normal labor 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 is excreted in breast milk and may have unfavorable effects on a nursing infant. Before breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
Interactions
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.
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.
Storage
Store at room temperature only. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep out of the bathroom. Keep all medications out of the reach of kids.
Naprosyn vs Aleve
Naprosyn |
Aleve |
|---|---|
| Naprosyn (naproxen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. | Aleve (naproxen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) (NSAID). |
| It works by lowering hormones in the body that cause inflammation and pain. | This medication works by lowering hormones in the body that cause inflammation and pain. |
| Naprosyn delayed-release tablets are naproxen formulations that act more slowly and are only used to treat chronic conditions such as arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis | 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. |
