What is Naproxen?
Naproxen is a pain reliever that relieves inflammation and stiffness in the joints. The medication works by blocking the enzyme that makes prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a fundamental role in inflammation. The body produces them at the site of injured tissue and causes redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Naproxen are available in the form of naproxen or naproxen sodium. The main difference between naproxen and naproxen sodium is that naproxen sodium is absorbed more quickly. The body reaches peak levels of naproxen in 2 to 4 hours and naproxen sodium in 1 to 2 hours, which means that it absorbs naproxen sodium faster than regular naproxen.
Naproxen Uses
Naproxen tablets are used for treating pain and inflammation of various severe conditions. It includes:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Juvenile arthritis
- Menstrual period plan
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Gout
Naproxen Side Effects
Most common side effects of Naproxen are:
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
Some of the most serious side effects of Naproxen are:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Difficulty in speaking
- Swelling of face
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding and ulcers
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Naproxen if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Naproxen side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Naproxen talk to your doctor if you’re having any allergic to it or any other medication. The product has some inactive ingredients which can cause allergic or can create some other severe effects in the body.
Before taking this medicine talk to your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Asthma
- Aspirin
- Blood disorders
- Bleeding or clotting problems
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Stroke
- Swelling
- Stomach problems
How to take Naproxen?
Naproxen tablets should be taken as directed by the doctor. The extended-release tablets are taken once in a day by mouth. Normally the Naproxen tablets are taken for every 8 hours for gout and in every 6 to 8 hours as needed for pain. If you are taking Naproxen on regular basis on a regular basis and the tablets should be taken at the same time every day.
The nonprescription Naproxen comes as a tablet and gelatin-coated which should be taken by mouth. Naproxen tablets are usually taken with a full glass of water in every 8-12 hours.
Dosage
Generic :Naproxen Tablets (250 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg)
Brand: Naprosyn (naproxen) – 375 mg, 500 mg
Brand: Anaprox (Naproxen sodium)- 275 mg, 550 mg
Brand: Naprelan (Naproxen sodium)- 375 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Naproxen won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Naproxen tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Allergy warnings
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the throat
- Hives
Warnings for some serious health conditions
For people with stomach problems
If you have a history of stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding, naproxen increases the risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding.
For people with kidney disease
Naproxen can cause kidney damage when used for a long time. If you have severe kidney disease, you should not use this drug.
For Pregnant Women
Naproxen is a category C pregnancy drug. Not enough human studies have been done to be sure how the drug might affect the fetus. It could harm your pregnancy.
For women who are breastfeeding
Naproxen passes through breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Naproxen consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Naproxen rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Naproxen.
Naproxen vs Ibuprofen
Naproxen |
Ibuprofen |
|---|---|
| Naproxen is a pain reliever that relieves inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Prostaglandins play a fundamental role in inflammation. The body produces them at the site of injured tissue and causes redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. | Ibuprofen is used for relieving the symptoms of arthritis, fever and menstrual; and other types of pain. |
Naproxen tablets are used for treating pain and inflammation of various severe conditions. It includes:
|
The medication is used for prevention of some conditions like headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps and muscle aches. |
Some of the most serious side effects of Naproxen are:
|
Most common side effects of Ibuprofen are:
|
