Uses of Naproxen

Naproxen is used to relieve pain in the muscles, joints and tendons problems such as strains, gout, ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the neck and back), migraine headache or arthritis (painful one or more joints with swelling) in adults. It can also ease pain in painful heavy periods, bleeding due to insertion of intrauterine device in women and rheumatoid arthritis in children. It is used to relieve pain in the treatment of conditions such as muscle pain (myalgia), lumbar pain, bursitis (stiff neck and inflammation of bursa near a joint or tendon), inflammation of tendons (tendinitis), inflammation of synovia surrounding tendons (tenosynovitis), inflammation around a joint (periarthritis), strained muscles, contusions and hematoma. 

Therapeutic Category

Naproxen: Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

How Naproxen works

Naproxen blocks the release of a substance called prostaglandin in the body. Prostaglandins are responsible for the signs of inflammation such as pain and fever. This anti inflammatory action is useful in the reduction of pain, stiffness, swelling, and fever connected with inflammation.

Common side effects of Naproxen

• heartburn and dyspepsia (indigestion)
• nausea
• sore mouth or mouth ulcers
• abdominal pain
• constipation
• headache, dizziness
• fits or seizures
• bruising, itching, sweating, skin being more sensitive to the sun or hair loss
• changes in eyesight (eye pain)
• hearing loss and ringing in the ears
• fluttering feeling in heart
• thirst, fever, feeling tired or generally unwell
• swelling of your hands, feet or legs
• difficulty breathing, including shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing
• redness of the skin
• itching and irritation of skin
• heat or burning sensation
• contact dermatitis
• fluid-filled blisters
• signs of photosensitivity reactions 

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of allergic reactions (sudden swelling of your throat, face, hands or feet, difficulty breathing, tightness in your chest, skin rashes, blisters or itching)
• If you experience signs of stomach or gut problems (bleeding from the stomach, seen as blood in vomit or bits that look like coffee grounds, anal bleeding seen as black sticky bowel motions (stools) or bloody diarrhoea ulcers or holes formed in your stomach or gut, seen as upset stomach, stomach pain, fever, feeling or being sick)
• If you experience signs of pancreas problems (severe stomach pain which reaches up to your back)
• If you experience aggravated signs of ulcerative colitis or crohn’s disease (pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and weight loss)
• If you experience severe skin rashes (develops with blisters or peeling of your skin and mouth, throat or eyes, fever, headache, cough and body ache occur at the same time)
• If you experience blistering of skin when exposed to sunlight seen mostly on arms, face and hands
• If you experience yellowing of skin or eyes, feeling tired, loss of appetite, feeling or being sick and pale coloured stools
• If you experience signs of stroke (muscle weakness and numbness, which is seen on one side of your body)
• If you experience signs of meningitis (a sudden altered sense of smell, taste, hearing, vision or confusion)
• If you experience signs of systemic lupus erythematosus (fever, feeling or being sick, stiff neck, headache, sensitivity to bright light and confusion)

Health Tips for Naproxen

• Take naproxen exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow the recommended dosage and do not exceed the maximum daily dose unless directed by your doctor
• Naproxen can be hard on the stomach, so taking it with food, milk, or an antacid can help reduce the risk of stomach upset or irritation
• Drink plenty of water while taking naproxen to stay hydrated and support overall health
• Naproxen can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision in some individuals. Avoid activities that require mental alertness and coordination if you experience these effects
• Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding when combined with naproxen. It's advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medication
• Smoking can increase the risk of stomach irritation when combined with naproxen. If you smoke, consider quitting or reducing your smoking while taking the medication
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before using naproxen if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding