Uses

NAPROXEN (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox, Aleve) is an antiinflammatory drug. It relieves pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile (childhood) arthritis. Naproxen is also effective in treating other mild to moderate pain, including menstrual pain, headache, toothache, and temporarily reduces fever. Naproxen should only be used in children who are over 12 years old. Generic naproxen tablets are available.

How to take

Take naproxen tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. You can take naproxen with food to prevent stomach upset. If you are taking the delayed-release tablets swallow them whole; do not crush or chew. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not give to children less than 12 years unless directed by your health care provider.

Side Effects

Elderly patients are at increased risk for developing side effects. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:; signs of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness; signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips ; blurred vision; change in the amount of urine passed; difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat; pain or difficulty passing urine; stomach pain or cramps; swelling of feet or ankles; vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):; diarrhea or constipation; dizziness, drowsiness; gas or heartburn; headache; nausea, vomiting

Precaution

Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues. Do not take naproxen with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself. Do not treat yourself for pain more than 10 days or for fever more than 3 days without consulting your health care provider. To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take naproxen with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately. If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking this medicine. You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how naproxen affects you. Stand or sit up slowly, this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from naproxen. It is especially important not to use naproxen during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Naproxen may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Drug interactions

ACE inhibitors; agents that treat or prevent blood clots; agents that affect platelets; alcohol; alendronate; aspirin and aspirin-like medicines; cyclosporine; herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba; lithium; methotrexate; other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone); water pills (diuretics) Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Avoid temperature above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.