Naprosyn (Naproxen)

Your dose of NAPROSYN will depend on which brand and strength you take, which condition is being treated, and your age.

For arthritis, common dosages can range from 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg). In children, the dose is calculated by body weight.

At lower doses, NAPROSYN works best to relieve pain. Higher doses may be needed to reduce swelling.

Here are general guidelines for NAPROSYN dosages:

• Extended-release tablets may be taken once a day.
• Enteric coated tablets may be taken twice a day.
• Tablets may be taken every 8 hours for gout or pain.
• OTC NAPROSYN is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours.

Here are some general rules for taking NAPROSYN:

• Take NAPROSYN with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Always take NAPROSYN with a full glass of water.
• Do not chew, split, or crush NAPROSYN tablets. Swallow them whole.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol while taking NAPROSYN.

Although NAPROSYN and other NSAIDs have warnings and side effects you need to be aware of, they have been an important treatment for millions of people with muscle, bone, and joint problems for more than 30 years.

Most people can take NAPROSYN without any problems. Make sure you know how to take NAPROSYN safely. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

NAPROSYN Overdose

An overdose of NAPROSYN may cause:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Trouble breathing

If you think you have taken an overdose or if someone else may have overdosed on NAPROSYN, call a poison control center or call 9-1-1.

Missed Dose of NAPROSYN 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you think of it, but do not take two doses at the same time, and do not take extra doses.

If you are close to your dose time, take your normal dose.

If you are well past your dose time, skip the missed dose and just wait until your next scheduled dose.

Side effects from NAPROSYN are more frequent if you need to take this medication over a long period of time.

Digestive system complaints are the most frequent side effects of NAPROSYN. Others include:

• Heartburn
• Stomach ache
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Itching
• Skin rash
• Skin bruising
• Ringing in the ears
• Fluid retention
• Shortness of breath

If you have any side effects, stop taking NAPROSYN and call your doctor.

Serious side effects of NAPROSYN that you should call your doctor about right away include:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, wheezing, swelling, or trouble breathing
• Digestive symptoms, such as bad stomach ache, throwing up blood, or black or bloody bowel movements
• Stroke symptoms, such as one-sided weakness, changes in balance or eyesight, or trouble with balance, talking, or thinking
• Heart problems, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, abnormal heartbeats, or sudden fluid buildup
• Other problems, such as dark urine, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), bad headache, seizure, decreased urine, any bruising or bleeding, severe back pain, or chills and fever

NAPROSYN may raise your risk for heart attacks and stroke.

Heart and stroke risk is greater if you have a history of or risk factors for heart disease.

NAPROSYN may cause ulcers and bleeding in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Ulcer and bleeding risk is higher if you are elderly.

Because elderly people are more likely to have side effects, you should take the lowest possible effective dose if you are over age 65.

This drug is not recommended for children younger than 2 years.

Always tell your doctor if you are taking NAPROSYN before having any surgical procedure, including dental surgery.

Before you take NAPROSYN, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to NSAIDs.

In addition to stroke, heart disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding, other conditions also carry warnings related to NAPROSYN use, so tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of these conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Anemia
• Asthma
• Nasal congestion or nasal polyps
• Stomach ulcer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

NAPROSYN and Pregnancy

NAPROSYN may cause harm to a developing fetus, and should not be used in the later stages of pregnancy.

There's some evidence that NAPROSYN can cause problems for developing babies and increase the risk for maternal bleeding during delivery.

NAPROSYN and Breastfeeding

Studies of NAPROSYN use by women who are breastfeeding are inconsistent.

Some evidence suggests that NAPROSYN is safe for a breastfeeding mother to use in moderate doses if her infant is at least one month old.

However, the American Academy of Family Physicians warns that NAPROSYN can accumulate in an infant if a breastfeeding mother uses the drug for an extended period of time.

Ask your doctor if it's safe to use NAPROSYN while breastfeeding. There may be safer alternatives for you and your nursing baby.

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any drugs you take, including other prescription drugs, other OTC drugs, and any vitamins, dietary supplements or herbal remedies.

Certain drugs are known to interact with NAPROSYN and may cause problems:

• NAPROSYN may interact with several types of blood pressure medications and make them less effective.
• Some types of antacids medications may make NAPROSYN less effective.
• NAPROSYN should be taken very carefully with other NSAIDs, including aspirin.
• NAPROSYN may reduce the effectiveness of some diuretics.
• NAPROSYN may enhance the toxicity of lithium and increase the risk for lithium side effects.
• NAPROSYN may increase the level of the drug methotrexate and increase the risk for methotrexate side effects.
• The blood thinner warfarin may be more likely to cause GI (stomach) bleeding when combined with NAPROSYN.
• NAPROSYN may be more likely to cause GI bleeding when combined with antidepressant drugs called SSRIs.

Alcohol and NAPROSYN

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking NAPROSYN.

Drinking alcohol and taking NAPROSYN increases the chance of developing a stomach ulcer or having gastrointestinal bleeding.

NAPROSYN and Other Interactions

Ask your healthcare provider prior to using cold, allergy, or pain medications.

These may contain other medicines similar to NAPROSYN, and taking the products together may give you too much of the medication.

While taking NAPROSYN, avoid sunlight exposure and tanning beds, as you can sunburn more easily.