Medicines/Generics/Naproxen

Naproxen

Generic medicine reference

Not yet clinically reviewed

This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Naproxen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis , ankylosing spondylitis , tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps. It can also be used to treat acute pain caused by other conditions not listed in this medication guide. The delayed-release or extended-release tablets are slower-acting forms of naproxen that are used only for treating chronic conditions such as arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. These forms will not work fast enough to treat acute pain. Naproxen is also available in combination with other medications under the following brand names: Aleve PM, Aleve-D Sinus and Cold, Treximet, and Vimovo

Indications

Contraindications

Naproxen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults. You should not use naproxen if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. Ask a doctor before giving naproxen to a child younger than 12 years old. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have: heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke; a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot; a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding; asthma; liver or kidney disease; fluid retention: or if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke. If you are pregnant, you should not take naproxen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking a NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using naproxen. Ask your doctor about any risk. Naproxen is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Naproxen, which give rise to further complications include Hepatitis, Aplastic anemia, Hemolytic anemia, Anaphylactoid reactions, Granulocytopenia, Nephrotic syndrome, Peptic ulceration, Acute renal failure, Nephritis, Breast cancer, Pseudoporphyria, Aplastic anemia, GI perforation. Naproxen produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Gastric erosion and ulceration, Aplastic Anemia, Anaphylaxis, Gastric hemorrhage, which are responsible for the discontinuation of Naproxen therapy. The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Naproxen include Nausea, Vomiting, Seizures, Drowsiness, Anemia, GI disturbances, Hypertension, Indigestion, Hearing loss. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Naproxen are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Vertigo, Headache, Drowsiness, Nausea, Constipation, Tinnitus, Abdominal pain, Visual disorders, Stomatitis, Jaundice, Dyspepsia, Malaise, Depression, Heart burn, Light headedness, Increased intracranial pressure, Glaucoma, Flu like syndrome, Dreams abnormality, Cognitive dysfunctions, Pseudoporphyria, Leukocytoclastic vasculitis, Allergic Pneumonitis, Photodermatitis, Decreased Creatinine Clearance, Reversible Keratopathy.

Warnings

You should not use naproxen if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Naproxen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Get emergency medical help if you have swelling of the face or throat, chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance. Stop taking naproxen and notify your physician if you notice stomach pain, tiredness or weakness, yellow skin or eyes, nausea, vomiting, bloody or black and sticky bowel movements, skin rash, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, or swelling of the hands and feet. Naproxen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults.

High Risk Groups

Adult Dosage

250 to 1000 mg (620 (625)) 12 hourly PO — For rheumatic disease and chronic pain.It should be taken after food 250 to 500 mg (380 (375)) 12 hourly PO — For Musculoskeletal disorder and Dysmenorrhea .Initially given 500 mg which is followed by 250 mg every 6 or 8 hr 500 mg (500 (500)) As recommended. Rectal (supp) — For Musculoskeletal Disorder and Dysmenorrhea .1 suppository given at Bed time followed by 1 suppository in the morning. 750 mg (750 (750)) 12 hourly PO — For Acute Gout .Initially given 500 mg which is followed by 250 mg every 8 hr Scraped Dose — Use naproxen exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. If you change brands, strengths, or forms of this medicine, your dosage needs may change. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the kind of naproxen you are using. If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has any changes in weight. Doses are based on weight in children, and any changes may affect your child's dose. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests. This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using naproxen. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Child Dosage

5 to 0 mg/kg (2.5 (2.5)) 12 hourly Oral — 1 month to 18 years which may be increased to 10-15mg/kg twice daily.

Neonatal Dosage

No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

Drug Interactions

Ask your doctor before using naproxen if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you are also using any of the following drugs: cholestyramine; cyclosporine; digoxin; lithium; methotrexate; pemetrexed; phenytoin or similar seizure medications; probenecid; warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or similar blood thinners; a diuretic or "water pill"; heart or blood pressure medication; or insulin or oral diabetes medicine. This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with naproxen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Storage

Tab Store Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture. Suppositries Store Below 15°C. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture. Suspension Store Below 30°C.

Available Brands in Pakistan

112 active brands listed alphabetically.

Naproxen

Available Brands in Pakistan

ALIDASE

ANAPROX

APRANAX

APROGESIC

APROLEX

APROXEN

ARTHROX

ARTHROX TOPICAL

ARTIC

ATHROXEN

BIO PROX

BLOXEN

CALGESIC

COMPAN

DEPHLOG

DOLONAP

DOLONAP EC

DOLOSYN

DOLOTEC

ESMOV

EVERPROX

EZIFLAM

FLEXIN

FLEXOREN

FONZA

GENOXEN

GENPROX

GIA

HIZEXIN

LOPREX

LOWXEN

MAPROL

MAPROLEX

MAYOFLEX

MENOGESIC

MIRAMAX

M-NEXUM

NABROMAX

NAEREX

NALIUM

NAP

NAPEX

NAPGESIC

NAPLEX

NAPORINE

NAPREBEN

NAPRICAL

NAPRIN

NAPROBID

NAPROCIL

NAPRODIN

NAPROFAST

NAPRO HEIM

NAPROSYN

NAPROX

NAPROXEN

NAPROXIT

NAPROZEN

NAPROZONE

NAPTIL

NAPTROL

NAPXEN

NARO

NAXEN

NEOPROX

NEOSAID

NEPEXEN

NEPEXEN-DD

NEPOX

NEPRA

NEVOTIC

NEXRONAP

NO-ACHE

NORAL

NOVIGESIC

NOXRON

NYCO-P

ORTHOXEN