Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Overview
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It relieves pain, lowers fever and reduces inflammation. It is sold in Canada in two ways.
Aleve (naproxen sodium 220 mg) is sold without a prescription for short-term pain and fever in people 12 and older. Higher-strength naproxen, such as Naprosyn 375 mg and 500 mg tablets and the 750 mg sustained-release tablet, needs a prescription. It is used in adults for arthritis, muscle and joint pain and painful periods.
Higher-strength naproxen needs a prescription. BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health to ask whether it is appropriate for them. The doctor decides based on your health history. A prescription is not guaranteed.
Prescription naproxen is authorized in Canada for adults to treat:
- Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
- Minor aches and pains in muscles, bones and joints, and mild to moderate pain with inflammation
- Painful periods (primary dysmenorrhea)
Non-prescription Aleve reduces fever and relieves arthritis pain, joint and body pain, muscle aches, sprains and strains, backache, headache, migraine, menstrual cramps, toothache, pain after minor surgery and the aches of a cold.
Naprosyn is not for anyone under 18. Aleve is not for children under 12.
Naproxen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
pain relief
Prescription required
Available
How Naproxen Works
Naproxen lowers the body's production of prostaglandins, chemicals involved in pain, swelling and fever. It is long acting. One dose of Aleve can relieve pain for up to 12 hours.
Dosage Instructions of Naproxen
Your doctor sets your dose of prescription naproxen. The usual doses in the Canadian product monograph are:
- Arthritis: 250 mg twice a day, which may be raised gradually to 375 mg or 500 mg twice a day. The 750 mg sustained-release tablet is taken once a day. Up to 1500 mg a day may be used for limited periods.
- Pain and muscle or joint injuries: 250 mg three times a day or 375 mg twice a day, raised to 500 mg twice a day if needed
- Painful periods: 500 mg to start, then 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours, up to 1250 mg a day. Another option is 500 mg twice a day.
Swallow the tablets whole with food or milk. Missed dose: take it when you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Non-prescription Aleve: follow the package directions.
- Ages 12 to 65: 1 caplet (220 mg) every 8 to 12 hours
- Over 65: 1 caplet every 12 hours
- Maximum: 2 caplets in 24 hours. Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
- Do not use it for more than 5 days for pain or 3 days for fever. See a doctor if your symptoms last longer.
- Children under 12: do not use
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, 15°C to 30°C. Aleve Liquid Gels are stored at 15°C to 25°C. Keep out of the reach of children.
Side Effects of Naproxen
In clinical trials of prescription naproxen for arthritis, these effects were reported by 3% to 9% of people: heartburn, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, itching, bruising, skin rash, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and ringing in the ears.
Get medical help right away if you have:
- Blood in your vomit, black or bloody stools, or severe stomach pain
- Sudden wheezing, chest tightness, or swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, tongue or throat
- Chest pain, pain in the shoulder, jaw or arm, or shortness of breath (possible heart attack)
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, blurred vision or a severe headache (possible stroke)
- A severe rash with fever, blistering or peeling skin
- Swelling of the ankles, feet or legs with shortness of breath, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (possible heart, kidney or liver problems)
Important Safety Information About Naproxen
Stomach and bowel: NSAIDs can cause ulcers, bleeding, blockage and holes in the stomach or bowel. Ulcers, bleeding or perforation in the upper gut occur in about 1% of people treated for 3 to 6 months and about 2% to 4% of people treated for a year. Drinking alcohol adds to the risk.
Heart and stroke: NSAIDs are linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots, which can be fatal.
Do not take naproxen if you are allergic to it, or if ASA (Aspirin) or another NSAID has ever caused asthma, hives or an allergic reaction. Do not take it if you have an active stomach ulcer or bleeding in the gut, inflammatory bowel disease, bleeding in the brain or a bleeding disorder, severe or active liver disease, severe or worsening kidney disease, high potassium or severe uncontrolled heart failure. Do not take it around heart bypass (CABG) surgery.
Kidneys: NSAIDs can harm the kidneys. The risk is highest in people who are older or dehydrated, who have kidney disease, heart failure or liver disease, or who take water pills, ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
Blood pressure and fluid: naproxen can make the body hold on to salt and water. This can raise blood pressure and make heart failure worse.
Pregnancy: do not take naproxen in the third trimester. From about 20 weeks of pregnancy it can harm the unborn baby's kidneys and lower the amount of amniotic fluid, so use it only if your doctor tells you to. Earlier in pregnancy, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. Naproxen may also make it harder to become pregnant and is not recommended if you are trying to conceive.
Breastfeeding: naproxen passes into breast milk. Prescription naproxen should not be taken while breastfeeding. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Aleve.
Older adults: people over 65 are more likely to have side effects from NSAIDs. A lower starting dose may be used.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you take. The main interactions are:
- Other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen: more stomach and bowel side effects and no added benefit
- ASA (Aspirin): more risk of stomach ulcers. Naproxen can also interfere with the protective effect of low-dose ASA, so talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using both
- Warfarin and other blood thinners, and antiplatelet medicines such as clopidogrel: more bleeding
- SSRI antidepressants and corticosteroids taken by mouth: more risk of bleeding or ulcers
- Blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers) and water pills: they may work less well, and kidney function can worsen
- Lithium, methotrexate, digoxin, cyclosporine and tacrolimus: higher levels or more side effects from these medicines
- Probenecid raises naproxen levels. Antacids and cholestyramine delay its absorption
Brands & DIN Number of Naproxen
Brand Names
- Aleve
- Naprosyn
Key Takeaways
- 1Naproxen is an NSAID. Aleve (naproxen sodium 220 mg) is sold without a prescription in Canada; Naprosyn and other higher strengths need one.
- 2Aleve: 1 caplet every 8 to 12 hours, no more than 2 caplets in 24 hours, for up to 5 days for pain or 3 days for fever.
- 3Prescription naproxen is for adults with arthritis, muscle and joint pain or painful periods. Your doctor sets the dose.
- 4NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding, heart attack, stroke and kidney problems.
- 5Do not take naproxen in the third trimester of pregnancy. From about 20 weeks, use it only if your doctor tells you to.
- 6Do not combine it with other NSAIDs. It interacts with ASA, blood thinners, blood pressure medicines and others.
- 7BC residents can ask a BC-licensed doctor by phone whether prescription naproxen is right for them. A prescription is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avee Editorial
Avee Editorial Team