Naproxen sodium (prescription)
Drug Name(s): EC-Naprosyn, Naprelan, Naprosyn, generic
Class: NSAIDs
Type: Traditional NSAID
Used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), tendinitis, bursitis and acute gout.
Dosage
Form(s): regular and extended-release enteric-coated tablet
- EC-Naprosyn: 375 mg or 500 mg twice daily
- Naprelan: 750 mg or 1000 mg once daily
- Naprosyn: 250 to 500 mg twice daily
Dosages for children: Dosages for children are based on body weight and are not recommended for children under 110 pounds. Ask your child's doctor about the appropriate dosage for your child. Extended-release forms are not recommended for children.
Special Instructions
Do not take with other prescription or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Take with food or an antacid.
Do not break or chew extended-release or delayed-release forms; swallow whole.
Potential Side Effects
Abdominal cramps, pain or discomfort; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gastrointestinal bleeding; headache; heartburn; high blood pressure; nausea or vomiting; peptic ulcer; swelling of feet; rash; ringing in the ears
Be Aware
Using naproxen with low-dose aspirin may interfere with aspirin’s ability to help prevent heart attacks.
Before taking any type of NSAID, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or take blood thinners (including warfarin), ACE inhibitors, lithium or furosemide. Also report any sensitivity or allergy to aspirin or similar drugs.
All non-aspirin NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious blood clots, heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk increases with dose and duration of use. Patients who have or who are at risk for cardiovascular disease are at greater risk for these complications.
NSAIDs increase the risk of serious gastroinestinal side effects, including bleeding, ulceration, and gastric or intestinal perforation, which can be fatal.
Do not take NSAIDs late in pregnancy.
