Naproxen helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is used to provide relief in pain associated with muscle, joint or tendon disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation in joints of the spine), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles), osteoarthritis (joint pain and swelling due to bone damage or deterioration), bursitis (inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac that cushions between the bones, tendons and muscles) and tendinitis (inflammation of tendons).
This medicine may also be used to relieve attacks of gout (high uric acid level in the blood) and pain associated with menstrual period.
Naproxen may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Naproxen exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal.
Naproxen is available as a conventional tablet or capsule, effervescent tablet; delayed-release, sustained-release, or extended-release tablet; and an oral suspension.
If you are taking the conventional tablet or capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the delayed-release, sustained-release (usually labelled as "SR"), or extended-release (usually labelled as "ER") type of tablet, swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
If you are taking the effervescent tablet, dissolve the tablet in a glass (at least 150 mL) of water, then drink the solution immediately. To ensure that there is no medicine left, rinse the empty glass with a small amount of water and drink it.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Naproxen or similar painkillers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- active or history of stomach ulcer or bleeding
- history of bleeding or perforation in the gut that is related to previous use of NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- history of asthma, rhinitis (inflammation of the inside lining of the nose caused by allergens), skin rash, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or similar painkillers
- long-term indigestion
- severe heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Naproxen if you are in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Naproxen may cause harm to your unborn child.
This medicine should not be used to treat pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (a procedure to improve and restore the blood flow in the heart).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of asthma
- history of stomach or bowel disease e.g. Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract), ulcerative colitis (inflammation of large intestines)
- an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation
- high blood pressure
- heart disease e.g. mild to moderate heart failure, recent heart attack
- blood vessel problems or a disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- high cholesterol levels in the blood
- diabetes
- low volume of circulating fluids in the body
- blood-clotting problems
- mild to moderate liver disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are in your 1st or 2nd trimester of pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Naproxen to a child, the elderly, and debilitated patient (a person who is physically or mentally weak due to illness or old age). They may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Avoid long-term use of any painkillers.
Do not switch between different brands or drug preparations unless advised by your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count, electrolyte levels, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs of stomach or bowel problems and vision changes may also be needed.
Naproxen may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, stomach wind, weakness, difficulty sleeping, headache, dizziness with sensation of spinning, and ringing in the ears.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, weakness on one side of the body
- chest pain or pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat
- unable to pass urine, change in the amount of urine passed, blood in the urine
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel
- certain medicines for depression e.g. fluoxetine, citalopram
- corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines) e.g. prednisolone, dexamethasone
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. captopril, losartan, propranolol
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
- lithium (medicine for mood disorder)
- probenecid (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- colestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- zidovudine (medicine for HIV infection)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Naproxen.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Keep the oral suspension away from excessive heat.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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