Naproxen (Aleve)
Naproxen is a medicine used to treat a variety of conditions that cause pain or inflammation. It’s also commonly given as a fever-reducer.
This drug comes in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) form.
Naproxen is in a class of medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by halting the body’s production of a substance that causes inflammation, pain, and fever.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved naproxen in 1976.
uses
What is Naproxen (Aleve) used for?
- Acute Gout
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Bursitis
- Dysmenorrhea
- Fever
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Collagen Vascular Disease
- Autoimmune Disorder
- Felty's Syndrome
- Rheumatoid Lung
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Naproxen (Aleve)?
Naproxen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Naproxen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using naproxen, especially in older adults.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:
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.
If you are pregnant, you should not take naproxen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an 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 this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
- heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
- a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
- stomach ulcers or bleeding;
- asthma;
- liver or kidney disease;
- fluid retention; or
- if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Naproxen (Aleve)
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Naproxen (Aleve)?
Get emergency medical help if you have (runny or stuffy nose, wheezing or trouble breathing, hives, swelling in your face or throat) (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). signs of an allergic reactionor a severe skin reaction
Stop using naproxen and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath. signs of a heart attack or stroke:
Stop using naproxen and call your doctor at once if you have:
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
- swelling or rapid weight gain;
- the first sign of any skin rash or blister, no matter how mild;
- signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- kidney problems--little or no urination, painful urination, swelling in your feet or ankles; or
- low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.
- headache;
- indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain; or
- flu symptoms;
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Naproxen (Aleve) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant, you should not take naproxen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an 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 this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Naproxen (Aleve)?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to naproxen (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen).
Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs unless your doctor tells you to.
Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb naproxen.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Naproxen (Aleve)?
Use Naproxen (Aleve) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.
Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
If you use naproxen long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using naproxen.
Shake the (liquid) before you measure a dose. Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). oral suspension
Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Naproxen doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Since naproxen is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. use two doses at one time. Do not
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Naproxen (Aleve)?
What to Expect
You should start feeling better about one hour after you take naproxen. If you’re taking this medicine twice a day regularly, it might take up to three days for it to work properly.
Depending on your condition, you may take naproxen for only a day or two. But in some cases, it’s used as a long-term treatment.
The extended-release tablets act more slowly and are typically used for chronic conditions. Other forms of naproxen are more suitable for acute pain.
Additional Dosage Information
Your dosage will depend on the formulation you use, your medical condition, the severity of your pain, your age, and other factors.
Doctors may suggest a lower dose for elderly people or those with liver or kidney problems.
Secondary Uses
Naproxen is used for numerous medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend it for conditions that aren’t listed in this medical guide.
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