Naproxen: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Naproxen is an NSAID painkiller used to relieve pain, stiffness and swelling. It is used for period pain, joint and muscle pain, gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can irritate the stomach and raise the risk of heart, kidney and bleeding problems, so doctors use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time. In India it is a prescription medicine.
Also known as: Naproxen tablet, Naproxen 250 mg, Naproxen 500 mg, Naproxen IP, Naprosyn, Naprosyn 250, Naprox
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Naproxen work?
Naproxen blocks enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2, which the body uses to make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause pain, swelling and heat in damaged or inflamed tissue, so with fewer of them the pain and swelling ease. The same enzymes help protect the stomach lining, which is why it can upset the stomach.
How to take Naproxen
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Naproxen is usually taken with or after food, and your doctor decides the dose, how often and for how long.
Side effects of Naproxen
Most people take naproxen without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Dizziness, tiredness or sleepiness
- Bloating, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Ringing in the ears
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood or severe stomach pain (possible stomach ulcer or bleeding). Get medical help at once
- Chest pain, breathlessness or weakness on one side of the body (possible heart attack or stroke). Call 112
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (severe allergic reaction). Call 112
- Swollen ankles, or passing much less urine than usual (possible kidney problems or heart failure)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, or yellow skin or eyes
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking naproxen, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen or another NSAID
- An active stomach ulcer or bleeding
- Pregnancy, unless a doctor specifically advises it
- Severe heart, liver or kidney failure
- Stomach: a past stomach ulcer or bleeding makes naproxen risky; the risk is higher with age, alcohol, steroids or blood thinners
- Heart and circulation: NSAIDs can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, mainly with high doses or long use; tell your doctor about heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure
- Kidney or liver disease, or dehydration
- Asthma, or a past allergic reaction to aspirin, ibuprofen or another NSAID
- Bleeding or clotting problems
- Pregnancy: avoid unless a doctor advises; paracetamol is usually the usual choice
- Breastfeeding: not usually used because small amounts pass into breast milk; ask your doctor
- Do not take it with other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or aspirin unless a doctor advises
Medicines and things that interact with Naproxen
Naproxen can change how other medicines work, and some medicines raise its risks. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including painkillers bought over the counter.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin: higher risk of bleeding
- Steroid tablets such as prednisolone: higher risk of stomach ulcers
- Other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or aspirin: higher risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding
- Blood pressure medicines and water tablets (diuretics): they may work less well and the kidneys can be strained
- Antidepressants such as citalopram: higher risk of stomach bleeding
- Methotrexate: its blood level can rise
- Alcohol: raises the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding
If someone takes too much
One extra dose by mistake is unlikely to cause problems, but taking more than the label says can be dangerous. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor urgently, and call 112 or go to the nearest hospital if someone has taken a lot or has taken extra on purpose. Take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine; naproxen is listed in Schedule H of the Drugs Rules 1945 (entry 345). Single-ingredient naproxen is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The combination naproxen + paracetamol is on that banned list, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Naproxen belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Naproxen
These medicines sold in India contain Naproxen. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Naprosyn 250 · 250 mg tablet
What is Naproxen used for?
Medicines that contain Naproxen are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Naproxen.
Common questions
What is naproxen used for?
Naproxen is an NSAID used to relieve pain and swelling from conditions such as period pain, joint and muscle pain, gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It eases symptoms but does not treat the cause of the disease. A doctor decides whether it suits you.
Should naproxen be taken with food?
The NHS advises taking it with or after food to protect the stomach. It is best used at the lowest dose for the shortest time. Follow the label or your doctor's advice about when to take it.
Can I take naproxen with ibuprofen or diclofenac?
No, not unless a doctor tells you to. They are all NSAIDs, and taking two together raises the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding without extra benefit. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining painkillers.
Is naproxen safe in pregnancy?
Naproxen is generally avoided in pregnancy unless a doctor advises it, and paracetamol is usually the usual choice. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without speaking to your doctor.
Sources
- Naproxen for pain and inflammation. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: M01AE02 Naproxen. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- The Drugs Rules, 1945 (consolidated, September 2024 edition), Schedule H: prescription drugs. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)