General Information and Indications:
Naproxen is used to relieve the pain,
tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by gout,
arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It also is used to relieve
other pain, including muscle and menstrual pain and pain after surgery,
dental work, or childbirth.
Information For Users:
Naproxen comes as a regular tablet, an extended-release
tablet, and a liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day for
arthritis, every 8 hours for gout, and once a day (extended-release tablets)
or every 6-8 hours (regular tablets) as needed for pain. Follow the
directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take
naproxen exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more
often than prescribed by your health care provider.
Liquid naproxen should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication
evenly.
If you obtained naproxen without a prescription, do not take it for more
than 3 days for fever or 10 days for pain without talking to a doctor.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to naproxen, aspirin or other medications for pain or arthritis, or
any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin),
carteolol (Cartrol), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ('water
pills'), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid),
medications for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol (Lopressor),
nadolol (Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), warfarin (Coumadin),
and vitamins. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using naproxen
unless directed to do so by your doctor.
o Inform your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if
you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood
pressure; any stomach problems; or any other gastrointestinal disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking naproxen, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking naproxen.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Do
not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Though adverse effects of naproxen are not
common, they could occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o headache
o dizziness
o nervousness
o upset stomach
o stomach cramps or pain
o vomiting
o constipation
o diarrhea
o gas
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o blood in the vomit (Hematemesis)
o bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
o ringing in the ears
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o swelling of hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
o skin rash
o itching
Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o severe upset stomach and vomiting
o severe stomach pain
o bloating
o severe drowsiness
o palpitations
o swelling
o rash
o loss of appetite (anorexia)
o dryness of the skin, nose, or mouth,
o difficulty breathing
o convulsions
Brand Name(s):
o Aleve® Caplets®
o Aleve® Tablets
o Anaprox®
o Anaprox® DS
o EC-Naprosyn®
o Naprelan®
o Naprosyn®
o Prevacid® NapraPAC® 375
o Prevacid® NapraPAC® 500 |
