Naproxen

Information about Naproxen

Naproxen uses

Naproxen is used for pain relief. It relieves pain and inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gout, muscle pain and painful periods.

How naproxen works

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that cause fever, pain and inflammation (redness and swelling).

Common side effects of naproxen

Abdominal pain, Nausea, Headache, Vomiting, Heartburn, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Flatulence, Constipation, Ringing in ear, Edema (swelling), Gastrointestinal ulcer, Itching, Skin eruptions, Ecchymosis (discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath), Shortness of breath, Altered blood counts, Bronchospasm, Hematemesis (vomiting blood), Increased transaminase level in blood, Hair loss, Muscle pain, Renal failure, Fever, Hemolytic anemia, Aplastic anemia, Low blood platelets, Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood), Anaphylactic reaction, Seizure, High blood pressure, Palpitations, Vasculitis, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Necrotising fasciitis, Renal papillary necrosis, Visual disturbance

Available Medicine for Naproxen

  • ₹32 to ₹151
    RPG Life Sciences Ltd
    9 variant(s)
  • ₹91 to ₹138
    Crescent Therapeutics Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹14 to ₹27
    Shreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
    3 variant(s)
  • ₹34 to ₹65
    Kabir Life Sciences
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹30
    Martel Hammer Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹38 to ₹65
    Fawn Incorporation
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹34 to ₹63
    Morecare Pharmatec Pvt Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹39
    Superlative Healthcare
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹27
    RPG Life Sciences Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹60
    Krishlar Pharmaceuticals
    1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Naproxen

  • You have been prescribed Naproxen to relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Take it with food or milk to prevent upset stomach.
  • Take it as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Long term use may lead to serious complications such as stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
  • Do not take indigestion remedies (antacids) within two hours of taking Naproxen.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Naproxen as it can increase your risk of stomach problems.
  • Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or stroke.
  • Your doctor may regularly monitor your kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components if you are taking this medicine for long-term treatment.

Frequently asked questions for Naproxen

Naproxen

Q. Does Naproxen help with pain?
Naproxen is a pain killer and is used to reduce pain. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used to treat diseases of joints such as rheumatoid arthritis (including in children), osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treat attacks of gout, muscle and bone disorders and painful periods.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for a sinus infection?
Naproxen may be given to reduce the pain and swelling associated with sinus infection. It does not, however, treat any infections, you would need antibiotics for the same. Consult a doctor for the treatment of sinus infection.
Q. Does Naproxen raise blood pressure?
Naproxen can raise your blood pressure, however, it is not a very common side effect. Talk to your doctor if you are a hypertensive (patient of high blood pressure) and you have been asked to take Naproxen or you experience high blood pressure while taking Naproxen.
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Q. Does Naproxen cause constipation?
Naproxen can cause constipation, however, it is not a very common side effect. Talk to your doctor before if you experience constipation while taking Naproxen.
Q. Does Naproxen contain sulfa?
Naproxen doesn't contain any sulfa substance.
Q. Is Naproxen a controlled substance?
Naproxen is not a controlled substance, however, it is available only when prescribed by a doctor.
Q. Is Naproxen addictive?
Naproxen has not been reported to have any addictive potential.
Q. Does naproxen contain caffeine?
Naproxen does not contain any caffeine.
Q. Is Naproxen safe?
Naproxen is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Q. Is Naproxen a narcotic?
Naproxen is not a narcotic medicine. It is a painkiller and belongs to the group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Q. Is Naproxen safe in pregnancy?
Naproxen should not be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or you are planning to have a baby, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
Q. Is Naproxen a blood thinner?
Naproxen is not a blood thinner. It is a painkiller and belongs to the group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Q. Is Naproxen good for headaches?
Naproxen can help in relieving a headache and has been used for treating migraine headaches. However, it has not been found to be very effective for the relief of migraine headaches as mentioned in some studies. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines for the relief of headache.
Q. Is Naproxen over the counter?
Naproxen is not an over the counter (OTC) product. It belongs to a class of prescription drugs.
Q. Is naproxen better than ibuprofen?
Naproxen and ibuprofen belong to the same class of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and has a similar way of working, but their effect may vary upon individual response. Always follow doctor's advice regarding its use.
Q. Can I take naproxen with ibuprofen?
Naproxen and ibuprofen both belong to the class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). When used together, they can cause coagulation problems (increased tendency for bleeding) and can also increase blood potassium levels. Please consult your doctor before taking these two medicines together.
Q. Can I take naproxen with paracetamol?
Naproxen can be taken with paracetamol. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take naproxen with meloxicam?
Meloxicam and naproxen both belong to the class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) When used together, they can cause coagulation problems (increased tendency for bleeding) and can also increase blood potassium levels. Please consult your doctor before taking these two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Naproxen with oxycodone?
Naproxen can be taken with oxycodone. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take naproxen with codeine?
Naproxen can be taken with codeine. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Naproxen with prednisone?
Naproxen and prednisone can increase the toxicity of each other. Talk to your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take naproxen with tramadol?
Naproxen can be taken with tramadol. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for cramps (painful periods)?
Naproxen can be used for treating cramps (painful periods). Talk to your doctor before taking any medicines for cramps.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for fever?
Naproxen is not generally used to treat fever. It is a pain-killer and is used for treating various painful conditions. Consult a doctor if you have a fever as it is important to know the cause of fever before starting any medicines.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for back pain?
Naproxen can be used to treat muscle and bone disorders, so, it can help in relieving back pain. However, consult a doctor for the relief of back pain as it is important to find out the cause of back pain before starting any medicines.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for a cold?
Naproxen is not used to treat cold. Consult a doctor if you have a cold before taking any medicine.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for a hangover?
Naproxen is not used to treat a hangover.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for gallbladder pain?
Naproxen is not used to treat gallbladder pain. Consult a doctor if you think you have gall bladder pain as it is important to know the reason for pain before starting any medicines.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for tonsillitis?
Naproxen is not used to treat tonsillitis. Consult a doctor if you think you have tonsillitis as it would need to be diagnosed before the start of any treatment.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Naproxen is not used to treat urinary tract infection (UTI) as it is a pain killer and you would need an antibiotic for the treatment of an infection. Please consult your doctor if you think you have urinary tract infection (UTI) as it requires proper diagnosis and treatment.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for a toothache (dental pain)?
Naproxen is a pain killer, so can be used for the treatment of a toothache (dental pain), however, please consult your doctor before starting any painkillers as there could be an underlying infection which needs to be taken care of along with.
Q. Does Naproxen make you sleepy?
Naproxen may make you feel dizzy, drowsy or tired and may cause blurred vision and you need to be careful while driving or operating any machinery. Talk to your doctor before taking Naproxen.
Q. Does Naproxen work immediately?
Naproxen starts working immediately as it is absorbed quickly from the gastrointestinal tract. Some pain relief occurs after a few hours, however, the full effect is seen after a couple of weeks. Please consult your doctor for more details.
Q. Does Naproxen expire?
Yes, Naproxen does expire. All the medicines come with an expiry date mentioned on the pack. You must check the expiry date before using any medicine.
Q. Does Naproxen have aspirin in it?
Naproxen does not contain aspirin. These are two different drugs which belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Q. Does Naproxen get you high?
Naproxen does not get you high. It has not been reported to have any addiction potential.
Q. Does Naproxen work?
Naproxen works if used for the right indication at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Q. Does naproxen have paracetamol in it?
Naproxen does not contain paracetamol. These are two different medicines which belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Q. Can I take Naproxen for the treatment of flu?
Naproxen is not recommended for the treatment of flu. Talk to your doctor if you have flu before taking any medicines. It is a self-limiting condition and you may not need to take any treatment for this.
Q. Can I take Naproxen for swollen glands?
Naproxen may be given to reduce the pain and swelling associated with the swollen glands. It does not, however, treat any underlying infections if any, you would need antibiotics for the same. Consult a doctor before taking any antibiotics.

Content on this page was last updated on 13 June, 2023, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)