What is Aleve? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow the dosing directions on the medicine label.

Do not take more than directed. That means no more than two tablets or capsules as an initial daily dose and no more than three tablets or capsules every 24 hours.

Aleve can be taken with or without food. If Aleve tablets or capsules cause stomach distress or nausea, take Aleve with food or milk.

Swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water.

Store the drug at room temperature. Avoid high heat or high humidity.

Over-the-counter naproxen is taken on an as-needed basis. If a dose is missed it can be taken when remembered. 

Do not take more than three tablets or capsules every 24 hours.

Use Aleve cautiously. Take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Although Aleve can be purchased and used without a prescription, don’t take Aleve until you’ve talked to a doctor if you have:

• Any serious condition being treated by a doctor

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Liver problems

• Kidney problems

• A history of stroke

• Asthma

• History of ulcers

• History of bleeding problems

You should also talk to a doctor before taking Aleve if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, older than 60 years of age, taking any other drug, or if you have three or more alcoholic drinks daily or smoke. 

Stop taking Aleve and talk to a doctor if:

• Aleve does not relieve pain in 10 days or fever in 3 days

• Pain or fever worsen

• Any new symptoms appear

• The capsule or tablet gets stuck in your throat

• You feel faint

• You vomit blood

• You have black and tarry stools

• You have persistent abdominal pain

• You experience symptoms of heart problems

• You have problems swallowing

Aleve may cause serious problems including:

• Stomach bleeding

• Increased risk of heart attack

• Increased risk of stroke

• Severe allergic reactions

Aleve may not be safe to take while pregnant, particularly after the 20-week mark.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ovulation may be delayed in some women while this medicine is being used. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats that you are using this medicine, especially if you have surgery or a procedure.

Call your doctor if symptoms get worse, pain lasts more than 10 days, or fever lasts more than 3 days.

This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or heart failureBleeding and ulcers in the stomach or intestinesLiver damageKidney damageHigh potassium levels in the bloodSerious skin reactions

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, asthma, bleeding problems, high blood pressure, heart failure, a recent heart attack, or a history of stomach or bowel problems (including ulcers or bleeding). Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Because of possible drug interactions, tell healthcare providers you are using this medicine, especially if you have surgery or a procedure.

Avoid taking other NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen with Aleve. The prescription NSAID ketorolac should never be combined with naproxen.

Avoid alcohol if you are using Aleve. 

Aleve’s instructions advise that people consult with a doctor about taking Aleve if they are taking any other drug. Though not listed in the instructions, medications that are most likely to cause problems when taken with naproxen include:

• Blood thinners

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Blood pressure medications

• Antidepressants called SSRIs or SNRIs

• Corticosteroids

• Certain types of antibiotics called aminoglycoside antibiotics