What is Naproxen: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Naproxen

• How to take over-the-counter naproxen

  • Follow the dosing directions on the medicine label.

  • Do not take more than directed. That means no more than two tablets every 8–12 hours and no more than three tablets every 24 hours.

  • Drink a glass of water when taking tablets or liquid-filled capsules.

  • To avoid side effects, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.

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

• How to take prescription naproxen

  • Follow the directions given by the prescribing healthcare provider.

  • This medicine should include an NSAID Medication Guide. If it’s missing, a pharmacist can provide one.

  • Do not take more than directed and do not take the drug more often than directed.

  • Drink a glass of water when taking tablets.

  • Do not crush, chew, or break delayed-release tablets.

  • Store prescription naproxen tablets at room temperature in a closed container.

• How to take liquid naproxen

  • Naproxen oral solution is only available with a prescription. Follow the directions given by the prescribing healthcare provider.

  • This medicine should include a Medication Guide with detailed instructions on how to take or give a dose. If it’s missing, ask the pharmacist for a copy.

  • Shake the solution well before measuring out a dose.

  • Use a calibrated syringe or similar measuring device to measure the dose. Do not use kitchen utensils.

  • Naproxen oral suspension can be stored at room temperature. Avoid exposing it to high heat.

What to do if you miss a dose of Naproxen

• 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 two tablets every 8–12 hours.

• For prescription naproxen, ask a healthcare provider about what to do in case a dose is missed. You can take the missed dose when remembered, but that may reset the dosing schedule.

Naproxen contraindications

• Do not use naproxen if you have ever had an allergic reaction to naproxen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs. 

• Naproxen should not be taken before or after heart surgery.

Naproxen warnings

• Use OTC naproxen cautiously. Take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

• If OTC naproxen does not relieve pain in 10 days or fever in 3 days, contact a doctor.

• Because of possible side effects, healthcare providers are urged to prescribe the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

• The doctor may require regular blood tests to make sure meloxicam treatment is not causing problems. Keep all appointments. 

• Naproxen increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and edema. 

• Naproxen can cause serious gastrointestinal problems including ulcers, bleeding, and perforation of the stomach, esophagus, or intestines.

• NSAIDs like naproxen may cause severe allergic or skin reactions. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop taking meloxicam immediately and contact your doctor.

• Tell the doctor prescribing naproxen if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Heart disease

  • Recent heart attack

  • Heart failure

  • History of ulcers

  • History of gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Asthma

  • High blood pressure

  • Blood vessel problems

  • Bleeding problems 

  • Dehydration

  • Pregnancy or plans to get pregnant

  • Breastfeeding

• Naproxen can cause

  • Kidney damage

  • Liver damage

  • High blood pressure

  • High potassium

  • Anemia

• Naproxen may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or engage in risky activities until you’re confident about side effects.

• Naproxen can delay ovulation in women. 

• Because of possible risks to an unborn child, NSAIDs should not be taken after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Your headaches may become worse if you use an NSAID for 10 or more days per month. Write down how often your headaches occur and how often you use this medicine.

Naproxen interactions

• 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 naproxen. The prescription NSAID ketorolac should never be combined with naproxen.

• Avoid alcohol if you’re taking naproxen or another NSAID. 

• Other medications that may cause problems with naproxen include:

  • Blood thinners

  • Blood pressure medications

  • Antidepressants called SSRIs or SNRIs

  • Corticosteroids

  • Diuretics

  • Antacids

  • Certain types of cholesterol drugs called bile acid sequestrants

  • Certain types of antibiotics called aminoglycoside antibiotics

  • Digoxin, lithium, pemetrexed, probenecid, methotrexate, and cyclosporine