Naproxen (Aleve): Uses, Warnings, and Key Facts

What is naproxen?

Naproxen is an active ingredient used to help relieve mild to moderate pain, fever, inflammation, and stiffness. The content provided also refers to naproxen sodium as a product ingredient.

In the United States, naproxen is found in brand-name products such as Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and Naproxen Sodium DS.

How naproxen works

Naproxen works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthetase. Prostaglandins are substances involved in pain, inflammation, and fever.

Common uses listed for naproxen

The original content lists naproxen for several symptomatic uses, including:

• Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pain
• Feverish states
• Rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid syndromes
• Acute gout attacks
• Musculoskeletal disorders with pain and inflammation
• Acute migraine attacks
• Dysmenorrhea
• Primary or secondary menorrhagia related to an intrauterine device

Because approved uses can vary by product and country, it is important to confirm the exact indication on the package leaflet or with a healthcare professional.

How naproxen is taken

The original content describes oral use. It also notes that tablets should be taken whole and may be taken with food or milk, especially if stomach discomfort occurs.

Do not rely on this summary for personal dosing. The correct dose depends on the product, age, condition being treated, and individual medical history.

Posology information from the source

The source includes several dosing patterns for different conditions. Because exact dosing must be individualized, the table below is a reference summary only and should be verified against the official leaflet.

The source also notes that dose reduction may be needed in kidney failure, heart failure, and liver failure.

Who should not use naproxen according to the source

• People with hypersensitivity to naproxen or a history of severe allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs
• People with a history of asthma, rhinitis, hives, nasal polyps, angioedema, or ulcerative colitis
• People with severe renal insufficiency or severe hepatic insufficiency
• Children under 2 years old
• People with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation related to NSAID treatment
• People with active or recurrent peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
• People with severe heart failure
• People in the third trimester of pregnancy

Warnings and precautions

The original content highlights several situations where extra caution is needed:

• Kidney, liver, or heart problems
• Older adults, who may need the lowest effective dose
• History of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• High blood pressure or heart failure
• Risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcer, or perforation, especially with higher doses or in older adults
• Possible skin reactions at the start of treatment
• Possible masking of infection symptoms
• Need for renal, hepatic, and hematologic monitoring in some cases
• Possible visual disturbances
• Possible effects on female fertility
• Risk of anaphylactic reactions in susceptible people

Important interactions listed in the source

Naproxen may interact with other medicines. The source specifically mentions:

• Methotrexate: increased toxicity
• Furosemide: reduced natriuretic effect
• Beta-blockers: reduced antihypertensive effect
• Lithium, hydantoins, anticoagulants, sulfonamides, digoxin: increased plasma concentrations
• ACE inhibitors: increased risk of renal insufficiency
• Probenecid: increased plasma concentration of naproxen
• Selective COX-2 inhibitors and SSRIs: increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Low-dose aspirin: possible reduction in antiplatelet effect when used together for more than one day

The source also notes that naproxen may affect some laboratory tests, including bleeding time, kidney markers, and liver function tests.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

According to the source, naproxen is not recommended in the first and second trimesters unless absolutely necessary and is contraindicated in the third trimester.

For breastfeeding, the source says to avoid use and notes that about 1% is excreted in breast milk.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, confirm the safest option with a healthcare professional and check the official leaflet for the exact product.

Effects on driving and daily activities

Some people may experience drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, insomnia, or depression during treatment. If these effects occur, extra caution is needed with driving or tasks that require attention.

Possible adverse reactions

The source lists the following adverse reactions:

• Peptic ulcers, perforation, or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain
• Headache
• Melena and hematemesis
• Ulcerative stomatitis
• Exacerbation of colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Moderate peripheral edema
• High blood pressure
• Ringing in the ears
• Vertigo and drowsiness
• Rectal discomfort, tenesmus, proctitis, vaginal bleeding, burning, itching, or pain with rectal use

What to verify on the official leaflet

If you are checking a naproxen product, make sure you confirm:

• The exact active ingredient and salt form
• The approved uses for that specific product
• The correct dose and timing
• Age restrictions
• Warnings for stomach, kidney, liver, heart, and pregnancy-related risks
• Interaction warnings with your other medicines

Safety reminder

Do not use this article as a substitute for medical advice. If you have a history of ulcers, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, asthma, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or take other prescription medicines, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using naproxen. Seek urgent help for signs of severe allergy, gastrointestinal bleeding, chest pain, or other serious symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Source note

This article was rewritten from the provided content and aligned with the original source material. For official product-specific information, consult the FDA medication guide and the package leaflet for the exact naproxen product you are reviewing.