Naproxen
NHS information about naproxen, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What naproxen is for
Naproxen is a type of painkiller called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Naproxen can help with lots of types of pain and conditions that cause inflammation, including:
- period pain
- joint and muscle pain
- gout
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
How to take naproxen
Naproxen usually comes as tablets or a liquid that you swallow. There's also a type of tablet that you dissolve in water and drink (effervescent tablets).
It's usually taken up to 3 times a day.
How much you should take and for how long depends on which type it is and why you're taking it.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
When taking naproxen:
- swallow tablets whole with water – do not chew or crush tablets labelled "gastro-resistant" or "film-coated"
- if you're taking effervescent tablets, let the tablet dissolve in a glass of water before swallowing it
- use the cup or spoon that comes with the liquid to help you measure the right dose
- ideally naproxen should be taken with or after food, to help protect your stomach
Your doctor may also prescribe a second medicine, such as omeprazole. This can help protect your stomach while you're taking naproxen.
Side effects of naproxen
Like all medicines, naproxen can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of naproxen include:
- constipation or diarrhoea
- dizziness
- feeling sleepy or tired
- bloating and stomach pain
- headaches
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- a rash
- ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Naproxen will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery, but if you feel dizzy, tired or have problems with your vision after taking it, wait until you no longer have these side effects.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of naproxen.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take naproxen
Most adults can take naproxen. Some types can also be given to children from 5 years old.
But naproxen is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction to or serious side effect from naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- you have a stomach ulcer or you've had them before
- you have a heart, liver or kidney condition
- you have asthma or allergies (such as hay fever)
- you have problems with blood clotting
- you've had a stroke
- you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.
Breastfeeding and naproxen
If you're breastfeeding, tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking naproxen.
Naproxen is not usually used while breastfeeding because the medicine can pass into your breast milk in small amounts.
Other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are safer to take if you're breastfeeding.
But your doctor may recommend taking naproxen if the benefits to you outweigh any possible risks to your baby.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and naproxen
You should avoid taking naproxen during pregnancy unless you're advised to by a doctor or pharmacist.
Paracetamol is usually the best painkiller to take if you're pregnant.
Taking naproxen with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with naproxen.
These include some types of:
- anticoagulants, such as warfarin
- steroid medicines, such as prednisolone
- antidepressants, such as citalopram
- medicines that make you pee more (diuretics), such as furosemide
- medicines to treat heart problems and high blood pressure, such as enalapril
- medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate
Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.
Taking naproxen with other painkillers
Naproxen can be taken at the same time as paracetamol or co-codamol if needed for a short time, but speak to a doctor or pharmacist first.
Do not take naproxen at the same time as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin. This can increase the risk of serious side effects like stomach ulcers.
Food, drink and alcohol with naproxen
You can eat and drink normally while taking naproxen, but try to limit how much alcohol you drink while taking it because alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach ulcers or bleeding.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
