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Naproxen Sodium

Pronounced

"nah-PROX-en"

Common brand names:

Naprelan, Naprosyn SR

Uses

Naproxen is used to relieve pain from various conditions. It also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis, bursitis, and gout attacks. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation.

If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section.

Some brands of sustained-release naproxen take longer to be absorbed and are not recommended for pain that needs quick relief (such as during a gout attack). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your particular brand.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using naproxen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters). Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. To prevent stomach upset, take this medication with food, milk, or an antacid.

Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will usually start you on the short-acting form of this medication and switch you over to this form if it provides the proper dose and if your pain/condition lasts for a long time. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, keep taking this medication as directed by your doctor.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to two weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.