Naproxen or naproxen sodium; formulation varies by product
Brand names (as verified)
Naprosyn; Aleve (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
250 mg, 500 mg naproxen; 220 mg naproxen sodium; salt and release type differ by product.
Prescription classification
Both Rx and OTC strengths exist (verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
Naproxen is an NSAID used for selected pain and inflammatory conditions, including musculoskeletal pain and menstrual cramps. The right product and duration depend on your specific condition and risk profile.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Avoid naproxen if you have had a serious reaction to it, aspirin, or another NSAID, if you have active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, or around coronary artery bypass surgery. Check product-specific contraindications.
Important precautions
Naproxen can cause stomach bleeding, kidney injury, fluid retention, and cardiovascular events. Risk is higher with older age, dehydration, a history of ulcers, kidney disease, or concurrent anticoagulants. Do not combine with other NSAIDs unless a clinician says so.
Common side effects
Common side effects include indigestion, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, and swelling.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent help for chest pain, sudden weakness, black stools, vomiting blood, a severe allergic reaction, reduced urine, or a severe skin reaction.
Important interactions
Naproxen can interact with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, corticosteroids, SSRIs/SNRIs, blood-pressure medicines, diuretics, lithium, methotrexate, and other NSAIDs.
Allergy considerations
Avoid naproxen if you have had a serious allergic or asthma-type reaction to naproxen, aspirin, or another NSAID.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Do not self-use naproxen during pregnancy. NSAIDs can harm the developing baby from mid-pregnancy onward and are generally avoided late in pregnancy.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Get professional advice before taking naproxen while breastfeeding. Alternatives may be preferred, especially for newborns or premature infants.
Children and older adults
Age restrictions vary by product. Older adults have a higher risk of stomach bleeding, heart effects, and kidney injury.
Storage
Store in the original package at room temperature, away from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Missed dose
Follow the product leaflet or prescription schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Too much naproxen may cause vomiting, drowsiness, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury, or seizures. Seek urgent medical advice.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
Naproxen or naproxen sodium; formulation varies by product
Brand names (as verified)
Naprosyn; Aleve (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
250 mg, 500 mg naproxen; 220 mg naproxen sodium; salt and release type differ by product.
Prescription classification
Both Rx and OTC strengths exist (verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
Naproxen is an NSAID used for selected pain and inflammatory conditions, including musculoskeletal pain and menstrual cramps. The right product and duration depend on your specific condition and risk profile.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Avoid naproxen if you have had a serious reaction to it, aspirin, or another NSAID, if you have active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, or around coronary artery bypass surgery. Check product-specific contraindications.
Important precautions
Naproxen can cause stomach bleeding, kidney injury, fluid retention, and cardiovascular events. Risk is higher with older age, dehydration, a history of ulcers, kidney disease, or concurrent anticoagulants. Do not combine with other NSAIDs unless a clinician says so.
Common side effects
Common side effects include indigestion, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, and swelling.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent help for chest pain, sudden weakness, black stools, vomiting blood, a severe allergic reaction, reduced urine, or a severe skin reaction.
Important interactions
Naproxen can interact with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, corticosteroids, SSRIs/SNRIs, blood-pressure medicines, diuretics, lithium, methotrexate, and other NSAIDs.
Allergy considerations
Avoid naproxen if you have had a serious allergic or asthma-type reaction to naproxen, aspirin, or another NSAID.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Do not self-use naproxen during pregnancy. NSAIDs can harm the developing baby from mid-pregnancy onward and are generally avoided late in pregnancy.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Get professional advice before taking naproxen while breastfeeding. Alternatives may be preferred, especially for newborns or premature infants.
Children and older adults
Age restrictions vary by product. Older adults have a higher risk of stomach bleeding, heart effects, and kidney injury.
Storage
Store in the original package at room temperature, away from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Missed dose
Follow the product leaflet or prescription schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Too much naproxen may cause vomiting, drowsiness, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury, or seizures. Seek urgent medical advice.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
