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Naproxen: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Is Naproxen?

Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory and pain medication that comes under the category of NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) that helps in faster relief of inflammation and stiffness of muscles. These drugs help block certain enzymes that produce prostaglandins, the protein that plays a major role in inflammation, swelling, and redness. Naproxen is also a pain-relieving medication that blocks chemical messengers in the brain that tell us we have pain.

Naproxen is taken orally in an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a suspension (liquid). The drug is available in naproxen and naproxen sodium, where naproxen sodium is absorbed faster in the body (within 1-2 hours of consumption).

What Are The Uses Of Naproxen?

Naproxen’s many uses and benefits relieve swelling, redness, pain, and tenderness caused by inflammation in various body parts. It helps in reducing stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (stiffness in the spine), pediatric arthritis (stiff joints in children), and rheumatoid arthritis. Naproxen, in the form of suspension, is administered to children with pediatric arthritis. Prescription Naproxen tablets are used in cases of chronic diseases like gouty arthritis (pain caused by gout buildup), bursitis (swelling in shoulder joints due to fluid-filled sacs), and tendinitis (inflammation of the muscle connection tissue).

Other uses of naproxen

Pain reliever in mild to moderate fever.
Menstrual cramps.
Headache caused by migraine and sinus.
Dental pain.
Aches associated with a common cold.
Upper and lower backache.
Muscle strain and sprain.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Naproxen?

Naproxen is an over-the-counter drug, so medical discretion is advised before use. Naproxen’s few side effects depend on the dosage, frequency, patients’ risk factors, and comorbidities. Below mentioned are a few of the common side effects of Naproxen.

Gastrointestinal tract – Heartburn, constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Skin related issues – Skin eruptions, swelling, redness, and itchy skin.
Cardiovascular system – Peripheral edema, dyspnea.

Other common side effects :

Excessive thirst.
Headache.
Giddiness.
Syncope (feeling lightheaded, dizzy, faint).
Burning and tingling sensation in arms and limbs.
Ringing in the ear and hearing problems.

Apart from the common side effects, Naproxen does possess serious side effects in a few groups of people with cardiovascular illness, like the formation of blood clots, stroke, and congestive heart failure. It is recommended that patients with hypertension should take Naproxen cautiously and with medical discretion. Using the painkiller callously is discouraged.

What is Naproxen

Uses of Naproxen

Side effects of Naproxen

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Frequently Asked Questions about Naproxen

Naproxen should be taken as prescribed by the doctor, depending on the medical condition for which it is advised. For complete efficacy Naproxen should be taken as prescribed by a medical advisor. A missed dose should be immediately taken when remembered. Patients can consume naproxen for 3-5 days to reduce pain symptoms and 3 days for fever. It is safe to consult a doctor before taking these doses.

Naproxen is a long-acting pain reliever, whereas Ibuprofen is a short-acting pain reliever. Both drugs exhibit pain and stiffness reduction in the muscle and joints. It helps ease headaches and weakness due to fever. Naproxen is known to provide pain relief for a long duration.

Naproxen's most common side effects are tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. It is advisable not to drive or use heavy machinery after taking this medicine.

Stomach pain caused by Naproxen can be eased by consuming the medicine after meals or a light snack. The drug irritates the stomach's inner lining, thereby causing indigestion, ulcers, and stomach inflammation. Therefore it is advised to consume Naproxen after meals.

Research suggests consistent use of NSAID has shown some relation to developing erectile dysfunction in men, but medical discretion is advised. Your practicing physician will be able to explain this better.

Naproxen is a long-acting painkiller that provides extended pain relief. It is not a strong painkiller, and the strength of the drug depends on its dosage.

Patients should not take naproxen with a known allergy to it. It is not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers unless the practicing physician advises it.

Naproxen can cause swelling in a few hypertension patients due to the accumulation of fluid. You should consult your doctor if you have any swelling in your arms and limbs or show signs of weight gain.

Naproxen does not affect your mood in any way. It can make you feel sleepy or drowsy thereby making you feel a bit depressed.

NSAIDS like Naproxen show to retain sodium and fluid, thereby increasing blood pressure. It is advisable to consult your medical practitioner before taking naproxen if you have hypertension.