Naprosyn

naproxen

Naprosyn is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat headaches, muscle aches, backaches, tendonitis, bursitis, dental pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, or gout. This medication is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain, swelling, and fever.

Naprosyn is indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendonitis and bursitis. It is also indicated in the relief of mild to moderate pain, and for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

What is Naprosyn?

Naprosyn belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen, indomethacin, nabumetone and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain, fever and inflammation. Naproxen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase ), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced.

Before taking Naprosyn

Some medical conditions may interact with Naprosyn . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation, ulcers)
• if you have a history of swelling or fluid buildup, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), or mouth inflammation
• if you have high blood pressure, blood disorders, bleeding or clotting problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), or blood vessel disease, or if you are at risk for any of these diseases
• if you have poor health, dehydration or low fluid volume, or low blood sodium levels, you are on a low salt (sodium) diet, you drink alcohol, or you have a history of alcohol abuse

How should I take Naprosyn?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to two weeks, taken regularly, before the full benefits of this drug take effect.

If you are taking this drug on an "as needed" basis (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has significantly worsened, the medicine may not work as well. If you use this medication for migraine headache, and the pain is not relieved or worsens after the first dose, tell your doctor immediately. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Naprosyn side effects

Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, and dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: stomach pain, swelling of the hands or feet, sudden or unexplained weight gain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Precautions

This medication contains salt (sodium). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

Drug interactions

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use naproxen or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment: a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix), steroids (prednisone and others), aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others or an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

Preganacy

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm and interference with normal labor/delivery. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a naproxen overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Naprosyn. If you have any other questions about Naprosyn, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.