Naproxen Tablets

Take Naproxen Tablets exactly as directed by your pharmacist, prescriber or the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Naproxen is taken by mouth. Swallow the tablet with water, preferably with or after food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.

The dose depends on the condition being treated, the strength supplied and your clinical suitability. Naproxen is commonly supplied as 250mg or 500mg tablets. Your clinician will confirm the correct dose, frequency and duration for you.

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to control symptoms. Do not take more than directed and do not use naproxen for longer than advised without further clinical review.

Do not take naproxen with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin for pain relief or other anti-inflammatory medicines, unless specifically advised by a clinician.

Avoid excessive alcohol while taking naproxen, as this can increase the risk of stomach irritation, ulceration or bleeding.

If symptoms do not improve, worsen, keep returning, or are associated with fever, infection, swelling, severe pain or red flag symptoms, seek further clinical advice.

Naproxen Tablets contain naproxen as the active ingredient.

Common strengths include naproxen 250mg and naproxen 500mg.

Other ingredients vary depending on the manufacturer. They may include lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, iron oxide colourings and purified water.

Some naproxen tablets may contain lactose or specific colourings. If you have lactose intolerance, a known excipient allergy, aspirin sensitivity or previous reactions to NSAIDs, this should be reviewed before supply.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your specific medicine, as ingredients can vary between brands and manufacturers.

Some people experience side effects while taking naproxen. Possible side effects can include indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, wind, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, ringing in the ears, rash, fluid retention or raised blood pressure.

Naproxen can sometimes cause serious side effects, including stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, kidney problems, liver problems, worsening asthma, allergic reactions, serious skin reactions, high blood pressure, heart problems or increased risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly with higher doses or longer use.

Stop taking naproxen and seek urgent medical advice if you develop black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, severe rash, blistering, sudden weakness, severe headache, vision changes, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of a stroke.

Do not take Naproxen Tablets if you are allergic to naproxen, aspirin or other NSAIDs, or if you have previously had asthma, facial swelling, rash, hives or breathing problems after taking these medicines.

Naproxen may not be suitable if you have or have had stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, severe heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, blood clotting problems, lupus, previous stroke, dehydration, chickenpox, or if you are elderly.

Do not take naproxen in the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, you should seek clinical advice before using naproxen.

Tell your clinician about all medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products. This is especially important if you take aspirin, anticoagulants such as warfarin, antiplatelet medicines, steroids, SSRIs, blood pressure medicines, diuretics, lithium, methotrexate, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, quinolone antibiotics or other anti-inflammatory medicines.

Naproxen may hide signs of infection such as fever and pain. If you take naproxen while you have an infection and your symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice without delay.