subject: Information On Medical Treatment For Inflammation And Pain Sufferers [print this page] This short article reviews the medication dosage, adverse effects, medicine interactions and other relevant information about a medicine named Naproxen.
So, what is Naproxen?
Naproxen, usually known by its brand names Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, and Anaprox among a few others is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
What is Naproxen useful for?
This medicine alleviates pain by reducing the levels of hormones responsible for leading to pain and inflammation in the body system. You can use it for treatment of pain or inflammation triggered by bursitis, gout, tendinitis, arthritis, menstrual cramps and Ankylosing spondylitis.
Prior to taking Naproxen
Naproxen can lead to damaging heart or blood circulation conditions for example heart attack or stroke if used over advised. As a result, do not use the drug right before or after undergoing a heart bypass surgery treatment. The medicine also leads to extreme intestinal or stomach problems including perforations or bleeding. Such conditions can prove dangerous, specially in older people. Don't use this medicine when you're allergic with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin. In the event that you're in the last trimester of the pregnancy, talk to your doctor prior to taking Naproxen in order to avoid birth problems. Children below 24 months, smokers and asthmatics should also stay away from Naproxen.
How it is taken
Naproxen has to be taken as exactly recommended by your doctor. Never use smaller or larger doses or even for a longer time than is suggested. Don't crush or chew the extended-release or enteric-coated Naproxen capsule. The extended-release design is meant to ensure that the drug is steadily released in your body, and therefore crushing it releases too much of it at once. The enteric-coated pill is designed to protect your stomach lining. Liquid Naproxen should be shaken completely before use. If you intend to take Naproxen for an long duration, see your medical doctor on a regular basis to avoid any incidence of side effects.
What you should do when you skip the dose?
In case you forget to take the drug at the scheduled time, go ahead and take skipped dose once you remember. It's not advisable to take it just when your next dose is almost up. Likewise, never use extra doses of Naproxen to compensate for a skipped dose. If overdose, seek immediate attention.
Side-effects of Naproxen
Allergy symptoms to this medicine can include breathlessness, hives and swollen throat, tongue, lips, or face. If you have any of such symptoms, visit your physician instantly. It's also advisable to stop using Naproxen when you exhibit the following negative side-effects:
Significant skin disorders like itching, sore throat, swollen face or tongue, pain in the eyes and skin, followed by red-colored or purple skin rash that peels or blisters
Tarry or black stools, bloody
General body weakness, chest pain, slurred speech and balance or vision problems
Shortness of breath, bruising, numbness, fever and headaches
Nausea and vomiting blood or dark-colored mucus
Swelling or rapid weight gain
Decreased frequency of urination
Pain in the upper stomach, stiff neck, chills, convulsions or seizures
Jaundiced skin or eyes, increased light sensitivity and loss of appetite
Medicine interactions
Naproxen interacts and hence mustn't be used together with antidepressant medications, lithium, diuretics, blood thinners, methotrexate and steroids. It should also not be consumed along with blood pressure or heart drugs, aspirin or any other NSAIDs for instance indomethacin and ibuprofen among others.
