Naprosyn (Naproxen)

Naprosyn comes as a regular tablet, an extended-release tablet, and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day for arthritis, every 8 hours for gout, and once a day (extended-release tablets) or every 6-8 hours (regular tablets) as needed for pain. Naprosyn may cause an upset stomach. Take Naprosyn with food or milk.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Naproxen belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) 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. Naproxen was approved by the FDA in December, 1991.

Missed Dose

If you are taking Naprosyn on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose. If you are taking Naprosyn as needed, take the missed dose if it is needed, then wait the recommended or prescribed amount of time before taking another dose.

Storage

Store Naprosyn suspension at room temperature; avoid excessive heat, above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Dispense in light-resistant container. Store Naprosyn tablets at room temperature and in well-closed containers; dispense in light-resistant container.

Contact your doctor if you experience blood in vomit or bloody, black, or tarry stools. These symptoms could indicate damage to the stomach or intestines, which could be dangerous. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Naprosyn and seek medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling; ulcers (open sores) in the mouth; rapid weight gain (fluid retention); seizures; decreased hearing or ringing in the ears; yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice); or abdominal cramping, heartburn, or indigestion. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Naprosyn and talk to your doctor if you experience dizziness or headache; nausea, diarrhea, or constipation; depression; fatigue or weakness; dry mouth; or irregular menstrual periods. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

More Information

• Contact your doctor if you experience blood in vomit or bloody, black, or tarry stools. These symptoms could indicate damage to the stomach or intestines, which could be dangerous.
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking naproxen and seek medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling;
  • ulcers (open sores) in the mouth;
  • rapid weight gain (fluid retention);
  • seizures;
  • decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
  • yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice); or
  • abdominal cramping, heartburn, or indigestion.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take naproxen and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • dizziness or headache;
  • nausea, diarrhea, or constipation;
  • depression;
  • fatigue or weakness;
  • dry mouth; or
  • irregular menstrual periods.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.