Naproxen
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
Naproxen is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and
stiffness caused by gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It also is used to
relieve other pain, including muscle and menstrual pain and pain after surgery, dental
work, or childbirth.
Uses for Naproxen
Naproxen 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.
Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor
or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take naproxen exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your
doctor.
Liquid naproxen should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
If you obtained naproxen without a prescription, do not take it for more than 3 days
for fever or 10 days for pain without talking to a doctor.
Prrecautions considering Naproxen
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to naproxen, aspirin or other
medications for pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you
are taking, especially aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), cyclosporine
(Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ('water pills'), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium
(Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol
(Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), warfarin
(Coumadin), and vitamins. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using naproxen unless
directed to do so by your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have
ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; any stomach problems; or
any other gastrointestinal disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking naproxen, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you
are taking naproxen.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate
machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Do not drink
alcohol while taking this medication.
Side effects of Naproxen
Although side effects from naproxen are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if
any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- dizziness
- nervousness
- upset stomach
- stomach pain or cramps
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- gas
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- bloody vomit
- bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
- ringing in the ears
- blurred vision
- swelling of hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- skin rash
- itching
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