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Medicine

Naproxen – treatment of pain and inflammation

Oral tablet

A simple and personal explanation of the medicine for patients and families.

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Overview

Naproxen is a medicine in the NSAID group. It reduces pain, inflammation, and sometimes fever. It is used for conditions such as muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, and menstrual pain.

Ibrahim's pharmacy advice

I often explain it like this: Naproxen can help well with pain and inflammation, but it is not a completely harmless tablet. You need to think about the stomach, kidneys, and other medicines you use. My most common advice is to take it with food or milk and not combine it with other NSAID medicines unless you have been told to. Black stools or severe stomach pain should always be taken seriously.

Use

  • Naproxen is used for pain and inflammation, especially when swelling or inflammation is part of the problem.
  • It belongs to the NSAID group and works as both a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory medicine.
  • It may be used for joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, menstrual pain, and other painful conditions.

Dosage and Ibrahim's advice

  • The dose depends on why you are using naproxen, as well as age and general health.
  • Always follow your doctor's plan or the instructions for your exact product.
  • Many adults use 250–500 mg one to two times daily, but individual needs may differ.
  • Do not double a missed dose and do not use more than agreed.

Side effects

  • Common side effects may include stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, headache, or dizziness.
  • Less common but serious side effects may include stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
  • Higher doses or longer use may increase the risk of certain heart, kidney, or liver problems.

Drug interactions

  • Naproxen should not be combined with other NSAID medicines such as ibuprofen or diclofenac unless advised by a doctor.
  • Caution is needed with blood thinners, steroid treatment, some blood pressure medicines, and medicines that affect the kidneys.
  • Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you use, including over-the-counter medicines.

Important warnings

  • Talk with a doctor before use if you have had stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease.
  • Stop the medicine and get urgent help if you notice black stools, vomiting blood, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, or chest pain.
  • Older adults and people with chronic illness may have a higher risk of side effects.
  • Long-term use should not continue without medical review.

Ramadan and fasting

  • Oral tablets break the fast if taken during the daytime.
  • Talk with your doctor about whether doses can be planned after iftar or at suhoor.
  • If the medicine is medically necessary, safe treatment should come first.

Food and drink

  • Take naproxen with food or milk to protect the stomach.
  • Avoid alcohol because it can increase the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding.
  • If stomach symptoms become severe, contact your doctor or pharmacy.

Storage

  • Keep out of reach of children and in the original package.
  • Usually stored at room temperature according to the package instructions.
  • Do not use after the expiry date.
  • Return leftovers to the pharmacy.

Sources

This text is written in a personal and simple style, but the medical information is based on official sources.