Naproxen

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.

How should this medicine be used?
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.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking 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.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Naproxen may cause an upset stomach. Take naproxen with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
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.

What storage conditions are needed for this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.