Naproxen Sodium

Naproxen is indicated for the relief of sign and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis & acute gout. It is also indicated for the management of primary dysmenorrhea & pain.

Drugs for Osteoarthritis, Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Naproxen is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory, analgesic & antipyretic properties. It is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and achieves 95% bioavailability.

Naproxen Tablet-

• Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: The usual dose is 500-1000 mg daily in two divided doses after meals.
• Management of pain, primary dysmenorrhea, acute tendonitis & bursitis: Recommended starting dose is 500 mg followed by 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 6-8 hours. The initial total daily dose should not exceed 1250 mg and thereafter, the total daily dose should not exceed 1000 mg.
• Acute gout: Recommended starting dose is 750 mg followed by 250 mg every 8 hours until the attack has subsided.

Naproxen Suspension-

• For Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: The usual dose for children over 2 years is 10 mg/kg/day given as two divided doses at 12-hours intervals. Therapy in children under 2 years of age is not recommended.

Naproxen Gel-

• Is to be applied 2-6 times a day as required and is not recommended for use in children.

Most frequently reported side effects include following:

• Gastrointestinal: Heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia.
• Central Nervous System: Headache, vertigo, drowsiness.
• Dermatological: Pruritus (itching), purpura.
• Cardiovascular: Edema, palpitation.
• Others: Visual disturbances, hearing disturbances.

Naproxen is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Naproxen. It should not be given to patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. It is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

ACE inhibitors: diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors.
Antacids & Sucralfate: delay the absorption of Naproxen.
Aspirin: increase adverse effects.
Diuretics: reduce the natriuretic effect of Furosemide and Thiazides.
Methotrexate: enhance the toxicity of Methotrexate.
Warfarin: increase the risk of GI bleeding.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI): increase the risk of GI bleeding.

US FDA pregnancy category of Naproxen is C. So, Naproxen should be avoided in pregnancy & lactation unless the potential benefits to the other outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.

Keep below 30°C temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.