How naproxen works
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Like all NSAIDs, it has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory (antiphlogistic) effects.
These effects come about because naproxen inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). This reduces the formation of prostaglandins – messenger substances involved in pain mediation, inflammatory processes and the development of fever. The anti-inflammatory effect also comes from the accumulation of the active ingredient in inflamed tissue.
Naproxen is a standard therapeutic agent for rheumatic pain as well as non-rheumatic painful swelling and inflammation. It is also used in acute attacks of gout.
Uptake and degradation
It is therefore a drug with a long duration of action. However, this longer efficacy is also associated with stronger side effects in the gastrointestinal tract.
The active substance is finally inactivated by the liver and completely excreted from the body by the kidneys.
When is naproxen used?
Because of its analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects, naproxen is mainly used in chronic inflammatory diseases of the joints and other inflammatory rheumatic complaints. Thus, the active ingredient is used for pain caused by:
- acute and chronic inflammation of the joints (arthritis)
- @ gout attack
- joint wear and tear (arthrosis)
- painful swellings and inflammations after injuries
- cramping, painful symptoms during menstruation
How naproxen is used
Naproxen is taken in the form of tablets with meals. In cases of severe pain, it is also possible to take it on an empty stomach – naproxen then enters the body more quickly and can therefore act more quickly. Suspensions (juice) containing the active ingredient are also available for children in Germany and Austria.
The painkiller can be taken two to three times daily every eight to twelve hours. However, the maximum daily dose of 1250 milligrams should not be exceeded. Also, no more than 1000 milligrams of naproxen should be taken at one time.
For an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect, naproxen must be used in higher doses than for the treatment of pain. In addition, rheumatic diseases often require use over a longer period of time. Both – higher dosage and prolonged use – may be associated with more severe side effects.
What are the side effects of naproxen?
In general, naproxen (like the chemically related ibuprofen) is well tolerated when used for a limited time. Side effects occur mainly due to the inhibition of prostaglandin production. In addition to their involvement in inflammation, pain mediation and fever, prostaglandins have other important functions, such as building up the stomach and intestinal mucosa.
Very common side effects of naproxen are therefore gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Rare naproxen side effects include headache, dizziness, visual and hearing disturbances (ringing in the ears), and irritability.
If taken for a long time, a drug-induced headache (analgesic headache) may also develop.
When should naproxen not be taken?
Naproxen tablets are age-dependent and may be taken for children and adolescents only from the age of 11 years (in low dosage). Naproxen juice, on the other hand, is approved for children as young as 2 years of age.
Contraindications and interactions
The active substance must not be used in:
- known hypersensitivity to the active substance
- gastrointestinal bleeding in the past
- unexplained blood formation and blood coagulation disorders
- severe liver or kidney dysfunction
- severe heart failure (cardiac insufficiency)
Naproxen should not be taken with the following substances:
- blood thinning agents (oral anticoagulants)
- certain substances used to treat heart failure (digoxin) or epilepsy (phenytoin)
- glucocorticoids (“cortisone”)
Pregnancy and lactation
In the third trimester (third trimester), naproxen is contraindicated – as are other NSAIDs.
In the first and second trimesters, as well as during lactation, alternative agents should be used with which there is greater experience in pregnancy and lactation – for example, paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, it is possible to use naproxen if absolutely necessary under medical supervision.
How to obtain medicines containing naproxen
Naproxen is available without a prescription in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for use “on your own” (self-medication) in the form of tablets containing a maximum of 200 mg of naproxen (equivalent to 220 mg of naproxen sodium).
Higher dosages, combination preparations and naproxen juice, on the other hand, require a prescription. Naproxen juice is not available in Switzerland.