The active ingredient naproxen is used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. Among other things, it is used for swelling and inflammation, as well as for rheumatism and gout, and after minor surgery. Taking it can cause a number of side effects, such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, and gastrointestinal discomfort. In rare cases, serious damage such as severe liver and kidney disorders are also possible. We provide detailed information on the effects, side effects, and dosage of naproxen.
Analgesic effect of naproxen.
Naproxen has an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effect. The active ingredient is primarily used as an analgesic. It ensures in the body that the formation of prostaglandins is inhibited. These are messenger substances which, by irritating the nerve endings, ensure that pain signals are sent to the brain. If no more prostaglandins are formed, no pain signal is transmitted and an analgesic effect occurs. Painkillers: which one, when and for what?
When is naproxen used?
Naproxen is commonly prescribed for the following conditions and complaints:
- Rheumatism
- Gout
- Swelling and inflammation
- Menstrual cramps
- Insertion of a spiral
In addition, the drug is also used as a painkiller after minor surgery, such as tooth removal.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Naproxen belongs to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Pain relievers from this group can also be used to treat rheumatic conditions because of their anti-inflammatory effects. Within the NSAIDs, naproxen belongs to the non-selective NSAIDs, or more precisely to the arylpropionic acid derivatives. The active ingredient ibuprofen also belongs to this group. Acetylsalicylic acid and diclofenac are also nonselective NSAIDs but belong to other subgroups.
Side effects of naproxen
A number of side effects can be caused by taking naproxen. These may include skin irritation and swelling of the face, gastrointestinal ulcers, and diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Central nervous disorders such as headache, drowsiness, fatigue and dizziness are also possible. In addition, more serious side effects such as liver and kidney disorders, asthma, bleeding of the gastric mucosa and blood formation disorders may occur. Similarly, inflammation of the oral mucosa and tongue, gout attacks, and blood stools may occur. However, most of these side effects occur very rarely.
Increased risk of stroke
Taking naproxen may also increase the risk of stroke. However, compared with other NSAIDs, naproxen has a comparatively low risk in this regard. However, if you already have other risk factors for stroke, be sure to check with your doctor before taking the drug. For a complete list of side effects, please take a look at your drug’s package insert.
Dosing naproxen correctly
Naproxen is usually taken in the form of tablets. The tablets are available in different dosages – usually containing 250 or 500 milligrams of the active ingredient. In addition to tablets, suppositories containing naproxen are also available. Doses above 250 milligrams are available only on a doctor’s prescription. In general, naproxen should always be taken at as low a dose and for as short a time as possible. This can reduce any side effects that may occur. High doses and long-term use, on the other hand, can increase the risk of side effects such as stroke. Therefore, always take the medication according to your doctor’s instructions and never increase or extend the dose on your own.
Contraindications: Caution in heart and kidney disease.
Naproxen should not be used if there is hypersensitivity to the active substance or to other NSAIDs. Similarly, the agent is contraindicated in lupus erythematosus, severe heart, liver, and kidney disease, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. Certain patient groups should take the agent only after a careful risk-benefit evaluation or under strict medical supervision:
- Patients with gastrointestinal complaints or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Patients with hypertension
- Patients with mild liver dysfunction
- Patients with mild heart failure
- Patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma, hay fever or nasal polyps.
- Patients with an increased tendency to bleed
Before treating children, the elderly, or alcoholics with naproxen, a physician should also be consulted.
Pregnancy and lactation
No medication containing naproxen should be taken during the last three months of pregnancy. Even during the six months prior, the drug should only be used after a careful risk-benefit assessment. Likewise, the active ingredient should be avoided during breastfeeding. However, there is an exception if the attending physician considers the intake to be absolutely necessary.
Drug interactions with naproxen
Taking naproxen may cause interactions with various other medications. Thus, medications with similar effects increase the risk for the occurrence of side effects. Taking the active ingredient phenprocoumon (Marcumar) at the same time also increases the likelihood of bleeding. In addition, naproxen may increase or decrease the effect of a number of medications. If you regularly take medication, you should therefore inform your doctor. For example, naproxen increases the concentration of digoxin, lithium, methotrexate and phenytoin in the blood. Likewise, the effect of antidiabetic drugs may be increased. Furthermore, interactions may also occur with the following drugs or agents:
- ACE inhibitors
- Antihypertensives
- Diuretics
- Glucocorticoids
- Oral anticoagulants
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Ciclosporin
- Probenecid
- Sulfinpyrazone
For more information about interactions with naproxen, please contact your doctor or ask at the pharmacy. Sharp pain
