Definition
Naproxen is an analgesic belonging to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is contained in the well-known Dolormin®, among others. It also has the less common name (S)-2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionic acid, which describes the chemical structure of naproxen in more detail. Since 2002, naproxen has been available without a prescription in Germany for single doses below 250 mg.
Trade names
The active ingredient naproxen is contained in the following single or combined preparations: Alacetan®, Aleve®, Apranax®, Dolormin® for women, Dolormin® GS, Dysmenalgit®, Miranax®, Mobilat® painkillers, Naprobene®, Proxen®, Vimovo®.
Mode of action
Naproxen is primarily used to treat rheumatic pain. It has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect through a very simple mechanism: Naproxen inhibits the formation of certain substances in our body, which are called inflammation mediators. These substances are released by the tissue in response to injury, inflammation or a pain stimulus (for example, a blow).
Inflammation mediators then transmit the information that something hurts to our brain, which ultimately makes us feel pain. An inflammation mediator is therefore a “pain mediator”, so to speak. The inflammation mediator that Naproxen specifically inhibits is prostaglandin.
This prostaglandin is produced in our body by the enzyme cyclooxygenase – COX for short. Naproxen is therefore a cyclooxygenase inhibitor: it prevents the pain mediating substance prostaglandin from being produced in the first place. The result of all this is pain relief because the pain stimulus no longer reaches the brain at all.
Naproxen has a long half-life, which means that it circulates in the blood for a long time without being broken down. The half-life is between 12 and 15 hours. It is metabolised in the liver and eventually excreted through the kidneys.
Application
The active ingredient naproxen is used in the following cases:
- For relief of mild to moderate pain
- Relief of menstrual problems (Dolormin® for women)
- After insertion of the contraceptive coil for pain relief
- For the treatment of rheumatic pain
- Treatment of inflamed and swollen tissue, for example postoperatively
- For minor operations, such as tooth extractions.
