Drug title

Naprosyn (Naproxen)

Application

Naprosyn is used in the treatment of inflammation and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, spinal arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and acute gout. It may also be prescribed for pain relief and primary dysmenorrheal.

Application method

Naprosyn comes in three different forms, a normal tablet, an extended release tablet and an oral suspension. Take

Naprosyn by mouth with food to avoid an upset stomach.

The dosage depends on the condition that it has been prescribed for. The dosage for arthritis is twice a day whereas for gout, regular tablets are taken with an 8 hour interval between the two doses.

For pain relief, the extended release tablet is taken once a day or regular tablets every 6 to 8 hours. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday.

Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

The mechanism of action

Naprosyn belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. These drugs are used to treat mild and moderate pain, fever and inflammation. They work by reducing levels of prostaglandins and chemicals, which are responsible for pain, fever and inflammation. Naproxen blocks the enzyme that is responsible for the formation of prostaglandins (COX), which leads to lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. Naproxen has been approved by the FDA in December 1991.

Missed dose

If you are taking Naprosyn on a regular basis, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it occurred during the next dose, skip the missed one and take only the next dose. Do not take a double dose. If you are taking Naprosyn as needed, take the missed dose if necessary, and then wait for recommended or prescribed amount of time before taking another dose.

Keeping

Naprosyn suspension is kept at room temperature, without overheating, above 40 degrees C (104 ° F). Keep it in the light-resistant containers. Naprosyn tablets are kept at room temperature in a tightly closed container, in such case it is possible to manage without the light-resistant containers.

Overdose

Drowsiness, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, seizures and vomiting are some of the symptoms of an overdose. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Precautionary measures

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs, have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach, drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, have liver, heart or kidney disease, have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder, congestive heart failure, fluid retention or have high blood pressure. You might require a special dosage adjustment or monitoring throughout the duration of treatment.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or are pregnant (after the 3rd month).

Naprosyn is in the FDA pregnancy category B. If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Naprosyn and contact your doctor immediately.

Naprosyn is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Side effects

Inform your doctor if you found blood in vomit or bloody, black or tarry stool. These symptoms may indicate problems with the stomach or intestines, which can be dangerous. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Naprosyn and contact a doctor immediately if you have:

• an allergic reaction (heavy breathing; narrowing of the airways, lips, tongue, face or hives swelling), muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, ulcers (open sores) in the mouth, rapid weight gain (fluid retention), seizures, hearing loss or ringing in the ears, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) or abdominal cramping, heartburn or upset stomach.

Other less serious side effects may happen more likely. Continue taking Naprosyn and talk to your doctor if you experience dizziness or headache, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, depression, fatigue or weakness, dry mouth or irregular periods.

Side effects other than those, which are listed here may also occur. 

Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or particularly frequent.

Additional information

Talk to your doctor if you notice blood in vomit or bloody, black or tarry stool. These symptoms may indicate problems with the stomach or intestines, which can be dangerous.