What is Naproxen?
Naproxen is a powerful pain relief medication classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It belongs to the same group as ibuprofen, aspirin, and diclofenac but provides stronger anti-inflammatory benefits than aspirin and ibuprofen while carrying fewer risks compared to diclofenac.
This medication is commonly used to relieve pain caused by inflammation, such as sprains, strains, and arthritis. It is particularly effective for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. Naproxen is available for adults over 18 years old and comes in 250mg or 500mg tablet strengths, with each pack containing 56 tablets.
To protect your stomach, always take Naproxen with food. If you need long-term treatment (more than two weeks), a stomach-protective medicine like Omeprazole may be recommended.
You can purchase Naproxen online from Courier Pharmacy after completing a quick online consultation.
What is the active ingredient in Naproxen 500mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets?
Naproxen 500mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets contain Naproxen 500mg as the active ingredient. This anti-inflammatory medicine is designed to provide effective pain relief while reducing inflammation and stiffness.
You can purchase Naproxen online from Courier Pharmacy after completing a quick online consultation.
What is Naproxen used for?
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce pain and inflammation. It works by lowering the levels of hormones that cause swelling and discomfort. This medication is commonly used to treat:
- Muscle pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Menstrual cramps
- Gout
You can buy Naproxen online from Courier Pharmacy after completing a short online consultation.
Who Should Not Take Naproxen?
Avoid Naproxen If You:
- Are allergic to naproxen or any of its ingredients (see section 6 of the patient leaflet).
- Have or have had a peptic ulcer, stomach bleeding, or perforation.
- Have had two or more episodes of stomach ulcers or bleeding.
- Have previously experienced stomach bleeding or perforation from NSAIDs like ibuprofen or diclofenac.
- Are allergic to NSAIDs or aspirin, which may cause asthma, swelling, rashes, or a runny nose.
- Have severe kidney, heart, or liver disease.
- Are in the last three months of pregnancy.
Always inform your doctor, dentist, or hospital staff that you are taking Naproxen before any treatment. If you're unsure, consult a healthcare professional before use.
Warnings and Precautions
Speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before taking Naproxen if you:
- Have asthma, hay fever, or previous swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Feel weak due to illness or are elderly.
- Have nasal polyps or frequent sneezing, runny nose, or congestion.
- Have kidney or liver disease.
- Have problems with blood clotting or circulation.
- Have high cholesterol or fat levels in your blood (hyperlipidemia).
- Have an autoimmune condition such as lupus (SLE) or inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s or colitis.
- Have heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke.
Heart Risks and Naproxen
Naproxen may slightly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially at high doses or with long-term use. Stick to the recommended dose and duration.
If you have heart disease, a history of stroke, or risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoking, consult your doctor before taking Naproxen.
You can purchase Naproxen online from Courier Pharmacy after completing a consultation form.
Medicines That May Interact with Naproxen
Certain medications can interact with Naproxen, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing its effectiveness. If you are taking any of the following, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Naproxen.
Painkillers and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- Other NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac
- Paracetamol (consult a doctor if taking regularly)
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkillers
Heart and Blood Pressure Medications
- Diuretics (water tablets) like furosemide
- Medicines for high blood pressure
- Digoxin for heart conditions
Mental Health and Nervous System Medications
- Lithium, used for mood disorders
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) such as fluoxetine and paroxetine for depression
- Phenytoin for epilepsy
Anti-Inflammatory and Immune System Treatments
- Steroid medications like prednisolone, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone
- Methotrexate, used for rheumatoid arthritis
- Immunosuppressants like ciclosporin and tacrolimus
Antibiotics and Infection Treatments
- Ciprofloxacin and sulphonamides like sulphamethoxazole for bacterial infections
- Zidovudine, used to treat HIV and AIDS
Blood Clot Prevention and Cholesterol Treatments
- Anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, heparin, ticlopidine, and dipyridamole
- Colestyramine for high cholesterol
Other Medications
- Mifepristone (if taken within the last 12 days)
- Sulphonylureas like gliclazide and glibenclamide for diabetes
- Probenecid for gout
- Antacids
- Angiotensin-II receptor blockers like candesartan, eprosartan, or losartan
If you are taking any of these medicines, consult your doctor before using Naproxen.
You can purchase Naproxen online from Courier Pharmacy after completing a consultation form.