What is naproxen?

Welcome to our blog post, what is naproxen? In this article, we’ll explore what naproxen is and how it works to relieve pain and inflammation. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, or other discomforts, understanding naproxen can help you make informed decisions about your health.

We’ll break down its benefits, usage, and potential side effects in clear, simple language. Let’s dive in and discover how naproxen might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

History of naproxen

Naproxen first became available as a prescription drug in 1976. It remained available only by prescription until 1994, when it received approval as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication [1]. This long-standing history underlines its established role in pain management.

What is naproxen used for?

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever in various conditions [1], [2]. It is commonly prescribed for:

1. Arthritis: Including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
2. Ankylosing spondylitis: A type of arthritis affecting the spine
3. Gout: To manage acute attacks
4. Menstrual cramps and period pain
5. Tendonitis and bursitis: Inflammation of tendons and fluid-filled sacs surrounding joints
6. Muscle aches, strains, and sprains
7. Headaches and dental pain
8. Back pain and general pain

It is recognised as the first-line treatment for acute gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, and dysmenorrhea or period pain.

Naproxen and inflammatory conditions

While naproxen and other NSAIDs are approved to treat inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, they do not change the underlying disease process or prevent joint and soft tissue damage.

In these cases, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the main treatment option, and NSAIDs like naproxen are used as additional therapy to help manage symptoms [1], [2].

Off-label uses of naproxen

Acute migraine relief

Naproxen is often used off-label to treat acute migraines. Many healthcare providers consider it a first-choice remedy to quickly stop a migraine attack [3].

Chronic migraine prevention

In addition to treating acute migraines, naproxen can be used for long-term migraine prevention. It is commonly prescribed alongside other medications—such as beta-blockers, anti-depressants, and anticonvulsants—to help reduce the frequency and intensity of chronic migraines [3].

How naproxen relieves pain and inflammation

Naproxen helps reduce pain and swelling by blocking two key enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes normally turn a fatty substance in your body, called arachidonic acid, into chemicals known as prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins are responsible for causing pain and inflammation [4].

What do the COX enzymes do?

• COX-1 is found in most of your body’s tissues. It helps produce prostaglandins that keep your stomach lining healthy, support kidney function, and help with blood clotting.
• COX-2 appears mainly in areas like the brain, kidneys, bones, and reproductive organs, and it is produced when your body is fighting inflammation.

Naproxen reduces pain and inflammation

By stopping both COX-1 and COX-2, naproxen lowers the production of prostaglandins [4]. This leads to:

• Less inflammation, especially by reducing COX-2 activity.
• Pain relief in areas like the joints, where COX-1 is also involved in inflammation, such as in arthritis.

Extra pain relief

Prostaglandins, particularly types E and F, make your pain receptors more sensitive. By reducing these prostaglandins, naproxen not only fights inflammation but also helps lower pain sensitivity, offering an additional layer of pain relief [4].

Naproxen side effects and how they occur

Common side effects of naproxen

Naproxen can cause side effects such as:

• Stomach upset (dyspepsia)
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Raised liver enzymes
• High blood pressure
• Reduced kidney function
• Skin rashes
• Increased bleeding risk
• Stomach ulcers

Rare but serious side effects of naproxen include:

• Blood problems (blood dyscrasias)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

GI (Stomach) effects of naproxen

Naproxen works by blocking two enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes normally help produce prostaglandins, which protect the lining of your stomach.

When prostaglandin levels drop, the stomach loses some of its natural protection, which can lead to ulcers.

Studies show that COX-1 plays a more important role in maintaining the stomach lining. This is why drugs that only block COX-2, such as Celecoxib, tend to have less impact on gastric tissue [6], [7].

Naproxen effects on the kidneys

Prostaglandins produced by COX-1 and COX-2 are essential for healthy kidney function. They help regulate blood flow and control how the kidneys manage salt and water.

When naproxen reduces prostaglandin levels, it can decrease blood flow to the kidneys, potentially causing acute kidney injury or even kidney failure  [1].

These changes may also lead to higher blood pressure, especially in people with pre-existing hypertension.

How platelets are effected with naproxen

Naproxen also affects how your blood clots. It blocks COX-1 in platelets, reducing the production of thromboxane A2, a substance that helps platelets stick together. This can lead to longer bleeding times.

The good news is that this effect reverses when you stop taking naproxen. However, studies on how much it increases bleeding time have shown mixed results [8].

Contraindications, who cannot take naproxen

Absolute Contraindications

Naproxen should not be used if you have any of the following [1]:

• Documented hypersensitivity or allergy to NSAID medications
• Asthma triggered by aspirin or NSAIDs
• Pregnancy concerns (use with caution in the first trimester and absolutely avoid use after 30 weeks of gestation)
• Use during the perioperative period for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)

Cautions and relative contraindications

You should be extra careful or consult your doctor if you have [1]:

• A recent heart attack or a history of heart disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Congestive heart failure
• Fluid retention or oedema
• Dehydration
• A history of stomach problems like peptic ulcer disease or GERD
• Bleeding disorders or issues with blood clotting
• Liver (hepatic) disease
• Kidney (renal) disease
• Asthma
• Restrictions on sodium intake
• Chronic alcohol use
• Tobacco use
• Older age or being in the geriatric category
• If you are a female actively trying to conceive

For personalised advice and more detailed information about your treatment options, please contact us.

Naproxen dosing

Pain and Inflammation in Rheumatic Disease

• Dosage: For adults, take 0.5 to 1 gram of naproxen each day, divided into one or two doses [9].
• How to Take: Use by mouth with water. Take with or after food.

Musculoskeletal disorders and dysmenorrhoea or period pain

• Dosage: Adults should start with 500 mg as a single dose, then take 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed [9].
• How to Take: Use by mouth with water for pain relief in muscle, joint issues, and menstrual cramps. Take with or after food.

Acute gout

• Dosage: For adults, begin with an initial dose of 750 mg, followed by 250 mg every 8 hours until the gout attack subsides [9].
• How to Take: Use by mouth with water during a gout flare-up. Take with or after food.

For acute migraine

• Dosage: For adults, take 500 mg as a single dose [9].
• Additional Note: This dose should be taken along with sumatriptan at the first sign of migraine symptoms.
• How to Take: Use by mouth with water for rapid migraine relief. Take with or after food.

For further details or to purchase your medication, please contact us.

Why you should take naproxen with food?

Taking naproxen with food is a smart choice to help protect your stomach. Naproxen works by lowering the production of prostaglandins—natural chemicals that normally shield your stomach lining.

When these protective chemicals are reduced, your stomach is more at risk of irritation, pain, or even ulcers.

Eating before or during your naproxen dose acts like a cushion, keeping the medicine from directly touching your stomach lining. This simple step not only makes your treatment easier to handle but also helps you avoid uncomfortable digestive issues.

Avoiding stomach problems when taking naproxen

NSAIDs like naproxen can sometimes upset your stomach. Here are some easy tips to help reduce that risk:

• Stick to one NSAID: Don’t take more than one type of NSAID at the same time.
• Be cautious with aspirin: If you also need low-dose aspirin, ask your doctor for advice, as using them together may increase stomach discomfort.
• Use the smallest effective dose for the shortest time: This helps minimise your risk of stomach issues.

Taking a PPI with naproxen to protect the stomach

If you have arthritis or are older, your doctor might recommend adding a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to help protect your stomach. This is also a good idea if you have conditions like back pain or other joint problems.

If you need to take NSAIDs for a long time, your doctor might recommend a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to help protect your stomach. Here are the common daily doses for these medications:

• Lansoprazole: 15–30 mg once a day
• Omeprazole: 20 mg once a day
• Esomeprazole: 20 mg once a day
• Pantoprazole: 20 mg once a day

What to do if you experience stomach problems with naproxen

If you notice stomach pain or discomfort while taking an NSAID, it’s important to speak with your doctor. They may suggest tests or ask about other symptoms to ensure your stomach is okay.

For more information on keeping your stomach safe while using NSAIDs, please contact us for a FREE pain relief consultation.

Where to buy naproxen online in the UK

You can now buy naproxen online in the UK after completing an online health questionnaire at medicalmojo.co.uk.

When you buy any medicines from medicalmojo.co.uk you are entitled to FREE follow-up consultations to see how you are getting on with the treatment.

We can also advise on alternative treatments and even come up with bespoke treatment options for you using our compounding pharmacy.

Contact us to arrange your free consultation today.

Naproxen summary

Naproxen is a common painkiller that also helps reduce swelling. It belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Here’s a quick look at what naproxen does, its side effects, and who should avoid it.

What naproxen is used for:

• Relieving pain from arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis)
• Reducing pain and swelling from muscle or joint injuries
• Easing menstrual cramps
• Helping treat acute gout attacks
• Assisting with migraine pain when used alongside other medications

Common side effects of naproxen:

• Stomach upset or indigestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding, especially with long-term use

Who should not take naproxen:

• Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to naproxen or similar NSAIDs
• People with a history of stomach ulcers or severe gastrointestinal bleeding
• Those with serious kidney or liver problems
• Pregnant women, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy
• Individuals with certain heart conditions (always check with your doctor)

Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking naproxen. If you experience any side effects or have concerns, speak to your doctor or pharmacist or contact us for your FREE pain relief consultation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

References:

1. Brutzkus, Joseph C., Mahsa Shahrokhi, and Matthew Varacallo. “Naproxen.” (2018).
2. Ong CK, Lirk P, Tan CH, Seymour RA. An evidence-based update on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clin Med Res. 2007 Mar;5(1):19-34
3. Simon LS. Biologic effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 1997 May;9(3):178-82.
4. Armstrong C., American Academy of Neurology. American Headache Society. AAN/AHS update recommendations for migraine prevention in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Apr 15;87(8):584-5.
5. Giménez M, Pujol J, Ali Z, López-Solà M, Contreras-Rodríguez O, Deus J, Ortiz H, Soriano-Mas C, Llorente-Onaindia J, Monfort J. Naproxen effects on brain response to painful pressure stimulation in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-dose study. J Rheumatol. 2014 Nov;41(11):2240-8. 
6. Pellicano R. Gastrointestinal damage by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: updated clinical considerations. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2014 Dec;60(4):255-61.
7. Gudis K, Sakamoto C. The role of cyclooxygenase in gastric mucosal protection. Dig Dis Sci. 2005 Oct;50 Suppl 1:S16-23.
8. Schafer AI. Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy on platelets. Am J Med. 1999 May 31;106(5B):25S-36S.
9. British National Formulary. (n.d.) Naproxen. Available at: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/naproxen/#indications-and-dose (Accessed: 4 March 2025).

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