How to take Naproxen tablets

Take Naproxen as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. You will be prescribed the lowest dose for the shortest time possible. The usual doses are as follows:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: 500mg-1g Naproxen a day in two doses at twelve hourly intervals.
• Attack of gout: Initially 750mg Naproxen as a single dose then 250mg every 8 hours until the attack has passed.
• Muscle and bone disorders and painful periods: Initially 500mg Naproxen as a single dose then 250mg every 6-8 hours as necessary (max 1250mg per day after the first).

Take a look at our Naproxen dosage guide for more information on the correct dosages.

Naproxen ingredients

The active ingredient in each tablet: Naproxen 250mg

They also contain the following inactive ingredients: Methacrylic acid-ethylacrylate copolymer (1:1), Lactose, Magnesium stearate, Maize starch, Crospovidone, Propylene glycol, Sodium hydroxide, Triethyl citrate, Titanium dioxide (E171), Potassium sorbate (E202), Sodium citrate (E331), Xanthan gum (E415), Hydroxypropyl cellulose (E463), Purified talc (E553), Beeswax.

What are the side effects of Naproxen?

Like all anti-inflammatory medicines, Naproxen can cause side effects.

Common side effects can include:

• Gastric side effects including upset stomach, heartburn, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhoea. These can also include bloating and gas.
• Dizziness & headache
• Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
• Skin itching and rash

Some of these side effects may be less likely to occur if Naproxen is taken with or after food.

Naproxen can cause an allergic reaction in a very small number of people. You should not take Naproxen if you know you are allergic or if you have an allergy to any other anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin or diclofenac. If you suffer from an allergic reaction to Naproxen, symptoms may include hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. If any of these symptoms occur you should seek medical attention immediately.

You should stop taking Naproxen and see your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools
• Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Swelling or rapid weight gain, little or no urinating
• Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• Fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions)
• Severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Naproxen Warnings

You should see your doctor before taking Naproxen if you have:

• A history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
• Heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure
• A history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
• Liver or kidney disease
• Asthma
• Polyps in your nose
• A bleeding or blood clotting disorder
• If you smoke

Naproxen and other medicines

Naproxen 250mg & 500mg tablets can interact with some medicines and should not be purchased online if you are taking any of the following:

• Other anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or diclofenac
• Blood-thinners or medicines that reduce blood clottings such as heparin or warfarin
• corticosteroids such as prednisolone or dexamethasone
• diuretics (‘water tablets’) such as furosemide
• Medicines to treat high blood pressure such as captopril, ramipril or propranolol, losartan or candesartan
• Ciclosporin or tacrolimus
• Mifepristone – do not take NSAIDs 8-12 days after mifepristone
• SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram and fluoxetine
• Zidovudine
• Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin
• Probenecid
• Methotrexate
• Bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid
• Colestyramine (take naproxen 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine to avoid interference with absorption)
• Lithium
• Hydantoins such as phenytoin
• Sulphonamides such as sulfamethoxazole
• Sulphonylureas such as glibenclamide or gliclazide
• Cardiac glycosides such as digoxin

If you are taking any of the above medicines you should always check with your doctor before taking Naproxen as it can interfere with the action of your current medicines.

Naproxen and alcohol

You should not consume alcohol when taking Naproxen: doing so can cause damage to the lining of your stomach and may lead to gastritis, a condition that has very uncomfortable symptoms. Other effects of consuming alcohol in combination with Naproxen include:

• Holes in the stomach or intestine
• Digestion issues or heartburn
• Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Blood in stools, or black or tar-like stools

Naproxen, pregnancy and breastfeeding

Naproxen should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are experiencing pain that cannot be controlled with paracetamol alone you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Naproxen and your circulation

Naproxen may cause a small increase in the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially when used long-term or if you have existing heart disease. You should not use Naproxen before or after any kind of heart surgery.

Naproxen and your stomach

Long-term use of Naproxen can cause internal bleeding of the stomach or intestines. This can be fatal if untreated. Whilst taking Naproxen you should always look out for stomach pain, indigestion, passing blood or black, tarry stools. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical treatment immediately.

Before taking Naproxen please take the time to read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.