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Naproxen Gastro-Resistant Tablets (250mg & 500mg)
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Naproxen Gastro-Resistant Tablets (250mg & 500mg)

Naproxen – sometimes called Naproxen Sodium – is a powerful painkiller belonging to a family of medicines known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is used to relieve muscular and joint pain, such as arthritis, as this normally also involves some sort of inflammation.

Naproxen is taken twice daily with or after food while pain is present. Based in the UK, The Independent Pharmacy can provide Naproxen 250mg & 500mg online for fast, effective, low-cost treatment of short-term pain and inflammation without the need to see your GP.

  • Suitable for age:18 Years +
  • Maximums per order:
    Naproxen 500mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets4
    Naproxen 250mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets2
  • Consultation required?Yes
    This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
  • Generic Treatment?Yes
    This is a generic medicine and manufacturer of the treatment supplied may vary from the treatment image above, depending on availability. Please contact us once you've placed your order if you require a specific brand and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Naproxen Gastro-Resistant Tablets (250mg & 500mg) Summary

Type of medicineNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Works byReduces the chemicals in the body associated with pain and inflammation
Active ingredientNaproxen
Effective within1 hour
Pack size56 tablets
Strength250mg & 500mg
ManufacturerAccord Healthcare, Wockhardt UK Ltd, Aurobindo Pharma - Milpharm Ltd.
GenericYes
Use with alcoholIn moderation

We stock 2 different variants of Naproxen Gastro-Resistant Tablets (250mg & 500mg)

Naproxen: Important Information

  • What is Naproxen?

    Naproxen is a painkiller belonging to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other well-known NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac. Naproxen is a stronger anti-inflammatory than aspirin and ibuprofen; it is thought to be similar in strength to diclofenac but carries fewer risks and side effects.

    It can be used to treat pain where there is also inflammation present (such as with sprains or strains) as well as to relieve symptoms of arthritis (e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile arthritis). Naproxen can be prescribed for adults over the age of 18 years. Each box of Naproxen contains 56 tablets in either 250mg or 500mg strength.

    Naproxen should always be taken with food to protect the stomach. Patients who are taking Naproxen long-term (regularly for periods exceeding two weeks) should take a treatment to protect the stomach (such as Omeprazole) while taking Naproxen to reduce the chance of side effects.

    What is Naproxen used for?

    A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Naproxen is used to relieve pain and inflammation in the body. It does this by reducing the hormones that are causing the swelling. Naproxen is frequently used to treat issues like muscle pain, rheumatoid arthritis, period pain, and gout.

    How does Naproxen work?

    This medication works by blocking the effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the body. These enzymes help to make other chemicals called prostaglandins that are produced at sites of injury to cause pain and inflammation. Blocking the effect of COX enzymes leads to fewer prostaglandins being produced, reducing pain and inflammation significantly.

    What’s the difference between Naproxen and other pain treatments?

    Naproxen 500mg is a prescription-strength anti-inflammatory and painkiller. It’s stronger than over-the-counter treatments such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Naproxen and diclofenac have similar effects, although Naproxen is thought to carry less risk of side effects.

    Naproxen and other NSAIDs are better at treating inflammation and swelling than paracetamol. Naproxen is also a stronger painkiller than paracetamol, though they can be taken together when extra pain relief is required. Notably, Naproxen does not have the potential to be habit-forming like opiate-based painkillers such as codeine.

    Taking Naproxen with other painkillers

    You can take Naproxen together with paracetamol and opioid-type painkillers such as codeine, co-codamol, tramadol or morphine. This is because Naproxen is primarily an anti-inflammatory, whereas codeine is an opiate used only to relieve pain.

    You shouldn’t use Naproxen with aspirin or other anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or diclofenac, though, as this heightens the risk of suffering side effects in the stomach and intestines. If you take selective inhibitors of COX-2 (such as etoricoxib or celecoxib), you should not take Naproxen for the same reason. Unlike aspirin, Naproxen does not thin the blood, but it isn’t recommended that you use it with blood thinners.

    It is important to remember that cold and flu remedies and over-the-counter painkillers often contain ibuprofen or aspirin. For this reason, you should avoid these medications while you're taking Naproxen to prevent accidental drug interactions. Check the ingredients of other medicines you wish to take before buying, or ask us for advice.

    You should also check with us before you buy anti-inflammatory gels (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoprofen or piroxicam) for use alongside Naproxen tablets because this is not safe for everyone and the dosage may be too high.

    Naproxen vs. ibuprofen & diclofenac

    Naproxen is a stronger anti-inflammatory than ibuprofen and is used for moderate pain and inflammation or when ibuprofen has been ineffective. For a deeper comparison of these two drugs, check out our Naproxen vs Ibuprofen guide.

    Naproxen provides a similar level of pain relief to diclofenac and has similar levels of anti-inflammatory activity. Naproxen has now largely replaced diclofenac in the UK due to concerns about diclofenac having adverse effects on the heart and gastrointestinal system.

    Sources

  • 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.

Naproxen Gastro-Resistant Tablets (250mg & 500mg) reviews

Naproxen Gastro-Resistant Tablets (250mg & 500mg) FAQs

  • Naproxen is mostly recommended for people who have short-term, non-serious injuries or pain. If you’re taking it regularly (over weeks or years), or in high doses, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or pharmacist about whether there is a more appropriate long-term pain relief solution for you.

    Naproxen and other anti-inflammatories can be harsh on the stomach, especially if:

    • You are over 65
    • You are taking them regularly for periods over two weeks
    • You have existing stomach issues

    High doses of Naproxen taken over a long period of time are associated with the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. If you need to take Naproxen for periods exceeding two weeks, you should take a treatment, such as Omeprazole, to suppress stomach acid and thus protect your stomach lining from damage.

  • Naproxen 500mg tablets are a prescription-strength anti-inflammatory and painkiller. They are stronger than the over-the-counter treatments such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Naproxen and diclofenac are thought to have similar effects although Naproxen is thought to carry less risk of unwanted effects.

    Naproxen and other NSAIDs are better at inflammation and swelling compared to paracetamol. Naproxen 500mg tablets are a stronger painkiller than paracetamol, however they can be taken together when extra pain relief is required.

    Naproxen does not have the potential to be habit forming like opiate-based painkillers such as codeine.

  • It is safe to take Naproxen as a painkiller for the length a minor injury (normally for a few weeks) on a when required basis. The effect doesn’t decrease when it is used over long periods and it is not habit forming. Naproxen can be stopped at any time without tapering or reducing the dose.

  • If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, even if this means taking two pills on the same day. If your missed dose is less than twelve hours late, your contraceptive cover shouldn’t be affected. If the missed dose is more than twelve hours late, your contraceptive protection may be compromised. If this is the case, it is advised to use additional protection, such as condoms.

    If you have missed more than one dose in a pack, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Consult the patient information leaflet for further details.

  • Naproxen can cause drowsiness (although it is not a common side effect) and it can affect your vision. Driving or operating machinery should be avoided if either of these side effects occur.

  • Naproxen shouldn’t be taken in the first six months of pregnancy without speaking to a doctor to weigh up the risks and benefits of treatment. It is not recommended in the last three months of pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

    Babies have a hole in the heart during their development in the mother, this is normal. In the last 3 months the hole starts to heal and is completely closed when the baby is born. Naproxen and other NSAIDs can prevent the hole from healing and should not be taken in the last three months of pregnancy.

  • It should go without saying that this is not what Naproxen is supposed to be used for! Taking Naproxen does not get you high, nor does it foster reliance or addiction, in the same way that codeine sometimes can.

  • Some painkillers are ok to take alongside Naproxen. These include painkillers like paracetamol and codeine. However, Naproxen should not be taken alongside other anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, as this can have a damaging effect on the stomach and intestines if taken long-term without the proper precautions.

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