Naproxen Description

Generic Name : NAPROXEN

Pronunciation : (na prox' en)

Trade Name(s) : Antesvel, Artagen, Moribon, Naprosyn, Napryn, Xenobid

Why it is prescribed: Naproxen relieves the pain, redness, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness caused by certain types of arthritis, including gout. It also is used to treat muscle aches, menstrual pain, headaches, and pain after surgery, childbirth, and cancer.

When it is to be taken: Naproxen usually is taken twice a day for arthritis, every eight hours for gout attacks, and every six to eight hours for pain. Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Although arthritis symptoms usually improve within two weeks, you may have to take this drug regularly for four weeks before feeling its full effect. Relief from gout attacks may occur in 24 to 48 hours.

How it should be taken: Naproxen comes in the form of tablets and oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Liquid naproxen should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication evenly. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Naproxen can affect mental alertness and coordination. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
2. Take only the amount of medication prescribed. If you think that you need more to relieve your symptoms, contact your doctor.
3. Your doctor may wish to adjust your dose. Keep all appointments with your doctor.
4. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time you are to take the next dose, take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea. Take this medication with meals or milk.
2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
3. Skin rash, itching, swelling of feet or ankles, ringing in the ears. Contact your doctor.
4. Drowsiness, dizziness, headache. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or are severe.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take naproxen, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially anticoagulants such as warfarin, aspirin, other arthritis medications, methotrexate, probenecid, and diuretics.
2. Tell your doctor if you ever had gastritis or bleeding from the stomach or rectum, ulcers, diverticulitis, kidney or liver disease, or high blood pressure.
3. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell their doctors.
4. If you ever had a bad reaction to aspirin or arthritis medications, tell your doctor before taking naproxen.
5. Do not take aspirin while taking naproxen unless directed to do so by your doctor.
6. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.