Naproxen Tablets
Naproxen is a prescription NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, and treating conditions like arthritis, gout, muscle/joint pain, and period pain. Available through Chemist Doctor's regulated online service following a consultation with UK-licensed clinicians.
You must complete a short online consultation so that our prescriber can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you.
Assessment
Answer some questions about your health concerns & symptoms
Treatment
Connect with a clinician 100% online, no appointment needed
Delivery
Get your medication delivered directly, if prescribed
Table of Contents
- What Are Naproxen Tablets?
- How Do Naproxen Tablets Work?
- Naproxen Treatment for Pain: Dosage Guidelines
- Active and Inactive Ingredients
- Naproxen Side Effects: Recognising and Managing Reactions
- Naproxen Warnings: When to Exercise Caution
- Naproxen Drug Interactions: Critical Combinations
- Naproxen Use in Pregnancy: UK Safety Guidelines
- Where Can I Buy Naproxen Online in the UK
- Naproxen FAQs
What Are Naproxen Tablets?
Naproxen tablets are prescription-only NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) used to manage acute and chronic pain conditions. Available in 250mg and 500mg strengths, they provide stronger anti-inflammatory action than standard over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol.
How Do Naproxen Tablets Work?
Naproxen targets inflammation at its source by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes produce prostaglandins - chemical messengers that:
- Dilate blood vessels near injury sites
- Increase local sensitivity to pain signals
- Trigger fever responses
By reducing prostaglandin levels by 60-80% (NHS, 2023), Naproxen effectively decreases swelling, discomfort and elevated body temperature.
Naproxen Treatment for Pain: Dosage Guidelines
Always take Naproxen tablets with food to minimise gastric irritation. Dosages vary by condition:
Musculoskeletal Pain
- Initial dose: 500mg
- Maintenance: 250mg every 6-8 hours
- Max daily: 1250mg
Chronic Conditions (Arthritis/Ankylosing Spondylitis)
- Standard dose: 500mg-1000mg twice daily
- Maximum duration: 14 days unless supervised by GP
🩺 Patients with renal impairment or aged 65+ typically require 20-50% dose reduction. Always consult your GP before starting treatment.
Active and Inactive Ingredients
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Naproxen (250mg/500mg) | Active therapeutic agent |
| Lactose | Binding agent |
| Povidone | Tablet disintegrant |
Contains colourants E104 and E172. Not suitable for patients with galactose intolerance.
Naproxen Side Effects: Recognising and Managing Reactions
Common Reactions (25-30% of users)
- 🔴 Gastric irritation: Heartburn, indigestion (Take with food to reduce risk)
- 🟡 Central nervous system: Drowsiness, headaches (Avoid driving if affected)
- 🟠 Sensory changes: Tinnitus, blurred vision (Report if persistent beyond 72hrs)
Severe Adverse Effects (<1% incidence)
Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:
- ❌ Coffee-ground vomit or tarry stools (GI bleeding signs)
- ❌ Angioedema: Facial/throat swelling (Allergic reaction)
- ❌ Dyspnoea with chest tightness (Cardiopulmonary complication)
Gastro-resistant formulations reduce gastric side effects by 40% (NICE, 2023). Discuss options with your GP.
Naproxen Warnings: When to Exercise Caution
| Condition Type | Specific Risks |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | ↑ 30% stroke risk in hypertensive patients (BP >140/90mmHg) |
| Renal | ↓ Glomerular filtration rate in CKD stages 3-5 |
| Immunological | Flare-ups in 60% of SLE patients (British Journal of Rheumatology) |
Absolute Contraindications
- ⛔ Active peptic ulcer disease
- ⛔ NSAID-induced asthma history
- ⛔ Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C)
Naproxen Drug Interactions: Critical Combinations
High-Risk Combinations (Avoid Concurrent Use)
- 💊 Anticoagulants: Warfarin → ↑ INR by 2-4 points
- 💊 SSRIs: Citalopram → 3× GI bleed risk
- 💊 Diuretics: Furosemide → ↓ Efficacy by 70%
Moderate-Risk Combinations (Require Monitoring)
- 🔍 Methotrexate: ↑ Serum levels by 50%
- 🔍 ACE Inhibitors: ↓ Antihypertensive effect
- 🔍 Lithium: ↑ Toxicity risk (Monitor serum levels)
Always disclose all medications/supplements to your doctor, including:
- OTC painkillers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
- Herbal supplements (St. John’s Wort, ginseng)
- Topical NSAIDs (gels/patches)
Naproxen Use in Pregnancy: UK Safety Guidelines
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
⚠️ Possible 15% ↑ miscarriage risk (BMJ 2021 study)
Third Trimester (Week 28+)
❌ Absolute contraindication: Risk of premature ductus arteriosus closure
Family Planning Considerations
- ⏳ May delay ovulation by 2-3 cycles
- 🤱 Express to breast milk (0.1% maternal dose)
Need Pain Relief Without Compromising Safety?
Consult Our GMC-Registered Doctors Now⚠️ Never self-prescribe NSAIDs. Our clinicians check:
- Drug interaction risks
- Contraindications
- Optimal dosing schedules
Where Can I Buy Naproxen Online in the UK
Secure Naproxen Prescription & Next-Day Delivery Service
Order Naproxen with confidence through our UK-registered medical prescribers, who review all requests within 4 working hours. We guarantee same-day prescription approval for eligible patients and dispatch orders placed before 3pm for next-day tracked delivery.
Our Naproxen service combines competitive pricing with strict adherence to MHRA safety standards, ensuring your medication is dispensed through GPhC-registered pharmacies. Every purchase includes:
- Discreet packaging with dosage instructions
- GDPR-compliant consultation
- 250mg or 500mg tablets (short-term supply only)
Our Naproxen clinical team ensures:
- Full medical history review (including cardiovascular/renal risk)
- Interaction checks (especially with blood pressure medications)
- Personalised treatment duration (typically 3-5 days)
Always consult your GP if pain persists beyond 3 days or if you have stomach ulcers, heart/kidney problems. Not suitable for asthma sufferers without medical supervision.
Getting your medication is quick and easy with our simple 4-step process:
Start Consultation
Complete our brief health questionnaire about your medical history and current health.
Medical Review
UK-registered clinicians review your consultation for safe prescribing.
Pharmacy Processing
If approved, our partner pharmacy prepares your medication.
Fast Dispatch
Your order is dispatched via your chosen delivery method.
What does the online consultation involve?
You'll answer questions about your medical history and current health to ensure safe prescribing. Honest responses are vital for your safety.
How do I reorder medication?
Use the login details emailed after your first order to access your account and reorder.
How does the secure chat portal work?
Clinicians may contact you via your account's chat portal to discuss your treatment. Respond securely within your account.
At Chemist Doctor, we respect your privacy and ensure complete discretion at every step.
Discreet Packaging
All orders are shipped in discreet, tamper-evident packaging sealed inside anonymous mailing bags.
Secure Data
Your personal and medical information is kept strictly confidential with SSL encryption.
Private Consultations
All consultations are conducted privately by UK-registered clinicians.
Anonymous Billing
Credit card statements show a neutral descriptor with no reference to medications.
Will my GP be informed about my order?
Only with your consent. We recommend updating your GP directly for seamless care.
We offer two reliable delivery options to suit your needs:
| Service Type | Delivery Speed | Order Cut-off | Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Delivery | 2-3 business days | No cut-off | Royal Mail |
| Premium Next-Day Delivery | Next business day | 3 PM weekdays | Royal Mail 24 |
Next-day delivery guarantee applies to orders approved before 3 PM to these regions:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Service Restrictions: We currently cannot deliver to: Republic of Ireland, Continental Europe, USA, or Canada
Is packaging discreet?
Yes. All orders are shipped in plain, unmarked packaging via tracked courier services.
Do I need to stay home for delivery?
No. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your parcel's progress.
Do you deliver on weekends or bank holidays?
Deliveries occur Monday–Friday only. We do not ship on weekends or UK bank holidays.
What should I do if my order hasn't arrived?
Use your tracking number to locate the parcel or contact our support team for assistance.
Can I receive delivery updates via SMS?
Yes. Provide your mobile number at checkout for courier updates. We will not use it for marketing purposes.
Credit/Debit Cards
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express
Secure 3D authentication
Bank Transfer
Select at checkout for unique reference details
Order processes once payment clears
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How long do refunds take to process?
Card payments: Refunds appear in 3–5 days.
Bank transfers: We'll contact you for account details to return funds.
Why was my order declined?
Declined orders are not charged. Card authorisations release funds within 3–5 days (contact your bank for details).
Can I return prescription medication?
No. UK law prohibits returns of dispensed prescription treatments for safety reasons.
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Naproxen FAQs
What distinguishes Naproxen from Ibuprofen?
Both Naproxen and Ibuprofen are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) with similar applications, but key differences exist:
- Naproxen provides stronger, longer-lasting relief (8-12 hours) versus Ibuprofen (4-6 hours)
- Naproxen requires a prescription in the UK, while Ibuprofen is available over-the-counter
- Naproxen is typically more effective for moderate-to-severe pain and inflammation
How potent is Naproxen as a painkiller?
Naproxen is classified as a strong NSAID, offering more potent and longer-lasting effects than over-the-counter alternatives like Ibuprofen. This makes it suitable for managing persistent pain conditions.
When does Naproxen start working after taking a dose?
Initial effects are typically felt within 1 hour, with full effectiveness achieved around 2 hours post-dose. Relief lasts 8-12 hours. Always follow your prescribed dosing schedule rather than taking it as needed.
Can Naproxen be combined with other pain relievers?
Do not combine with other NSAIDs (including Ibuprofen). It may be used with paracetamol or opioid analgesics like co-codamol for short periods only. Always consult your pharmacist or doctor before combining medications.
What is the maximum daily dosage of Naproxen?
Adults should not exceed 1000mg daily unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional. Dosage varies by condition:
- Muscle/joint pain or period pain: Initial 500mg dose, then 250mg every 6-8 hours
- Arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis: 500mg-1000mg twice daily
- Gout: 750mg initial dose, then 250mg every 8 hours
Elderly patients and those with kidney/liver conditions often require lower doses. Exceeding recommendations increases risks of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal complications.
How long may I safely take Naproxen?
Short courses (2-3 days) are generally safe for occasional use. Extended use beyond 14 days requires medical supervision and possibly gut-protective medications. Do not use long-term without your doctor's approval.
What are Naproxen Gastro-Resistant Tablets?
These tablets feature a specialised coating that delays dissolution until they reach the intestines, reducing stomach irritation. While better suited for chronic conditions, they should still be taken with food.
Is driving permitted while using Naproxen?
Naproxen may cause drowsiness, blurred vision or slowed reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how it affects you. When uncertain, refrain from driving.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose immediately unless nearing your next scheduled dose. Never double doses to compensate. Maintain your regular dosing schedule thereafter.
 | Authored by Nabeel M |
Medical Content Manager & Pharmacy Associate
Nabeel is a co-founder of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
 | Reviewed by Usman M (2073618) |
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist
Usman is a co-founder, and superintendent pharmacist of Chemist Doctor. He leads the clinical team and online prescribing services, utilising his expertise.
Review Date: 17 April 2025
Next Review: 7 November 2025
Published on: 17 April 2025
Last Updated: 18 April 2025
Responsible Pharmacist
 | Usman Mir Superintendent GPhc: 2073618 |
We Are Regulated
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Chemist Doctor is an online pharmacy and online doctor service, owned and operated by Chem Doc Ltd (Company Reg. 16478812). Prescriptions are managed by our sister company, Inspire Pharmacy (GPhC No. 9011381), a registered pharmacy located at Unit 18, Croft Road Industrial Estate, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0TW. The content on this website is for informational purposes only. It should support, not replace, advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor if you suspect a health issue or before beginning new medication. Ensure you read the leaflets provided with any medicines. For further details, visit our policies and terms & conditions at the bottom of each page.
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