How To Use Naproxen
Quick Takeaways
- Administration: Take with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation
- Dosage: Ranges from 250mg to 1000mg daily based on condition
- Timing: Effects begin within 1 hour, peak at 2-4 hours
- Duration: Use the lowest effective dose for shortest time possible
- Safety: Avoid in third trimester pregnancy and with certain health conditions
Naproxen is a prescription NSAID used to treat various types of musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. Follow these guidelines for safe and effective use.
How to Take Naproxen
Proper administration ensures optimal effectiveness and minimizes side effects:
Essential Administration Guidelines:
- Always follow your doctor's specific instructions
- Take with food or milk to prevent stomach irritation
- Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water
- Do not crush, chew, or break tablets
Step-by-Step Administration
- Check prescription: Verify the strength (250mg or 500mg) and dosing schedule
- Take with food: Have a meal or snack before taking your dose
- Swallow whole: Take with 250ml water while sitting or standing
- Stay upright: Remain upright for at least 10 minutes after taking
- Timing: Space doses evenly throughout the day (e.g., every 8-12 hours)
Naproxen Dosage Guidelines
Dosage varies depending on the condition being treated and individual factors:
Adult Dosage Recommendations
| Condition | Initial Dose | Maintenance Dose | Maximum Daily |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild to moderate pain | 500mg | 250mg every 6-8 hours | 1250mg |
| Arthritis & inflammation | 500mg | 500mg twice daily | 1000mg |
| Acute gout | 750mg | 250mg every 8 hours | 1500mg |
| Painful periods | 500mg | 250mg every 6-8 hours | 1250mg |
Special Populations
| Patient Group | Dosage Adjustment | Maximum Daily |
|---|---|---|
| Elderly (65+) | Start at 50% normal dose | 750mg |
| Renal impairment | Avoid if severe; reduce dose if mild/moderate | 500mg |
| Hepatic impairment | Reduce dose by 25-50% | 750mg |
| Children (5-17 years) | 10mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses | 1000mg |
Naproxen Treatment Timeline
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements
- Have a meal or snack ready
- Ensure adequate hydration
- Take with food and a full glass of water
- Remain upright for at least 10 minutes
- Avoid alcohol and other NSAIDs
- Pain relief typically begins
- Peak effects occur around 2-4 hours
- Monitor for any adverse reactions
- Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function
- Watch for gastrointestinal symptoms
- Assess effectiveness with your doctor
Duration Guidance: For acute pain, limit use to 3-7 days. For chronic conditions, use the lowest effective dose and reevaluate every 3 months.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Follow these guidelines if you forget to take your Naproxen:
Standard Approach
- If it's less than 2 hours past your scheduled time, take the missed dose
- If it's more than 2 hours late, skip the missed dose
- Take your next dose at the regular time
- Never double dose to make up for a missed one
Example: If you normally take Naproxen at 8am and 8pm, but forget your morning dose:
- Before 10am: Take the missed dose now
- After 10am: Skip and take your evening dose at 8pm
Stopping Naproxen Treatment
Discontinuation should be managed carefully to avoid complications:
Recommended Process
- Consult your doctor: Never stop suddenly without medical advice
- Gradual reduction: Typically decrease by 250mg every 3-5 days
- Monitor symptoms: Watch for pain recurrence or withdrawal effects
- Alternative therapy: Your doctor may recommend other pain management options
Tapering Schedule Example:
| Days 1-3 | Days 4-6 | Days 7+ |
|---|---|---|
| 1000mg → 750mg daily | 750mg → 500mg daily | 500mg → 250mg daily |
When to Stop Immediately
- Signs of allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Severe stomach pain or black stools
- Chest pain or neurological symptoms
- If you become pregnant
Important Precautions
- Allergic to NSAIDs or aspirin
- Active stomach/intestinal ulcer
- Severe heart, kidney or liver failure
- Third trimester of pregnancy
Use With Caution If You Have:
| Condition | Precaution | Monitoring Required |
|---|---|---|
| Asthma | Increased risk of bronchospasm | Peak flow monitoring |
| Hypertension | May increase blood pressure | Weekly BP checks |
| Heart disease | Increased cardiovascular risk | Cardiac assessment every 3 months |
| Kidney impairment | May worsen kidney function | Monthly eGFR tests |
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants (warfarin): Increased bleeding risk
- ACE inhibitors (ramipril): Reduced effectiveness
- Diuretics (furosemide): Reduced diuretic effect
- Lithium: Increased lithium toxicity risk
- SSRIs (citalopram): Increased bleeding risk
Potential Side Effects of Naproxen
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side (heart attack/stroke signs)
- Severe allergic reaction (facial swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Black/tarry stools or vomiting blood (gastrointestinal bleeding)
- Severe skin reaction with blistering
Common Side Effects (≥1% of users)
| System | Side Effects | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal | Heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain | Take with food, antacids |
| Nervous System | Headache, dizziness, drowsiness | Avoid driving, dose reduction |
| Cardiovascular | Edema, hypertension | Monitor BP, reduce salt intake |
Less Common Side Effects
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Visual disturbances
- Skin rash or photosensitivity
- Increased liver enzymes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Naproxen on an empty stomach?
It's not recommended. Always take Naproxen with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation. Taking without food increases risk of ulcers by 3-5 times.
How long does Naproxen stay in your system?
Naproxen has a half-life of 12-17 hours. It takes approximately 3-4 days to be completely eliminated from your system after your last dose.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Naproxen?
Alcohol should be avoided as it increases the risk of stomach bleeding and liver damage. If you do drink, limit to 1 unit occasionally and never binge drink.
What should I do if I take too much Naproxen?
Seek immediate medical attention if you take more than prescribed. Symptoms of overdose include severe stomach pain, vomiting, drowsiness, and breathing difficulties.
Need Effective Pain Relief with Naproxen?
If you're struggling with inflammation and pain from conditions like arthritis, back pain, or gout, our UK-registered doctors can help determine if Naproxen is the right treatment for you after a thorough online consultation.
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Medical Content Manager
Nabeel is a co-founder, and medical content manager of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Medical Doctor
Dr. Feroz is a GMC-registered doctor and a medical reviewer at Chemist Doctor. He oversees acute condition and urgent care guidance.
Medical Director
Usman is a co-founder, and medical director of Chemist Doctor. He leads the organisation's strategic vision, bridging clinical and operational priorities.
Review Date: 20 October 2025
Next Review: 20 April 2026
Published on: 20 October 2025
Last Updated: 21 October 2025
