Naproxen

What is naproxen?

Naproxen is one of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

Naproxen may be prescribed as tablets or as a liquid. During flare-ups it can be especially helpful. It usually starts working within an hour and the effect can last up to 12 hours.

Naproxen should be taken with or after food to help reduce the chance of stomach upset. The dose and how often you take it will depend on what condition you’re being treated for, but the aim is always to use the lowest dose that controls your symptoms.

What is naproxen used for?

Naproxen is widely used to relieve pain and inflammation. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• gout
• back pain, sprains and strains.

Some people find that taking naproxen in the evening helps with night-time pain.

If naproxen doesn’t give enough relief or if you need pain relief over a longer period of time, talk to your doctor or healthcare team. They may prescribe a different NSAID or suggest combining treatments to get better control of your symptoms.

Naproxen can sometimes be taken alongside paracetamol if extra pain relief is needed.

Naproxen side effects and risks

Naproxen can sometimes cause side effects especially with long-term use. The most common are stomach-related problems such as indigestion or heartburn. If you’ve had these problems before, or if you’re likely to need them long-term, your doctor or healthcare professional may suggest ways to protect your stomach while taking naproxen.

Taking naproxen for a long period may slightly increase the risk of heart or circulation problems especially if you already have heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. For this reason, it should only be used long term under medical supervision.

Other possible side effects include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, constipation, rashes or ringing in the ears.

You should not take naproxen at the same time as another NSAID.

Find out more about other NSAIDs that are available.

Fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you’re trying for a baby, naproxen may make it harder to get pregnant. It’s not usually recommended during pregnancy and should be avoided in the last three months unless your doctor or healthcare professional says otherwise.

If you’re breastfeeding, ibuprofen is usually preferred. Naproxen may sometimes be used for a short time if your doctor or healthcare professional says it's suitable.