Brand name:

Naprosyn

Generic name: Naproxen

Why is Naprosyn prescribed?

Naprosyn, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), juvenile arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (spinal arthritis), tendinitis, bursitis, and acute gout; it is also used to relieve menstrual cramps and other types of mild to moderate pain.

Most important fact about Naprosyn

You should have frequent checkups with your doctor if you take Naprosyn regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning.

How should you take Naprosyn?

Naprosyn may be taken with food or an antacid, and with a full glass of water to avoid stomach upset. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach.

If you are using Naprosyn for arthritis, it should be taken regularly; take it exactly as prescribed.

Do not break, crush, or chew an EC-Naprosyn tablet.

• If you miss a dose...
  And you take the drug on a regular schedule, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature in a well-closed container. Protect from light and extreme heat.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Naprosyn.

• Side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, bruising, constipation, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, itching, nausea, ringing in ears, skin eruptions, swelling due to fluid retention

Why should Naprosyn not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to naproxen, you should not take this drug. Also, if aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have ever given you asthma or nasal inflammation or tumors, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Naprosyn

Remember that peptic ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning. Call your doctor immediately if you suspect a problem.

Use this drug with caution if you have kidney or liver disease; it can cause liver or kidney problems in some people. Signs of a liver problem include nausea, fatigue, sluggishness, itchy spots, jaundice, and flu-like symptoms. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor immediately.

Naprosyn may prolong bleeding time. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, your doctor will prescribe Naprosyn with caution.

By reducing fever and inflammation, Naprosyn may hide an underlying condition.

This medication may cause vision problems. If you experience any changes in your vision, inform your doctor.

This drug can increase water retention. It will be prescribed with caution if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Naprosyn suspension contains a significant amount of sodium. If you are on a low-sodium diet, discuss this with your doctor.

Naprosyn may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you are sure of the drug's effect on you.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Naprosyn

If Naprosyn is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Naprosyn with the following:

ACE inhibitors such as the blood-pressure drug lisinopril

Aspirin

Beta blockers such as the blood-pressure drug atenolol

Blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin

Furosemide

Lithium

Methotrexate

Naproxen sodium

Oral diabetes drugs such as chlorpropamide and glyburide

Phenytoin

Probenecid

Sulfa drugs such as the antibiotics sulfamethoxazole

EC-Naprosyn should not be used with antacids, H₂ blockers such as cimetidine, or sucralfate.

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Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

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The effects of Naprosyn during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Naprosyn may cause certain heart conditions in the fetus. This drug may also affect labor and delivery by slowing down contractions and increasing the risk of uterine bleeding.

Naprosyn appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

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Recommended dosage for Naprosyn

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Naprosyn is available in tablet and liquid form. When taking the liquid, use a teaspoon or the measuring cup, marked in one-half teaspoon and 2.5 milliliter increments, that comes with Naprosyn suspension.

ADULTS

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Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis

The usual dose of Naprosyn is 250 milligrams (10 milliliters or 2 teaspoons of suspension), 375 milligrams (15 milliliters or 3 teaspoons), or 500 milligrams (20 milliliters or 4 teaspoons) 2 times a day (morning and evening). EC-Naprosyn is taken in doses of 375 or 500 milligrams twice a day. Your dose may be adjusted by your doctor over your period of treatment. Improvement of symptoms should be seen in 2 to 4 weeks.

Acute Gout

Starting dose of Naprosyn is 750 milligrams (30 milliliters or 6 teaspoons), followed by 250 milligrams (10 milliliters or 2 teaspoons) every 8 hours until the symptoms are relieved. EC-Naprosyn should not be used to treat gout.

Mild to Moderate Pain, Menstrual Cramps, Acute Tendinitis, and Bursitis

Starting dose is 500 milligrams (20 milliliters or 4 teaspoons of suspension), followed by 250 milligrams (10 milliliters or 2 teaspoons) every 6 to 8 hours as needed. The most you should take in a day is 1,250 milligrams (50 milliliters or 10 teaspoons). Do not take EC-Naprosyn for these problems.

CHILDREN

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Juvenile Arthritis

The usual daily dose is 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into 2 doses. Follow your doctor's directions carefully when giving a child this medicine.

The safety and effectiveness of Naprosyn have not been established in children under 2 years of age.

OLDER ADULTS

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Your doctor will probably have you take a reduced dose.

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Overdosage

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Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Naprosyn overdose may include:
  Drowsiness, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting