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Naproxen

Brand names: Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox

Naproxen is an NSAID that relieves pain, swelling, and fever. Each dose lasts longer than ibuprofen.

Brand namesAleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox
Type of medicineNSAID (pain reliever)
Prescription?Both prescription and over the counter
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It blocks chemicals called prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling.

What it's used for

  • Muscle aches, back pain, toothache, and menstrual cramps
  • Arthritis pain and swelling
  • Gout flares
  • Fever

How to take it

  • Take it with food or milk.
  • Follow the label. Don't use over-the-counter naproxen for pain longer than 10 days or fever longer than 3 days unless a provider says to.
  • Don't give it to children under 12 unless a provider says to.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Heartburn or upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
Call 911Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side, or slurred speech
Call 911Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Call 911A blistering, peeling, or widespread red rash, especially with fever
Call your provider todayBlack or bloody stools
Call your provider todayPeeing much less, or swelling in the legs

Warnings

  • NSAIDs raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding. Ask a provider first if you have heart disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or are over 60.
  • Don't use right before or after heart bypass surgery.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Don't combine with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin for pain.
  • Blood thinners, steroids, and SSRIs raise bleeding risk.
  • It can weaken blood pressure medicines and raise lithium and methotrexate levels.
  • Alcohol raises the risk of stomach bleeding.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later unless your provider says to. Ask before using it at any point in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

This medicine is often taken only when needed. If you take it on a schedule, take a missed dose when you remember, unless it's almost time for the next one. Don't double up.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.