Naproxen Dosage - Everything You Need To Know

Naproxen Dosage - Everything You Need To Know

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You’ve probably heard of Naproxen if you’re seeking pain reliever tablets. This widely prescribed anti-inflammatory medication is used to treat a variety of ailments,

including menstrual cramps/period pain, arthritis, bursitis, gout, tendonitis, and various musculoskeletal disorders. Naproxen works by reducing pain, swelling, inflammation, and fever, but how much should you take?

When it comes to taking Naproxen (or any other medicine), it's critical to get the dosage right to ensure that your pain is effectively controlled and that you don't experience any undesired side effects.

We've put up this Naproxen dosage guide so you can learn more about how to use this pain reliever properly.

We'll also go over whether there are any drugs that interact with Naproxen and whether you may drink alcohol while taking it, as well as how safe Naproxen is to use.

Understanding Naproxen

Naproxen belongs to a drug class called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.

These enzymes produce prostaglandins at the site of injury, causing pain, inflammation, fever, and swelling.

By inhibiting COX enzymes, it reduces the level of prostaglandins and alleviates symptoms related to various inflammatory conditions. 

Naproxen is available in the form of:

  • ✅ Over-the-counter (OTC)
  • ✅ Prescription-strength options
  • ✅ Immediate-release tablets
  • ✅ Extended-release tablets
  • ✅ Liquid suspensions

Why is it critical to get the Naproxen dosage correct?

It is not recommended to take the incorrect Naproxen dosage for any reason.

If you take more Naproxen than you need, you increase your risk of experiencing negative side effects and the potential health hazards that come with using high doses of Naproxen (particularly on your stomach).

Taking a Naproxen dose that is too low for you and your condition could result in your pain and inflammation not being adequately treated or reduced.

Always follow your pharmacist's or doctor's instructions when using this (or any other) medication. The course of treatment and dosage that is prescribed for you will be listed on your prescription and on the label of your pharmaceutical box.

If you have any questions regarding how to take Naproxen or what dosage you should take, please contact us or your doctor for assistance.

What's the difference between the different Naproxen dosages?

Naproxen doses are available in a variety of strengths and are used to treat a variety of diseases and health issues (ranging from 250mg to 750mg strength tablets).

Naproxen 250 mg and Naproxen 500 mg tablets are available at Ashcroft Pharmacy. We only provide gastro-resistant tablets to guarantee that the risk of stomach-related adverse effects is as low as possible.

Naproxen 250 mg

If you require a lower dose, you can buy Naproxen tablets online at a dosage of 250mg.

Naproxen 250mg tablet is a lower dose and is best for elderly people and patients with kidney, heart, or liver problems. The lower dose in these people provides relief and prevents kidney damage and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Moreover, Naproxen 250mg is suitable for various conditions such as muscle aches, dental pain, tendonitis, cramps, and headaches, as well as arthritis, bursitis, and gout attacks, which cause inflammation and stiffness.

Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend naproxen 500mg at first, then 250mg every six to eight hours as needed for illnesses and disorders like these.

Order Naproxen 250mg Tablets

Naproxen 500mg

Naproxen 500mg is best for the treatment of severe conditions such as arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The doctor may adjust the frequency based on your condition.

Take it with food or milk to prevent stomach irritation, cardiovascular risks, kidney problems, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

The usual dose for ankylosing spondylitis and arthritis is between 500mg and 1000mg daily in one or two doses. The usual dose for gout attacks is 750mg, followed by 250mg every eight hours until the attack is over.

Naproxen Dosage overview for Pain Relief

1. Naproxen Dosage for Arthritis and Gout

For arthritis
  • ❇️ Oral suspension: 10 ml, 15 ml, or 20 ml a day

  • ❇️ Naproxen sodium: 275 or 550 mg 2 times a day.

  • ❇️ Naproxen tablet: 250 mg, 350 mg, or 500 mg 2 times a day. 

  • ❇️ Naproxen controlled-release tablets: 750 mg or 1000 mg once a day. 

  • ❇️ Naproxen delayed-release tablets: 375 or 500 mg 2 times a day.
For gout treatment
  • ❇️ Naproxen tablet: 750 mg at first and then 250 mg every 8 hours until the attack is relieved.

  • ❇️ Naproxen sodium: 825 mg at first and then 275 mg every 8 hours until the attack is relieved.

  • ❇️ Naproxen controlled-release tablets: 1000 or 1500 mg once a day and then 1000 mg per day until the attack is relieved.
2. Naproxen dosage for period pain and headache
  • ❇️ Naproxen sodium: 550 mg at first and then 550 mg every 12 hours or 275 mg every 6-8 hours. 

  • ❇️ Naproxen controlled-release tablets: 1000 mg once a day.
3. Naproxen Dosage for Children

For children, the Naproxen dosage will be determined by the doctor, who will calculate the dose according to their weight. The usual dose is 5 mg per Kg of body weight 2 times a day.

4. Maximum dose of Naproxen

The maximum dose of Naproxen is 1500 mg per day, divided into multiple doses. You should not take more than 1500 mg a day as it can cause serious side effects.

Moreover, take Naproxen under medical supervision and always consult your doctor before taking higher doses. 

 

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Is it safe to drink alcohol when taking naproxen?

If you're wondering if you can drink alcohol while taking Naproxen, the answer is yes.

Alcohol and Naproxen do not interact in any way that is harmful to your health. However, it is recommended that you consume only a moderate amount of alcohol. Excessive amounts of alcohol, when used with Naproxen, might irritate the stomach and worsen gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach upsets, discomfort, and nausea.

Some persons who take Naproxen may feel dizziness or weariness as a side effect, which can be exacerbated by excessive drinking.

Interactions with Naproxen

Naproxen pills may interact with other medications, affecting how effectively any other medications you're taking work (as well as how well Naproxen works).

These interactions can also make it more likely that you will experience adverse effects, as well as make them more severe.

If you're taking or planning to take any of the following medications, don't take Naproxen.

  • ✅ Aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac are examples of anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • ✅ Heparin or warfarin, for example, are blood thinners or anticoagulants.

  • ✅ Prednisolone or dexamethasone are corticosteroids.

  • ✅ Furosemide and other diuretics ('water tablets').

  • ✅ Captopril, ramipril, or propranolol, as well as losartan or candesartan, are used to treat high blood pressure.

  • ✅ Lithium.

  • ✅ NSAIDs should not be taken with mifepristone (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Naproxen) 8-12 days after mifepristone administration.

  • ✅ Antidepressants such as citalopram and fluoxetine are SSRIs (short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

  • ✅ Tacrolimus or cyclosporin

  • ✅ Zidovudine

  • ✅ Antibiotics using quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin

  • ✅ Methotrexate

  • ✅ Probenecid

  • ✅ Alendronic acid, for example, is a bisphosphonate.

  • ✅ To avoid interference with absorption, use Naproxen one hour before or four to six hours after taking colestyramine.

  • ✅ Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides

  • ✅ Phenytoin and other hydantoins

  • ✅ Sulphonamides, such as sulfamethoxazole, are antimicrobials.

  • ✅ Glibenclamide and gliclazide are sulphonylureas.

Before beginning a new course of therapy, please see your doctor, especially if you are already taking medications. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether Naproxen is right for you or if you should try something else.

Naproxen and other pain medication

Although Naproxen should not be taken with other anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or aspirin (since this can harm the stomach), it can be taken with some other pain relievers.

These pain relievers can be used in conjunction with Naproxen:

  • ✅ Paracetamol
  • ✅ Codeine
  • ✅ Co-codamol
  • ✅ Tramadol
  • ✅ Morphine

Naproxen can be taken with paracetamol and opioid-type medicines (such as codeine).

It's also worth remembering that cold-and-flu medicines may contain ibuprofen or aspirin, which you should avoid taking while taking Naproxen. Anti-inflammatory gels are the same way.

If you're not sure what you can and can't take with Naproxen pills, check the ingredients or patient information for each medicine, or contact us for more information.

How long does it take for Naproxen to start working?

When it comes to how long it takes for Naproxen to function, it usually takes around an hour after taking a tablet.

You may not experience the full effects of your Naproxen dosage for up to two hours after taking it. The majority of people, however, see faster improvements.

When it comes to how long Naproxen relieves pain, it lasts for about 8-12 hours, compared to 4-6 hours for ibuprofen.

It may take up to three days for you to experience the full effects of Naproxen acting correctly in some situations (depending on your dose, course of therapy, and condition).

Is it harmful to take Naproxen?

If you're only using naproxen for short-term pain treatment, it's not harmful (normally around a few weeks or so).

Your doctor may recommend taking Naproxen for a day or two, depending on the reason you're taking it, or you may require it for longer.

Naproxen isn't normally indicated for long-term pain treatment, especially in high doses. This is due to the health concerns of using Naproxen for an extended period of time.

Naproxen can cause stomach or gut ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and other complications if taken for a long time or in heavy quantities.

These hazards are usually mitigated by taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as omeprazole, to protect your stomach.

It may also cause heart failure (with an increased risk of stroke, heart attacks, and clotting issues) and renal failure (though this is a minimal risk).

If you're taking Naproxen frequently, in big dosages, or for an extended period of time, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

They'll be able to talk to you about various pain medication solutions that will work better (and safer) for you in the long run.

Overdose of Naproxen

Naproxen, like any other medicine, can be overdosed. This may cause unwelcome and unpleasant side effects, some of which may be harmful.

That's why it's crucial to receive the proper Naproxen dose for your condition and needs.

If you forget to take a tablet and miss a dose, take it again as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next Naproxen dose, skip the missed one and continue as usual, taking your next tablet at the usual time.

Never take two doses to make up for a missed one. If you accidentally take too many Naproxen tablets, call your doctor or dial 111 for help right away.

Is it okay to take Naproxen on a daily basis?

As long as you use Naproxen for brief periods of time, it is safe to take it every day (and numerous times a day).

In fact, it's typically preferable to take it routinely (daily or twice daily) for a few days to effectively cure an acute injury like a sprain or strain.

However, unless your doctor has specifically directed you to do so, it is not recommended that you take Naproxen on a daily basis for any length of time.

If you've been using Naproxen on a daily basis for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether there's a better pain reliever for you.

How long should you take Naproxen?

The duration depends on your condition, Naproxen’s strength, and your response to the medication. Normally, for acute conditions, doctors prescribe Naproxen for a few days or weeks.

For chronic or severe conditions, you have to take Naproxen for the long term

However, prolonged use can irritate your stomach. So when the long-term use of Naproxen is required, the doctor prescribes stomach-protecting medicine such as Omeprazole or others along with Naporxen to protect your stomach.

You must take Naproxen, an anti-inflammatory painkiller, under medical supervision and always consult your doctor about its safety, risks, and effective administration. 

Is there a substitute for Naproxen?

Other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that can successfully treat inflammation and swelling can be used as a Naproxen substitute.

Diclofenac (also known as diclofenac sodium) and aceclofenac are comparable to Naproxen in terms of how they function and how effective they are.

Despite the fact that Naproxen and diclofenac have identical efficacy, doctors and pharmacists prefer Naproxen over diclofenac.

This is due to diclofenac's increased risk of negative side effects, such as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues.

Etodolac (another NSAID) is likewise comparable to Naproxen in terms of efficacy. It's approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

These naproxen-based alternatives to generic Naproxen pills are available from Ashcroft Pharmacy:

  • ❇️ Naprosyn 250mg & 500mg Tablets (the branded version of Naproxen).
  • ❇️ Vimovo MR Tablets (which contain two active ingredients: naproxen and esomeprazole).

As an alternative to Naproxen, high-strength 400mg ibuprofen pills, which is both an anti-inflammatory and painkiller, could be used.

If your discomfort is localised, you can alleviate pain and inflammation by applying ibuprofen gel to the affected area.

Other painkillers, such as aspirin or paracetamol, may be used instead of anti-inflammatories, depending on the cause and type of pain you're experiencing (which are available to buy over the counter).

You may need a prescription if you want to buy stronger drugs, such as co-codamol or codeine-based medications, or bigger doses.

Ingredients in Naproxen

Naproxen 250 mg and 500 mg Tablets contain naproxen as the active component.

Each Naproxen 250 mg tablet has 250 mg of naproxen, while each Naproxen 500 mg tablet includes 500 mg of naproxen.

Depending on the manufacturer, the additional (inactive) substances in Naproxen pills may differ. Please contact your prescriber and pharmacist if you have any allergies or intolerances, and read the patient information leaflet before using.

If you are allergic to any of the substances specified in the patient information leaflet, you should not use Naproxen.

Naproxen in Summary

Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever that is used to treat pain and inflammation caused by a variety of medical disorders (such as arthritis, gout or menstrual pain).

When it comes to using Naproxen for pain relief, it's critical to get the dosage right and follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice.

It is typically recommended that you do not take Naproxen in large doses for long periods of time. As a result, you're more likely to experience undesired and dangerous side effects, especially to your stomach and gut (such as stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding).

However, if you use Naproxen as directed, it is a very safe and effective pain and inflammation medication. It is totally fine to take Naproxen every day (and numerous times a day) for pain relief for brief periods of time.

You can buy Naproxen tablets online at Ashcroft Pharmacy in dosage of 250mg.

Simply fill out our online consultation form to order Naproxen tablets for fast-acting and efficient pain treatment. We will be able to dispatch your medication for next-day delivery once your order has been verified and approved.

Medically Reviewed by

NameMr Suhail Jamil
RoleSuperintendent Pharmacist
GPhc Number2069518
Sources

Naproxen Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/543/pil

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/naproxen/

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