What is this medication for?
Naproxen belongs to the class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing a natural chemical produced in response to injury, thus relieving inflammation, swelling, and pain. Naproxen is used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile arthritis. This medication may also be used to treat symptoms of tendonitis, bursitis, acute gout, dental pain, back pain, and menstrual cramps.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Aleve® is available as:
- tablets, caplets, and gelcaps
- 220 mg (200 mg naproxen and 20 mg sodium)
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis in adults:
- The recommended dose of naproxen sodium is 275 mg to 550 mg taken twice daily.
- Extended release tablets may be taken as 750 mg to 1,500 mg once daily as directed by your doctor.
Acute gout:
- The recommended starting dose is 825 mg followed by 275 mg taken every 8 hours until the gouty attack has subsided.
- Extended release tablets may be taken as 750 mg to 1,500 mg once daily as directed by your doctor.
Mild-to-moderate pain and menstrual cramps:
- The usual recommended starting dose of naproxen sodium is 550 mg, followed by 275 mg taken every 6 to 8 hours as needed or 550 mg taken every 12 hours as needed.
- Extended-release tablets may be taken as 750 mg to 1,500 mg once daily as directed by your doctor.
Naproxen sodium can be taken with or without food. Naproxen sodium should be used at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest possible period of time needed to relieve symptoms. Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Naproxen sodium should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to naproxen or to any of the ingredients of this medication
- is planning to have or recently had open heart or bypass surgery
- has asthma, hives, or allergy-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., celecoxib, ibuprofen, diclofenac)
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