Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. Although commonly available over-the-counter for adults, it is generally not the first choice for routine pediatric pain or fever management. If administered to children, it must be done under strict medical supervision, and parents must consult a pediatrician first.
Regulatory Status and Age Restrictions
OTC naproxen sodium, often sold as Aleve, is typically approved for adolescents 12 years of age or older. Dosage guidelines for this age group generally follow those for adults. The medication should not be given to children under 12 unless explicitly directed by a healthcare provider.
For younger children, Naproxen is only available by prescription. The FDA has approved prescription formulations, such as oral suspension, for use in children two years of age and older. Since safety and efficacy are not established for children under two, the drug is generally contraindicated for infants. Prescribed dosing is highly precise, based on the child’s body weight and calculated in milligrams per kilogram.
Medical Conditions Treated with Naproxen in Children
Doctors choose Naproxen over Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen when a condition requires a longer-acting anti-inflammatory effect. Naproxen has a longer half-life, allowing for a convenient twice-daily dosing regimen suitable for managing chronic pain. This sustained action benefits inflammatory disorders that require consistent medication levels.
The primary condition for which Naproxen is prescribed is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), a chronic inflammatory disease. The standard total daily dose for JIA is often 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, divided into two doses. Naproxen is also used to treat inflammatory musculoskeletal injuries and severe primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) in older adolescents.
Essential Safety Warnings and Administration Risks
Naproxen requires careful administration due to potential serious adverse effects, making precise dosing paramount. Pediatric dosing must be strictly weight-based. Parents should never attempt to calculate a dose or use an adult formulation. Taking more than the prescribed amount or using the drug longer than recommended significantly increases the risk of dangerous side effects.
One concerning risk is the potential for gastrointestinal (GI) damage, including stomach irritation, ulcers, and bleeding. This risk is heightened with long-term use and can occur without warning symptoms. Parents should watch for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or black, tarry stools. These are signs of GI bleeding and require immediate medical attention.
Naproxen, like other NSAIDs, can impact kidney function, especially if the child is dehydrated. Since the kidneys clear the drug from the body, Naproxen is not recommended for children with severe renal impairment. Adequate hydration is necessary during treatment to minimize the risk of acute kidney injury.
The medication may interact with other drugs, including other NSAIDs, blood thinners, or certain high blood pressure medications. Combining Naproxen with other NSAIDs, even topical ones, should be avoided to prevent accidental overdose and amplified side effects. In rare cases, Naproxen can trigger severe allergic reactions, such as hives, facial swelling, or wheezing. Any sign of an allergic reaction or difficulty breathing should be treated as a medical emergency.