Naproxen is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often taken to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It can also help manage fever. Understanding the correct dosage of naproxen is important for both its effectiveness and safety.
Understanding Naproxen Dosages
Naproxen is available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription strengths, with distinct dosing guidelines for each. OTC naproxen is commonly found as 220 mg tablets, while prescription forms come in higher strengths like 250 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg, and 550 mg. The specific dosage depends on whether it’s an OTC product or a prescription, and the condition being treated.
For adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, the typical OTC naproxen sodium dosage is one 220 mg tablet every 8 to 12 hours. An initial dose of two 220 mg tablets (440 mg) can be taken within the first hour for faster relief. Subsequent doses should be limited to one 220 mg tablet. OTC naproxen should not be used for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without consulting a healthcare professional.
Prescription dosages of naproxen are determined by a healthcare provider, considering the individual’s specific medical condition and overall health. These stronger formulations are used for conditions like various forms of arthritis, acute gout attacks, and severe pain. For instance, treatment for arthritis might involve 250 mg to 550 mg taken twice daily, while acute pain might begin with 500 mg followed by 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours. These prescribed dosages should never be adjusted without medical guidance.
Administering naproxen to children always requires a doctor’s prescription and precise dosing instructions. OTC naproxen is not recommended for children under 12 years old. For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a common approach involves a liquid suspension dosed at 10 mg per kilogram of body weight, divided into two equal doses taken 12 hours apart for children over 5 years old.
Important Safety Considerations
Taking naproxen safely requires an understanding of its potential effects and interactions. Certain individuals should avoid naproxen due to existing health conditions that could be worsened by the medication. People with a history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or a perforation in the stomach should not use naproxen. Individuals with severe kidney or liver disease, as well as those with specific heart conditions such as recent heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, are also typically advised against its use.
Naproxen is contraindicated during the late stages of pregnancy (the third trimester) due to potential risks to the unborn baby. Anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs should also avoid naproxen due to the risk of cross-sensitivity.
Common mild side effects of naproxen can include stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, gas, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and ringing in the ears. Taking the medication with food or milk can often help mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort. While these side effects are usually not severe, they indicate the body’s response to the drug.
More serious side effects, though less common, can occur and warrant immediate attention. These include an increased risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers, which can sometimes happen without warning signs. There is also a potential for cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, particularly with prolonged use or higher doses. Kidney problems, evidenced by reduced urine output or swelling, and liver issues, which might manifest as yellowing of the skin or eyes, are also serious concerns.
Naproxen can interact with other medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse effects.
- It can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs.
- Combining naproxen with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, is not advised due to increased risk of side effects, especially gastrointestinal issues.
- Certain blood pressure medications, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs, may become less effective, and the risk of kidney problems can increase.
- Naproxen can interact with some antidepressants (SSRIs) and oral steroids, raising the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- It can increase the levels of drugs like lithium and methotrexate in the body.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional is important when taking naproxen. If pain or fever persists beyond the recommended duration for OTC use, or if symptoms worsen, seek medical guidance. Any new or unusual symptoms while taking naproxen should also prompt a discussion with a doctor.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if signs of serious side effects appear. These include:
- Severe stomach pain, black or tarry stools, or vomiting that resembles coffee grounds, indicating internal bleeding.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising, swelling in the face, fingers, or lower legs, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath.
- Symptoms such as chest pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech, which could signal a heart attack or stroke.
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, also warrant immediate medical intervention. Additionally, if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusually dark urine, these could be indicators of liver problems. Reduced urination or significant swelling might point to kidney issues.
It is also important to consult a doctor before starting naproxen if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are currently taking other medications. Always seek professional medical advice for all pediatric dosages, as they are weight-based and require precise calculation. In the event of a suspected overdose, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, or kidney failure, contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical help immediately.