Naprosyn is a Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation. This multipurpose drug can give fast-acting and long-lasting relief in cases of acute and chronic pain. 

However, as it is an NSAID, its long-term safety, possible side effects, and uses are a concern to many. This nearly “all-in-one” sounds too good to be true. So, are there any downsides to this supreme painkiller, and how can you use it safely? Continue reading to learn all these details about Naprosyn, including its uses, dosage, effectiveness, side effects, and warnings. 

Naprosyn indications and uses

Naprosyn is mainly used to relieve mild-to-medium pain, ranging from mild headaches to major Arthritis pain. It is available in two forms, the higher strengths are prescription while the lower strength is available over-the-counter. 

Prescription Naproxen (Naprosyn) can also alleviate pain caused by conditions like Osteoarthritis.  On the other hand, OTC Naproxen can relieve headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and even fevers. Some of these Naprosyn uses are FDA-approved, while others are off-label yet widely accepted by doctors. 

Naprosyn is FDA-approved for:

  • Acute gout
  • Primary dysmenorrhea
  • Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Pain
  • Ankylosing spondylitis

Its off-label uses are:

  • Treating acute migraine
  • Migraine prophylaxis
  • Preventing chronic migraine

How does Naprosyn work

Naprosyn works by reducing hormone-like substances Prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain and inflammation. It is a non-selective NSAID, which means it blocks both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes responsible for Prostaglandin production. 

COX-1 is the enzyme that healthily maintains the gut lining, while COX-2 enzymes control pain signaling and inflammation. As Naprosyn blocks both, it results in its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects along with some gastrointestinal side effects. 

Naprosyn vs Naproxen: Is there a difference

Many people get confused between Naprosyn and Naproxen as sometimes the two are prescribed and mentioned interchangeably for generic uses like headaches or even serious conditions like Arthritis. 

Actually, Naprosyn and Naproxen are the same. Naprosyn generic name is Naproxen.  So, if you are prescribed Naprosyn, the active ingredient is Naproxen. Both work the same way and have the same impact. The only difference is that generic Naprosyn can be cheaper. Moreover, Naproxen can also be available in salt form, known as Naproxen sodium. It is absorbed faster than the base form Naproxen and is available without a prescription. 

How long does Naprosyn take to work

Naprosyn takes about one hour to show effect and for you to feel better. However, if you take it twice a day, it can take three days for the medicine to work properly. It is a long-lasting painkiller that lasts eight to twelve hours. 

Naprosyn dosage

The right dosage of Naprosyn depends upon your age and need. Usually, your doctor can adjust the dosage according to the requirement. The recommended dosage for some of the conditions is as follows:

ConditionDosage
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis & Ankylosing Spondylitis250 to 500 mg twice daily for adults and 5 mg/kg of body weight twice daily for children
Acute Gout750 mg of the initial dose followed by 250 mg every 8 hours until the attack is relieved
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis5 mg/kg twice a day (should be avoided for children below 50 kgs) 
Primary Dysmenorrhea, and Acute Tendonitis and BursitisInitial dose of 500mg should be followed by 250 mg of Naprosyn every 6 to 8 hours as needed
Headaches750 mg at first sign and another 250 or 500 mg dose after at least an hour
Sprain and strains500 mg initially, followed by a dose of 250 mg every 6-8 hours

How to use Naprosyn

Naprosyn comes as a liquid, regular tablet, extended-release tablet, and delayed-release tablet. When using any of these, try to take the dose at the same time every day. Shake the suspension well before use. 

Do not chew delayed or extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Also, drink water with pills and take them after a meal to avoid nausea or stomach-related side effects. 

Naprosyn side effects

A woman suffering from headache
A woman suffering from headache

Despite being a safe prescription pain reliever, Naprosyn can cause some side effects. Some of them are mild and will go away in a short time as your body adapts to the medicine. However, some side effects can be serious. So, if you feel discomfort or prolonged symptoms, immediately seek help from a doctor. 

Some of the side effects of Naprosyn are:

  • Yellowing of the skin, eyes, or blurry vision
  • Feeling sleepy, tired, dizzy, or thirsty
  • Swollen arms, legs, or glands
  • Weight gain, loss of appetite, and confusion
  • Headache, nausea, diarrhea, hoarseness, and cold or flu-like symptoms
  • Unexpected bruises, blisters
  • Stomach pain, gas, back pain
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, swallowing, sore throat, fever, and chills
  • Lightheadedness and drowsiness
  • Burning or tingling in arms and legs, ringing in the ears, hearing problems, and a fast heartbeat
  • Skin reddening, rash, itching, and hives
  • Difficult, painful, or decreased urination which is cloudy, discolored, or bloody

Naprosyn interactions

Naprosyn can interact with several medications, making them less effective or increasing the chances of adverse effects. You should not take Naprosyn with:

Medicines

Several other NSAIDs, such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen, should be avoided as they have similar side effects, and taking them together can increase the risk of side effects. You should also avoid it with medicines that treat heart problems and high blood pressure, steroids such as Prednisolone. It is also not safe with diuretics such as Furosemide and antidepressants like Citalopram. Drugs used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, like Methotrexate, or medicines that help prevent blood clots, like Warfarin or Rivaroxaban, can also interact with Naprosyn. 

Foods

There are no known interactions of food and drinks with Naprosyn. So, you can continue a normal diet until your doctor advises otherwise. However, excessive alcohol can irritate the stomach. 

Diseases

People with heart or liver problems should not take Naprosyn. It is also not recommended for people with Lupus, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and blood clotting disorders. Additionally, it is not safe for people allergic to Naprosyn or other NSAIDs. 

Warning
Higher doses of Naprosyn administered for a long time can cause adverse effects, such as ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the esophagus and stomach. To avoid these risks, it is advised to strictly adhere to the dosage and use Naprosyn for a short period. 

Naprosyn warnings and precautions

Naprosyn is a safe and effective NSAID to treat acute pain and even chronic pain caused by many conditions. However, it is unsuitable for all and may be more risky than beneficial for some people. 

You should not consume it if you:

  • Have an allergy to Naproxen, Aspirin, or other NSAIDs
  • Have or had stomach ulcers or bleeding
  • Have high blood pressure, heart, kidney, and liver failure or problems, a blood-clotting disorder, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis or Lupus
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Naprosyn alternatives

Depending upon the need and use, your doctor can consider or prescribe certain effective alternatives of Naprosyn. These include Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Diclofenac,  Naproxen sodium, and Mefenamic acid. 

Did you know?
Out of all the NSAIDs, Naprosyn (Naproxen) has the lowest risk of causing cardiovascular-related risks, events, and deaths. 

Naprosyn vs Ibuprofen

As discussed above, Ibuprofen is an alternative to Naprosyn. Many people are confused about the use, effectiveness, and which one works better. The table below summarizes the core differences between Naprosyn and Ibuprofen to help you pick the right NSAID. 

FactorsNaprosynIbuprofen
EffectivenessSimilarSimilar
Anti-inflammatory propertiesSimilarSimilar
AdministrationTaken in 8-12 hours (2-3 times a day) Taken in every 4-6 hours (4-6 times a day) 
WorksIn one hourIn 20-30 minutes
Pain relief effectivenessLongerShorter
FDA-approved usesAcute goutAnkylosing spondylitisBursitisPolyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritisTendonitisInflammatory diseasesMigraineFever reduction
Maximum adult dosage per day660 mg (OTC Naproxen) or 1500 mg (prescription for short duration) 1200 mg (OTC) or 3200 mg (prescription) 
Gastrointestinal side effectsMoreLess

Naprosyn and Ibuprofen are both NSAIDs and have similar pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Naprosyn is unavailable for OTC use, unlike Ibuprofen, but you can get OTC Naproxen instead for generic use.

Ibuprofen acts faster as it starts working in 20-30 minutes and remains effective for 4-6 hours, but Naprosyn lasts longer as it starts working in one hour and remains effective for about 12 hours. So, Naprosyn does not need frequent administration like Ibuprofen. You can buy Naprosyn 500 from WowRxPharmacy at discounted prices. 

Where to buy Naprosyn

With a doctor’s prescription, you can easily buy Naprosyn at local and trusted online pharmacies such as WowRxPharmacy. You can also buy the over-the-counter generic version of Naproxen, which is cheaper and equally effective. Buy Naprosyn 500 now for a steal deal. 

Conclusion

Naprosyn is an NSAID used to relieve pain, stiffness, or inflammation caused by conditions like Acute gout, Primary dysmenorrhea, and Arthritis. It starts working in an hour and lasts for eight to twelve hours. The usual recommended dose of Naprosyn is 500 mg twice a day or 500 mg initially, followed by 250 mg every six to eight hours. However, the dosage can vary according to your age, need, and condition. You can buy Naprosyn with a doctor’s prescription or buy the generic version (Naproxen) without a prescription. 

Naprosyn is a safe pain reliever but may cause side effects like diarrhea, blurry vision, itching, and difficulty breathing. If such symptoms persist, you should consult your healthcare professional. You should also avoid Naprosyn if you use medicines for heart problems, high blood pressure, or other NSAIDs, have an allergy to NSAIDs, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have stomach ulcers, kidney problems, etc. Follow the above-mentioned precautions and adhere to the recommended dosage for best results and long-lasting relief. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Naprosyn and Naproxen the same thing? 

Naprosyn and Naproxen are the same. Naproxen is also known as generic Naprosyn. They work the same; the only difference is that the generic drug is cheaper. However, Naproxen is also available in the salt form known as Naproxen sodium, which you can buy without a prescription. You can buy Naprosyn 500 at affordable prices from WowRxPharmacy. 

Can children take Naprosyn? 

Yes, children can take Naprosyn with a doctor’s prescription. It can be used for children as young as one month old to treat bone and muscle disorders. The right dosage depends upon the doctor’s prescription. 

Can I take Acetaminophen with Naprosyn? 

It is advised not to take Acetaminophen with Naprosyn until your doctor prescribes them together or for alternative use. If you already use either of the two, inform your doctor. Make sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor, such as dosage or possible side effects, before administration. 

Can I take Ibuprofen with Naprosyn? 

You should not take two NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Naprosyn together. Both of them have similar side effects, so taking them together can double the risk of having adverse effects like gastrointestinal problems. 

Can I take Naprosyn for fever? 

Naprosyn can be taken with a doctor’s prescription to reduce fever. You can also buy OTC Naproxen instead to reduce fever and mild pain, such as headache, muscle aches, back pain, and even a common cold. To buy Naprosyn 500 at affordable prices, visit WowRxPharmacy. 
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