Naproxen Tablets

Follow the instructions given by your clinician and the patient information leaflet.

• Take naproxen with or just after food, to help protect your stomach.
• Naproxen is typically taken two or three times per day. The dose will vary depending on the condition being treated.
• If you are taking Naproxen tablets, do not crush or chew them. Swallow them whole with water.
• When taking the suspension, shake the liquid well to mix it evenly before use.
• The recommended dose for rheumatoid arthritis is 500mg-1g a day, to be taken in two doses at twelve hourly intervals.
• To treat gout, you should take an initial dose of 750mg, followed by 250mg every eight hours until the attack has passed.
• For painful periods, or muscle and bone disorders, take an initial dose of 500mg, followed by 250mg every 6-8 hours. After the first day, you can take up to 1250mg per day.
• Use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time you need it, to reduce the risk of side effects.

Common side effects can include:

• Bleeding from the stomach or intestines
• Hypertension
• Liver damage
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches, dizziness or feeling tired
• Asthma attacks
• Bloating or stomach pain
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

If you suffer any serious or prolonged side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Stop taking naproxen and get medical help straight away if you have signs of bleeding in your stomach (such as black, tar-like poo or vomiting blood), shortness of breath, swelling in your ankles or legs, blood in your pee, or an allergic reaction such as a swollen throat or tongue or difficulty breathing.

• Always inform your doctor of any underlying medical or allergic conditions you experience.
• Inform your doctor of any prescription medication you are currently using, especially blood thinners such as warfarin, steroids, antidepressants, diuretics, blood pressure medicines or methotrexate.
• Inform your doctor of your pregnancy or breastfeeding status before taking Naproxen. Naproxen is usually avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
• Do not take Naproxen if you have liver, kidney or heart conditions without your doctor's approval.
• Do not take naproxen if you have had an allergic reaction to naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin or another NSAID, or if you have a stomach ulcer or have had one before.
• Do not take naproxen at the same time as other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, as this increases the risk of stomach ulcers.
• Speak to your clinician first if you have asthma, a blood clotting problem, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or have had a stroke.

The active ingredient in each tablet is naproxen, either 250mg or 500mg depending on the strength.

The inactive ingredients can vary between manufacturers, so check the patient information leaflet supplied with your tablets. They may include Maize starch, Purified talc, Methacrylic acid-ethylacrylate copolymer, Lactose, Xanthan gum, Titanium dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Crospovidone, Propylene glycol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium hydroxide, Triethyl citrate, Sodium citrate, Hydroxypropyl cellulose, and Beeswax. These tablets contain lactose, so speak to your clinician first if you have an intolerance to some sugars.