Naproxen 250 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Naproxen Uses 

Naproxen is a pain-relieving medicine that belongs to the class of NSAIDs. It is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever in conditions such as: 

1. Menstrual pain 
2. Headache 
3. Toothache 
4. Muscle and Joint pain 
5. Back pain 
6. Mild to moderate body pain 
7. Fever    

Directions for use

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 

Naproxen side effects

More Common

1. Nausea 
2. Vomiting 
3. Stomach pain 
4. Heartburn 
5. Indigestion 
6. Diarrhea 
7. Dizziness 
8. Headache 
9. Drowsiness     

Less common 

1. Severe stomach pain 
2. Stomach ulcer or bleeding (black stools or blood in vomit) 
3. Skin rash or itching 
4. Swelling of face, lips, or throat 
5. Breathing difficulty 
6. Chest pain 
7. Increased blood pressure 
8. Reduced urine output (possible kidney problem)  

How Naproxen works

Naproxen works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body called prostaglandins that cause pain, swelling, and fever. By reducing these chemicals, it helps decrease pain and inflammation.

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy/Hypercreativity

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to naproxen or other NSAID painkillers. It may cause serious allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the face or throat, or breathing difficulty.

Stomach Problems

If you have a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding, use this medicine carefully as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Kidney Disease

People with kidney problems should use this medicine only after consulting a doctor as naproxen may reduce blood flow to the kidneys and worsen kidney function.

Liver Disease

Inform your doctor if you have liver problems before taking this medicine. Naproxen may affect liver function and increase liver enzyme levels.

Heart Disease

Patients with high blood pressure or heart problems should use this medicine cautiously.

Pregnancy

Avoid using this medicine during the last three months of pregnancy unless advised by a doctor.

Naproxen Interaction with other Medicines

Avoid taking Naproxen with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:

Naproxen Interaction with Food Products

Take Naproxen after food to prevent stomach irritation. Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding. 

Storage   

1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature.  
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
3. Keep away from the reach of children. 

Naproxen Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

Naproxen: (2S)-2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)propanoic acid 

Intake routine/cycle 

Daily Dose

Take Naproxen exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

Do not take more than the prescribed dose (generally not exceeding about 1000 mg per day in adults unless medically advised). Overdose may cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach bleeding, or kidney problems. Seek immediate medical help if overdose symptoms occur.

Naproxen Summary

Naproxen 250 mg is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce swelling, and lower fever. It is commonly used for menstrual pain, headache, toothache, muscle pain, joint pain (including arthritis), back pain, and pain due to injury. Naproxen works by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the body, which reduces the production of prostaglandins chemicals that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. It is usually taken after food to prevent stomach irritation and should be used only in the prescribed dose.  

Long-term or high-dose use may increase the risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding, kidney problems, or heart complications. It should be used with caution in people with stomach, kidney, liver, or heart conditions, and it is not recommended during the last trimester of pregnancy unless advised by a doctor.

FAQ’s 

What are the uses of Naproxen tablets? 

Naproxen tablets are used to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce inflammation (swelling), and lower fever. They are commonly used for menstrual pain, headache, toothache, muscle pain, joint pain (such as arthritis), back pain, and pain caused by injury. 

What is the drug class of Naproxen? 

Naproxen belongs to the class of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which help reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. 

What is the mechanism of action of Naproxen? 

Naproxen works by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which reduces the production of prostaglandins—chemicals responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever in the body. 

Is Naproxen safe during pregnancy? 

Naproxen is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it may harm the unborn baby and affect normal delivery; it should only be used if clearly advised by a doctor. 

Reference

1. PubChem. Naproxen [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from 
2. Drugs.com. Naproxen [Internet]. Drugs.com. Drugs.com; 2018. Available from 
3. Brutzkus JC, Varacallo M, Shahrokhi M. Naproxen [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from 
4. MedlinePlus. Naproxen: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019. Available from 

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.