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Naproxen

Also called: Naproxen Sodium

- Summary
- About naproxen
- Types and differences
- Conditions treated
- Conditions of concern
- Potential side effects
- Drug or other interactions
- Symptoms of overdose
- Pregnancy use issues
- Child use issues
- Elderly use issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
David Slotnick, M.D.
Vikas Garg, M.D., MSA

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Conditions treated with naproxen

Many conditions can be treated with naproxen. Over-the-counter naproxen may be used to treat conditions including:

Headache, including tension headache and migraine
Minor arthritic or other joint pain
Backaches
Menstrual pain
Muscle aches
Toothaches
Common colds
Fever

In addition, a physician may prescribe naproxen to treat more significant pain associated with conditions such as:

Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Tendinitis and bursitis

Naproxen may also be used to help relieve pain associated with childbirth, surgery or dental work.

In addition, research has linked regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a class that includes naproxen, to reduce risk of some cancers and benign prostatic hyperplasia. For more information, and for a more extensive list of conditions treated by these drugs, see NSAIDs.

Conditions of concern with naproxen

Patients should not take naproxen if they have a history of asthma or nasal polyps caused by taking aspirin. Other conditions that may prohibit or limit use of naproxen include:

Peptic ulcer disease
Bleeding disorder or blood cell disorder
Kidney damage, including that caused by lupus, sickle cell anemia or diabetes
Diminished liver function
History of high blood pressure or heart failure
Allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs
History of gastrointestinal disease
History of fluid retention

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Review Date: 02-09-2007

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