Naproxen Gastro-Resistant Tablets (250mg & 500mg)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Naproxen?

  Naproxen is a painkiller belonging to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other well known NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac. Naproxen is a stonger anti-inflammatory than aspirin and ibuprofen; it is thought to be similar in strength to diclofenac but carries fewer risks and side effects.

  It can be used to treat pain where there is also inflammation present such as sprains, strains and mild arthritis.

• How does Naproxen work?

  Naproxen works by blocking chemical transmitters called prostaglandins that are responsible for pain and inflammation at the site of injury.

  Prostaglandins are responsible for many different roles in the body, these include acting as pain messengers at the site of injury. Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes are important for prostaglandin production which in turn regulates pain, inflammation, platelet production and protecting the stomach.

  Naproxen and other NSAIDS are non-specific and block both cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) to reduce all prostaglandin production and therefore reduce pain and inflammation.

  Stomach irritation, due to prostaglandin reduction, is a common side effect of NSAIDSs. To combat this we supply Naproxen with a gastro-resistant coating to ensure that the tablet dissolves further down the gastrointestinal tract and not in the stomach. 

• How do I take Naproxen?

  Naproxen is normally taken at a dose of one tablet twice a day, morning and night (roughly 12 hours apart).

  The Naproxen tablets have a special coating, which ensures they don’t dissolve in the stomach but further down in the intestines. If the tablets are crushed, chewed or broken this coating will be damaged and will not work properly. This means that the contents will be absorbed in the stomach which may lead to unwanted side effects such as stomach irritation or pain.

  Take Naproxen with or after food. This doesn’t have to be a main meal, as long as it is not on an empty stomach.

  Naproxen will start to work usually within an hour and the effects will last for up to 12 hours.

  Naproxen can be taken with paracetamol to boost pain relief. It should never be taken with other anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, ibuprofen or diclofenac. For more details please contact us for free and impartial advice.

  It is best to avoid indigestion remedies at the same time as Naproxen as they can change the acid environment of the stomach. The tablet will then dissolve in the stomach where it is not intended which may lead to side effects.

• What’s the difference between Naproxen and other pain treatments?

  Naproxen 500mg tablets are a prescription-strength anti-inflammatory and painkiller. They are stronger than the over-the-counter treatments such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Naproxen and diclofenac are thought to have similar effects although Naproxen is thought to carry less risk of unwanted effects.

  Naproxen and other NSAIDs are better at inflammation and swelling compared to paracetamol. Naproxen 500mg tablets are a stronger painkiller than paracetamol, however they can be taken together when extra pain relief is required.

  Naproxen does not have the potential to be habit forming like opiate-based painkillers such as codeine.

• Is it safe to use Naproxen continuously?

  It is safe to take Naproxen as a painkiller for the length a minor injury (normally for a few weeks) on a when required basis. The effect doesn’t decrease when it is used over long periods and it is not habit forming. Naproxen can be stopped at any time without tapering or reducing the dose.

• What are the side effects?

  Most patients successfully treat their pain and inflammation using Naproxen without any side effects. The most common side effects are gastro-intestinal including stomach irritation, diarrhoea, wind, constipation, nausea and vomiting. Most of these can be avoided or reduced by taking Naproxen with or after food.

  When taking Naproxen its is important to be aware of the following points:

  The mode of action of Naproxen means that it not only blocks the production of prostaglandins used in pain and inflammation but also those responsible for protecting the stomach. It is important to recognise the need to a see a doctor if you have stomach pains, vomit blood, or have tarry/bloody stools.

  There is recent documented evidence that NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack. This side effect is considered to be rare and affect less than 1 person in 10,000. It is important to contact your doctor if you have pains in the chest and or pain running down your arm.

• How long will it take to work?

  It can take up to two hours for Naproxen to reach a full effect, however in most patients it is quicker than this. The effects usually last 7 - 12 hours.

• What should I do if I miss a dose?

  If you miss a dose then take another tablet when you remember. If a long time has passed and it’s nearly time for the next dose, do not double up to make up for the missed dose. 

• Will Naproxen affect my driving?

  Naproxen can cause drowsiness (although it is not a common side effect) and it can affect your vision. Driving or operating machinery should be avoided if either of these side effects occur.

• Can I take Naproxen during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

  Naproxen shouldn’t be taken in the first six months of pregnancy without speaking to a doctor to weigh up the risks and benefits of treatment. It is not recommended in the last three months of pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

  Babies have a hole in the heart during their development in the mother, this is normal. In the last 3 months the hole starts to heal and is completely closed when the baby is born. Naproxen and other NSAIDs can prevent the hole from healing and should not be taken in the last three months of pregnancy.

• What Naproxen is used for?

  A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Naproxen is used for reducing pain and inflammation in the body. It does this by reducing the hormones that are causing the swelling. Naproxen is frequently used to treat conditions like muscle pain, arthritis, period pain and gout.

• Can you get high from taking Naproxen?

  It should go without saying that this is not what Naproxen is supposed to be used for! Taking Naproxen does not get you high, nor does it foster reliance or addiction, in the same way that codeine sometimes can. 

• What should not be taken with Naproxen?

  Some painkillers are ok to take alongside Naproxen. These include painkillers like paracetamol and codeine. However, Naproxen should not be taken alongside other anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, as this can have a damaging effect on the stomach and intestines if taken long-term without the proper precautions.

• Is it ok to take Naproxen every day?

  Naproxen is mostly recommended for people who have short-term, non-serious injuries or pain. If you’re taking it regularly (over weeks or years), or in high doses, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or pharmacist about whether there is a more appropriate long-term pain relief solution for you. Large doses of Naproxen taken over a long period of time are associated with the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding - if you need to take Naproxen for periods exceeding two weeks, you should take a treatment, such as Omeprazole, to suppress stomach acid and thus protect your stomach lining from damage.