Naproxen
Naproxen (Naprosyn)
Naproxen
(nah- PROX-en)
Pregnancy Category: B Apo-Naproxen EC-Naprosyn Naprosyn Napron X Naxen Novo-Naprox Nu-Naprox PMS-Naproxen (Rx)
Naproxen sodium
Naproxen sodium (Anaprox)
Naproxen
(nah- PROX-en)
Pregnancy Category: B Anaprox Anaprox DS Apo-Napro-Na Apo-Napro-Na DS Naprelan Novo-Naprox Sodium Novo-Naprox Sodium DS Synflex Synflex DS (Rx) Aleve (OTC)

Classification: Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory analgesic

See Also: See also Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs .

Action/Kinetics: Peak serum levels of naproxen: 2-4 hr; for sodium salt: 1-2 hr. t 1/2 for naproxen: 12-15 hr; for sodium salt: 12-13 hr. Onset, immediate release for analgesia: 1-2 hr. Duration, analgesia: Approximately 7 hr. Onset (both immediate and delayed release): 30 min; duration: 24 hr. Onset, anti-inflammatory effects: Up to 2 weeks; duration: 2-4 weeks. More than 90% bound to plasma protein. Food delays the rate but not the amount of drug absorbed.

Uses: Rx. Mild to moderate pain. Musculoskeletal and soft tissue inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, ankylosing spondylitis. Primary dysmenorrhea, acute gout. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (naproxen only). NOTE: The delayed-release or enteric-coated products are not recommended for initial treatment of pain because, compared to other naproxen products, absorption is delayed. Investigational: Antipyretic in cancer clients, sunburn, acute migraine (sodium salt only), prophylaxis of migraine, migraine due to menses, PMS (sodium salt only). OTC. Relief of minor aches and pains due to the common cold, headache, toothache, muscular aches, backache, minor arthritis pain, pain due to menstrual cramps. Decrease fever.

Contraindications: Simultaneous use of naproxen and naproxen sodium. Lactation. Use of delayed-release product for initial treatment of acute pain.

Special Concerns: Safety and effectiveness of naproxen have not been determined in children less than 2 years of age; the safety and effectiveness of naproxen sodium have not been established in children. Geriatric clients may manifest increased total plasma levels of naproxen.

Laboratory Test Alterations: Naproxen may increase urinary 17-ketosteroid values. Both forms may interfere with urinary assays for 5-HIAA.

Drug Interactions: Methotrexate / Possibility of a fatal interaction Probenecid / Plasma clearance of naproxen

How Supplied: Naproxen: Enteric Coated Tablet: 375 mg, 500 mg; Suspension: 25 mg/mL; Tablet: 250 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg Naproxen sodium: Gelcap: 220 mg; Tablet: 220 mg, 275 mg, 550 mg; Tablet, Extended Release: 375 mg, 500 mg

Dosage
Naproxen ?Oral Suspension, Tablets Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, pain, dysmenorrhea, acute tendinitis, bursitis.
Adults, individualized, usual: 250-500 mg b.i.d. May increase to 1.5 g for short periods of time. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, consider an additional 2-week course of therapy.
Acute gout.
Adults, initial: 750 mg; then, 250 mg naproxen q 8 hr until symptoms subside.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Naproxen only, 10 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. If the suspension is used, the following dosage can be used: 13 kg: 2.5 mL b.i.d.; 25 kg: 5 mL b.i.d.; 38 kg: 7.5 mL b.i.d.
?Delayed Release Tablets Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, pain, dysmenorrhea, acute tendinitis, bursitis.
375-500 mg b.i.d.
Naproxen sodium ?Tablets (Rx) Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, pain, dysmenorrhea, acute tendinitis, bursitis.
Adults: 275-550 mg b.i.d. in the morning and evening. May be increased to 1.65 g for short periods of time.
Acute gout.
Adults, initial: 825 mg; then, 275 mg q 8 hr until symptoms subside.
Mild to moderate pain, primary dysmenorrhea, acute bursitis and tendinitis.
Adults, initial: 550 mg; then, 275 mg q 6-8 hr as needed, not to exceed a total daily dose of 1,375 mg.
?Controlled Release Tablets Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, pain, dysmenorrhea, acute tendinitis, bursitis.
Adults: 750 mg or 1,000 mg once daily, not to exceed 1,000 mg/day.
Acute gout.
Adults: 1,000 mg once daily. For short periods of time, 1,500 mg may be given.
?Tablets (OTC)
Adults: 200 mg q 8-12 hr with a full glass of liquid. For some clients, 400 mg initially followed by 200 mg 12 hr later will provide better relief. Do not exceed 600 mg in a 24-hr period. Do not exceed 200 mg q 12 hr for geriatric clients. Not for use in children less than 12 years of age unless directed by a physician.