How should this medicine be used?
Naproxen comes as a regular tablet, an extended-release
tablet, and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken
twice a day for arthritis, every 8 hours for gout, and once a
day (extended-release tablets) or every 6-8 hours (regular
tablets) as needed for pain. Follow the directions on the
package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor
or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take
naproxen exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it
or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Liquid naproxen should be shaken well before each use to
mix the medication evenly.
If you obtained naproxen without a prescription, do not
take it for more than 3 days for fever or 10 days for pain
without talking to a doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking naproxen,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
naproxen, aspirin or other medications for pain or arthritis,
or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol),
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ('water pills'),
labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid),
medications for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate,
metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin),
probenecid (Benemid), warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamins. Do
not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using naproxen unless
directed to do so by your doctor.
* tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of
alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or
kidney disease; high blood pressure; any stomach problems; or
any other gastrointestinal disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking naproxen, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell
the doctor or dentist that you are taking naproxen.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug
affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by
this drug. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Naproxen may cause an upset stomach. Take naproxen with
food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a
double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from naproxen are not common, they
can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
* headache
* dizziness
* nervousness
* upset stomach
* stomach pain or cramps
* vomiting
* constipation
* diarrhea
* gas
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your
doctor immediately:
* bloody vomit
* bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
* ringing in the ears
* blurred vision
* swelling of hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
* skin rash
* itching
