NAPROSYN
(naproxen)
Drug Uses
An effective drug used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendonitis juvenile arthritis and acute gout, Naprosyn also gives relief to mild and moderate pain. It is also given for primary dysmenorrhea.
Brand Names
Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Prevacid NapraPAC, Anexopen, Momendol, Nopron, Nycopren-E.
How Taken
The drug comes in tablet, liquid and extended release tablet form. It is better to take Naprosyn with food or with milk to avoid stomach upset. For arthritis, the general dosage is twice a day. For gout, Naprosyn should be taken with an 8-hour gap between two doses. The extended release tablet is taken once a day or every eight hours for pain.
Missed Dose
Naprosyn should not be missed but if a dose is missed, take it if you remember it in time. If it is time for the next dose, leave the earlier missed one and continue with the regular medication. Do not go for double dose.
More Information
As Naprosyn is sensitive to sun, it is better not to expose the body to sunlight and sun lamps. If going out, apply some sunscreen lotions or creams that can protect you from the UV rays.
Alcohol should be avoided when taking the drug as it increases the risk of stomach bleeding. You have to take other medicines only after consulting your physician or it can lead to many complications. The drug also causes dizziness and so be careful when driving and doing some hard works.
Warnings/Precautions
The doctors usually go for dosage adjustments during treatment after looking into your medical history. If you are allergic to aspirin or any other NSAIDs, you have to be cautious while using Naprosyn. If you have ulcer, bleeding in the stomach, liver or heart or kidney diseases, bleeding disorder, high blood pressure, you have to be careful when using the drug.
As Naprosyn is in the FDA pregnancy category B, which means that studies have not shown a fatal risk but only shown a decrease in fertility that has not been confirmed in controlled studies in women in the first trimester. It is better not to take the drug in the third trimester of pregnancy. As Naprosyn passes into breast milk, do not feed the babe when taking the drug.