Naproxen Tablets (250mg & 500mg)

What is Naproxen?

Naproxen tablets are a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, commonly knowns as NSAIDs. It is a short term treatment option for mild to moderate pain and inflammation caused by a number of conditions. 

You can buy Naproxen in lower doses over the counter. 

For more information read our guide to Naproxen, which explains everything you need to know.

What are Naproxen tablets used to treat?

Naproxen 500mg is usually prescribed when over the counter options such as paracetamol have failed to relieve symptoms. It is particularly effective at treating conditions where inflammation is also present.

It is used to treat the below conditions:

• Period pain 
• Arthritis
• Muscle/joint pain
• Back pain
• Gout
• Sprains and strains

Why are Naproxen tablets recommended for pain and inflammation?

Naproxen has been used to treat a variety of pain and inflammation conditions since 1976. It is considered the first-line treatment for gout, musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, swelling, and period pain.

Naproxen has been shown to be very effective at treating a number of painful conditions by blocking the production of hormones that cause pain and inflammation at the source of an injury or infection. It is also considered to be a safer option when compared to stronger painkillers, particularly opioid-based treatments.

How does Naproxen work?

Naproxen works by reducing the hormones in your body that cause pain and inflammation.

Naproxen works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that help the body produce another natural chemical called prostaglandins. As part of the body’s natural healing process, prostaglandins are responsible for causing pain and inflammation at the source of an injury.

However, this natural healing response by the body can sometimes lead to excessive production of prostaglandins and contribute to unwanted pain and inflammation in certain parts of the body. Excessive production of prostaglandins is directly linked to conditions such as arthritis, painful menstrual cramps, and heavy menstrual bleeding.

By inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, the production of prostaglandins is decreased, as a result; pain and inflammation is also reduced.

Who can take Naproxen?

Naproxen tablets are not suitable for you if:

• You are in the late stages of pregnancy
• You have had bleeding or perforation in your stomach while previously taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
• You have severe liver, kidney, or heart problems
• You have ever had, or currently have, any stomach problems, such as an ulcer or bleeding

Can you buy Naproxen tablets over the counter?

You can buy lower doses of Naproxen over the counter. However, Naproxen 500mg is a prescription-only medicine and will need to be prescribed to you by a doctor or pharmacist.

Can you buy Naproxen tablets online in the UK?

You can buy Naproxen 500mg and 250mg tablets online at Medicine Direct. You will be required to complete an online consultation where a doctor, pharmacist or prescriber will assess your condition. If you are looking to buy Naproxen online, you should always ensure that the online pharmacy you are purchasing from is a fully licensed UK regulated pharmacy. 

Naproxen alternatives

A number of alternative painkillers can be bought both on prescription and over the counter. Naproxen can be taken alongside Paracetamol if you require additional pain relief. Paracetamol may be more suitable if you are experiencing a stomach ache or headache.

Ibuprofen is also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). While it should not be used at the same time as Naproxen, it is able to relieve the same pains as this medicine.

Sources

Can NSAIDs help period pain?

Naproxen in the treatment of acute gout

Naproxen Dosage

All of our doctors and pharmacists follow the NICE guidelines when prescribing Naproxen.

The following doses are recommended for adults in the patient information leaflet. Always follow your doctor's dosage instructions. Ask them if you are not sure. 

Doses may differ for children, older people, and people with kidney problems.

How to take Naproxen Tablets

To make sure you don't suffer a stomach upset, Naproxen should be taken either with or after a meal.

Naproxen tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Naproxen side effects

Naproxen can cause irritation to the lining of the stomach and result in a gastrointestinal adverse effect, particularly in people who are taking Naproxen long term for a chronic condition.

If you have previously had or are at risk of peptic ulcer disease, a proton pump inhibitor such as Omeprazole or Lansoprazole may be prescribed to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity. 

For more information, our medical guide provides information on how to protect your stomach when taking Naproxen.

Common side effects of Naproxen include:

• Feeling confused
• Headaches
• Ringing of the ears
• Changes in vision
• Feeling sleepy or tired
• Feelings of dizziness
• Rashes

You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of these side effects bother you or do not go away.

Our Naproxen side effects guide covers more information on the side effects of this medicine. 

Naproxen Warnings

Taking Naproxen tablets with other pain relief medicine

Naproxen must not be taken with any other type of NSAID. However, it is safe to take Naproxen with paracetamol in certain circumstances.

Read our detailed guide on the differences between Naproxen, Paracetamol and Ibuprofen and if they can be taken together.

Naproxen may interact with other medicines you are taking at the same time, which can hinder its effectiveness and increase your risk of experiencing adverse effects.

Your doctor should be aware if you are currently taking any of the following medicines:

• Any other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Any medications used for heart problems
• Any medications for high blood pressure
• Any medicines for arthritis treatment, such as methotrexate
• Any steroids
• Any blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin
• Any medicines that make you urinate more frequently (diuretics)
• Any antidepressants

See the NICE website for more information on Naproxen drug interactions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding 

Unless prescribed, it is not recommended that pregnant women use this medicine, particularly if they are more than 30 weeks gone. Paracetamol is a recommended alternative to control pain during pregnancy

For more information about using Naproxen in pregnancy, visit the BUMPS (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website.

If you are currently breastfeeding, you should also tell your doctor before they prescribe you this medication. Alternative anti-inflammatory medicines may be more suitable for you to use while breastfeeding, such as ibuprofen.

Before you start using any form of painkiller, please inform your doctor if your baby was born premature, had a low birth weight, or has any other underlying medical conditions.

Naproxen and Alcohol

It is generally considered safe to drink alcohol while taking Naproxen, but this should be done so in moderation. For more information on alcohol and Naproxen, visit our guides page.

Naproxen Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Naproxen 250/500mg

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Naproxen tablets online in the UK?

How long does Naproxen last?

Naproxen will stay in your system for approximately 93.5 hours. This may seem like a very random number; however, it is calculated using the half-life of Naproxen, which is 12 to 17 hours. Typically, the body will require 5.5 half-lives to remove the active ingredient from the body. In this case, we take the half-life of Naproxen which is 12 to 17 hours and multiply it by 5.5 to get to the 93.5 hours until Naproxen is removed by the body.

Is Naproxen addictive?

Naproxen will not cause addiction, but you should not exceed the daily dose and not take it for longer than you need to.

Can Naproxen cause heart failure?

It is believed that taking NSAIDs like Naproxen can increase the risk of heart failure, although this risk is very small for most people. If you need to take high doses of Naproxen or you need to take it for a long time, speak to your doctor. An alternative medicine may be more appropriate.

Can Naproxen cause kidney failure?

Taking Naproxen may increase the risk of sudden kidney failure or progressive kidney damage. Speak to your doctor before taking Naproxen if you have any kidney problems.

Is Naproxen stronger than Ibuprofen?

Naproxen and Ibuprofen work in the same way to relieve pain and tend to have the same effects. Naproxen’s effects will last for between 8 and 12 hours, while Ibuprofen lasts for between 4 and 6 hours.

Does Naproxen affect sleep?

A side effect of Naproxen is that it can make you feel drowsy. Some people may also experience depression or dizziness while taking this medicine. Speak to your doctor if any of these side effects become serious or do not go away.

Does Naproxen raise blood pressure?

Yes, Naproxen can raise blood pressure if taken in the longer term. NSAIDs like Naproxen can also increase the risk of suffering a stroke or a heart attack. This is particularly risky if you take them in high doses.

When will I feel better?

Naproxen will normally make you feel better after about one hour of taking it. If you take it twice a day on a regular basis, it may take up to three days for this medicine to work properly.

Can I take Naproxen for a long time?

Naproxen should be taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. This medicine can cause gut or stomach ulcers if taken in high doses over a long period. Prolonged use in high doses can also increase the risk of kidney failure and heart failure.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

It is safe to drink a moderate amount of alcohol while using Naproxen. You may irritate your stomach if you consume a large amount of alcohol.

Is Naproxen a painkiller or a muscle relaxant?

Naproxen is a painkiller, although it can be used to relieve muscular pain and inflammation.