A anti-inflammatory drug :Naproxen

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is also known as an NSAID. It is used to relieve pain and inflammation in rheumatic disease, sprains, strains, backache, gout, and period (menstrual) pain.

1. Medical uses

Naproxen(CAS.NO:22204-53-1) is commonly used for the reduction of pain, fever, inflammation and stiffness caused by conditions including migraine, osteoarthritis, kidney stones, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, menstrual cramps, tendinitis and bursitis. It is also used for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

2. Mechanism of action

Naproxen works by blocking a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (also known as COX) which is involved in the production of certain irritant chemicals in response to injury or disease. By blocking the action of COX, naproxen reduces the symptoms of pain and inflammation.


Some forms of naproxen have a special enteric coating to help protect your stomach against irritation. There is also a modified-release form of tablets which allows naproxen to be released slowly to give a more even pain-relieving effect. Naproxen can be used alone, or alongside medicines such as misoprostol or esomeprazole which help protect against stomach irritation.

3. How to store naproxen

*Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

*Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

4. Dosing

The usual adult dose for pain is 250 every 6 to 8 hours or 500 mg twice daily using regular naproxen tablets. The usual dose for Naprelan controlled release tablets is 750 to 1000 mg given once daily. For EC-Naprosyn, the usual dose is 375-500 mg twice daily.

Naproxen should be given with food to reduce upset stomach. The dose for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis is 500 to 1000 mg every 12 hours. Dysmenorrhea is treated with 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours after an initial dose of 500 mg.

5. Warning


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including naproxen) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. The risk may be greater if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes), or with longer use. This drug should not be taken right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).