|
HOME >>
Pharmaceuticals API List 2 >>
Naproxen >> Consumer
Information
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Naproxen CAS number 22204-53-1
WARNING: This drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal)
bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This side effect can occur without
warning at any time during treatment with naproxen. The elderly are at
increased risk for serious stomach/intestinal bleeding.
Drugs related to naproxen have rarely caused blood clots to form, resulting
in serious (possibly fatal) heart attacks and strokes. This medication might
also rarely cause similar problems. The risk of these serious side effects
may increase if you have heart disease and with longer use of this
medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks
of treatment, as well as other possible medication choices.
Stop taking naproxen and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any
of the following rare but very serious side effects: black stools,
persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds,
chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, sudden
vision changes, slurred speech.
This medication should not be used right before or after heart bypass
surgery. USES: Naproxen is used to relieve pain and swelling (inflammation)
from various conditions. It is used to treat headaches, muscle aches,
backaches, tendonitis, dental pain, and menstrual cramps. It also reduces
pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis, bursitis, and gout
attacks. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily
activities. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water
(8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do
not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. To prevent
stomach upset, take this medication with food, milk, or an antacid.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not
take more than 1,500 milligrams of naproxen (equal to 1,650 milligrams of
naproxen sodium) per day. To minimize side effect risks (e.g., stomach
bleeding), use this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest
possible length of time. Do not increase your dose or take it more often
than prescribed. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, continue taking
it as directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor or pharmacist.
In certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of
regular use before the full benefits of this drug take effect.
SIDE EFFECTS: Upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea,
constipation, headache, tiredness, drowsiness, and dizziness may occur. If
any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist
promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious
side effects occur: stomach pain, difficult/painful swallowing, swelling of
the hands/feet, sudden/unexplained weight gain, vision changes, hearing
changes (e.g., ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes (e.g., depression),
fast/pounding heartbeat, persistent/severe headache, fainting. A very
serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may
include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain
medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or
pharmacist if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening
breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs),
severe kidney disease, recent heart bypass surgery
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical
history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, poorly controlled
diabetes, stomach/intestine/esophagus problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers),
heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of heart attack),
high blood pressure, stroke, swelling (edema, fluid retention), a severe
loss of body water (dehydration), blood disorders (e.g., anemia), bleeding
or clotting problems, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).
Some naproxen products contain salt (sodium). Tell your doctor if you are on
a salt-restricted diet.
MISSED DOSE: If you are prescribed this drug on a regular schedule
(not just "as needed") and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30
degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep
all medicines away from children and pets.
|