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Naprosyn
( naproxen )
250 mg round, light yelow tablet
375 mg peach, capsule-shaped
tablet
500 mg light yellow,
capsule-shaped tablet
Purpose
To reduce inflammation; to reduce pain.
Indications
For anti-inflammatory action and
pain relief.
Dosage
One tablet two or three times a
day. Maximum recommended dosage is 1,000 mg a day.
Side effects
Gastrointestinal side effects,
with irritation of the stomach lining, are the most common and include
nausea, indigestion, and heartburn. Skin rash and other allergic problems
are very rare. Fluid retention has been reported in a few individuals.
Hospitalization for gastrointestinal bleeding is required in approximately
1% of patients taking full doses for one year.
Special hints
Naprosyn has an advantage over
some drugs in this class by having a longer half-life, thus, you do no have
to take as many tablets. Each tablet lasts from eight to twelve hours. it is
one of the most popular of the dugs of this class. Generic Naproxen is now
available since the original naproxen patent has expired, and is much less
expensive. An enteric coated (EC) Naprosyn is now available as well and may
help prevent stomach upset.
In general, aspirin should be avoided, since it interferes with Naprosyn in
some individuals. If you notice fluid retention, reduce your salt and sodium
intake, and discuss a change in medication with your doctor. If you have
stomach irritation, try taking the tablets on a full stomach or after
antacids. Although absorption may be slightly decreased, you may be more
comfortable overall.
Over-the-counter Naproxen ( Aleve )
In late 1993 the Food and Drug Administration approved naproxen for
nonprescription use in a smaller ( 200 mg ) tablet size, adding a fourth
over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to the previously available
acetaminophen ( Tylenol ), aspirin, and ibuprofen ( Advil ). this drug will
be more effective in some individuals, and its longer half-life means that
it only needs to be taken every eight to twelve hours. You should not take
more than three tablets in twenty-four hours ( people over age 65 should not
exceed two tablets ) except on your doctor's recommendation. as with
ibuprofen, we believe that most arthritis patients should be using the
prescription drug under a doctor's supervision rather than the
over-the-counter version. |
