Naproxen

Naproxen is used as a treatment to relieve pain from various conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, tendonitis, dental pain, and menstrual cramps. It also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and gout attacks.

Naproxen belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. NSAIDs are a type of medications that work by blocking your body’s production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation.

Naproxen is available under the following different brand names: Aleve, EC Naprosyn, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, Naprosyn, Naprox Sodium, Naproxen EC, Naproxen SR, Naprelan, and Menstridol.

Dosages of Naproxen:

Adult and pediatric:

Tablet

• 220 mg (over the counter)
• 250 mg
• 275 mg
• 375 mg
• 500 mg
• 550 mg

Tablet delayed release

• 375 mg
• 500 mg

Tablet, extended-release

• 375 mg
• 500 mg
• 750 mg

Capsule

• 220 mg

Oral Suspension

• 25 mg/ml

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Adult Dosage Considerations

Pain

• 500 mg orally initially, then 250 mg orally every 6-8 hours or 500 mg orally every 12 hours as needed, not to exceed 1250 mg/day naproxen base on day 1, subsequent daily doses should not exceed 1000 mg naproxen base.
• Extended-release 750-1000 mg orally every day, may temporarily increase to 1500 mg/day if tolerated well and clinically indicated.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis

• 500-1000 mg/day orally divided every 12 hours, may increase to 1500 mg/day if tolerated well for a limited time.

Dysmenorrhea

• 500 mg orally initially, then 250 mg orally every 6-8 every hour or 500 mg orally every 12 hours (long-acting formula), not to exceed 1250 mg/day on the first day, subsequently does should not exceed 1000 mg/day naproxen base.

Gout, Acute

• 750 mg orally initially, followed by 250 mg every 8 hours until attach subsides
• Extended-release 1000-1500 mg every day, followed by 1000 mg every day until the attack subsides

Migraine (Off-label)

• 750 mg orally initially, may give additional 250-500 mg if necessary, not to exceed 1250 mg in 24 hours

Pediatric Dosage Considerations

Pain

• Over 2 years
• Cancer pain (off-label): 5-7 mg/kg orally every 8-12 hours, not to exceed 1000 mg per day.
• Over 12 years
• 500 mg orally initially, then 250 mg orally every 6-8 hours or 500 mg orally every 12 hours as needed, not to exceed 1250 mg per day naproxen base on day 1, subsequent daily doses should not exceed 1000 naproxen base.
• Extended-release: 750-1000 mg orally each day; may temporarily increase to 1500 mg/day if tolerated well and clinically indicated

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

• Over 2 years
• 10 mg/kg/day oral suspension orally divided every 12 hours, not to exceed 15 mg/kg per day