naproxen non-prescription
Over-the-counter naproxen sodium (Aleve) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be taken by adults and children ages 12 years and older to ease minor aches and pains, and to relieve fever. Naproxen sodium (Aleve) works by blocking certain proteins in the body that cause inflammation and pain. Naproxen sodium (Aleve) is taken by mouth, typically every 6 to 8 hours. Common side effects of this medication include stomach upset, dizziness, headache. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) because doing so can worsen gut-related side effects.
What is Naproxen sodium (Aleve)?
What is Naproxen sodium (Aleve) used for?
- Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due:
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Menstrual cramps
- Common cold
- Lower fever
How Naproxen sodium (Aleve) works
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It lowers inflammation, pain, and swelling by blocking proteins in your body called cyclooxygenase or COX.
Drug facts
Side effects of Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Stomach bleeding: vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness; pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Heart failure: trouble breathing, swelling, sudden weight gain, fast heartbeat
- Stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech
- Kidney problems: tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps
- Liver problems: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark or brown urine
- Allergic reaction or skin reaction: hives, rash, skin reddening, blisters, peeling skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
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The following Naproxen sodium (Aleve) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Increase in blood pressure
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Round red or dark patches on the skin that may itch, burn, and blister
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
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Pros and cons of Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
Pros
- Works well for treating pain and inflammation
- Available over the counter (OTC) and as a lower-cost generic
- Effects last longer than other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
Cons
- OTC naproxen is only available as a tablet
- Can raise your risk for bleeding
- Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
Pharmacist tips for Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- You can take naproxen sodium (Aleve) with or without food. But stomach-related side effects, such as stomach pain and irritation, are common, so it's best take it with food or milk to help ease or prevent these from happening.
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve) is only meant to help with pain temporarily. Stop taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) and contact your primary care provider (PCP) if your pain worsens after you start this medication, or if it lasts for more than 10 days. Your PCP can help you figure out what might be causing the pain and discuss more appropriate treatment options.
- If you're taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) for fever and your fever lasts for 3 days or longer, let your healthcare team know. This might be a sign of a serious infection that needs more medical attention.
- Taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) can raise the risk of stomach bleeding or ulcers. Tell your prescriber right away if you experience unexplained vomiting or stomach pain, or blood in your vomit or stool because you'll need more medical care.
- It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking naproxen sodium (Aleve). Doing so can raise your risk for stomach bleeding and other stomach-related side effects. If you drink alcohol regularly and it's difficult for you to stop, talk with your healthcare team. They can recommend resources to help you stop drinking, or they can discuss other alternative options to help with your condition.
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve) might raise your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, your healthcare provider might ask you to check your blood pressure at home more often. If needed, they might make changes to your blood pressure medications.
- Never take naproxen sodium (Aleve) with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Doing so puts you at higher risk for stomach bleeds, stroke, and heart attack. Make sure to carefully check the manufacturer's label for over-the-counter pain and cold medications because they might contain NSAIDs. Ask a healthcare professional if you're not sure whether you're already taking a medication with an NSAID.
- If you're taking aspirin for your heart, make sure to ask your prescriber if it's safe for you to also take naproxen sodium (Aleve). Taking both medications together raises your risk for side effects.
- Ask your healthcare provider whether it's safe to use naproxen sodium (Aleve) if you're allergic to aspirin. There's a chance you could be allergic to naproxen sodium (Aleve) as well.
- Over-the-counter naproxen only comes as a tablet. Don't use naproxen sodium (Aleve) if you have trouble swallowing. Ask your pharmacist or primary care provider for recommendations of other medications you can take instead.
- If you're breastfeeding, discuss with your healthcare team about the risks and benefits of taking naproxen sodium (Aleve). Limited research shows that naproxen sodium (Aleve) can get into breastmilk. This means there might be a small risk of harm to the breastfed baby.
Common questions about Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
Yes, naproxen sodium (Aleve) is an anti-inflammatory medication. It can help with pain and inflammation.
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) isn't technically a blood thinner because it can't prevent blood clots. But because of how it works in the body, naproxen sodium (Aleve) can make it more difficult for your blood to clot. As a result, taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) raises the risk of bleeding. If you're already taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin), let your healthcare team know. They might ask you to avoid taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) or other NSAIDs at the same time because doing so might put you at higher risk for bleeding.
If you're taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) for pain, your symptoms might start to improve about 30 to 60 minutes after a dose. But it can take about 4 hours before you experience the full effects of this medication. Talk to a healthcare provider if you're concerned with how well naproxen sodium (Aleve) is working for you.
No. While both OTC naproxen and ibuprofen are NSAIDs, they're not the same. One difference is how often you take them. OTC naproxen is typically taken by mouth every 8 to 12 hours, while OTC ibuprofen is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Another difference is age cut-offs. OTC naproxen is for adults and children ages 12 years and older, while OTC ibuprofen comes in an infant formulation that can be given to children ages 6 months and older who weigh 12 pounds or more. Talk to your healthcare professional (HCP) if you have questions about the differences between naproxen and ibuprofen.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) doesn't have any known interactions with naproxen sodium (Aleve). Sometimes, HCPs might recommend both medications together for people who need additional pain relief. But acetaminophen (Tylenol) might not be a good add-on option for everyone because this medication can raise the risk for liver damage. Check with your healthcare team to see if you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) with naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Yes, naproxen sodium (Aleve) can treat headaches. But whether it's a good choice for your headache depends on what's causing your symptoms and what other health conditions you have. For example, if you have migraines fairly often, your HCP might caution against taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) for pain relief each time because doing so might lead to rebound headaches. In this case, your HCP might ask you to consider a medication to prevent migraines instead. Before you take naproxen sodium (Aleve), check whether your HCP to see if it's an appropriate option for you.
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) can be taken every day for minor arthritis pain for up to 10 days. But if your pain gets worse after starting naproxen sodium (Aleve), or if it lasts more than 10 days, stop taking this medication and contact a healthcare provider (HCP); these might be signs you need more medical attention. Your HCP can examine you to learn more about your symptoms and triggers, and what other treatments you've already tried. This information can help your healthcare team figure out what type of arthritis you have and recommend an appropriate treatment.
Don't take naproxen sodium (Aleve) during pregnancy without first talking with your obstetrician gynecologist (OB-GYN). More research is needed to understand whether naproxen sodium (Aleve) is safe to take during the first half of pregnancy. But you should avoid taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) in the second half of pregnancy (20 weeks or later) because doing so can cause harm to your unborn baby. Talk with your OB-GYN if you've questions about what pain medication is appropriate during pregnancy.
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Risks and warnings for Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Stomach bleeding
- Risk factors: Older adult | History of stomach bleeding or bleeding problems | Liver problems | Taking other medications that raise your risk of bleeds | Drinking alcohol | Smoking | Taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) for a long time
Naproxen sodium (Aleve), like all NSAIDS, raises your risk for stomach ulcers (sores) and bleeds. Stomach bleeding can happen at anytime during treatment; it's a dangerous side effect that requires treatment right away. Often times, people who have stomach bleeds don't experience any symptoms. Make sure to tell your healthcare professional (HCP) or pharmacist about all of your conditions and medications before starting naproxen sodium (Aleve) so they can talk with you about your risk for stomach bleeding. If you're feeling faint, vomiting blood, have bloody or dark stools, or have severe stomach pain or discomfort that doesn't go away while taking naproxen sodium (Aleve), seek medical attention right away.
Heart attack and stroke
- Risk factors: Heart problems | Taking higher doses of naproxen sodium (Aleve) | Taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) for a long time | Past or planned heart surgery
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) might raise your risk of having blood clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. To lower your risk of blood clots and heart problems, your HCP will prescribe naproxen sodium (Aleve) for the shortest time needed to treat your condition. If you have heart problems, talk to your HCP before starting this medication. Don't take naproxen sodium (Aleve) if you had, or will have, heart surgery. Call 911 or get immediate help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.
High blood pressure and heart failure
- Risk factors: Heart problems
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid, which can raise your blood pressure or put you at risk for heart failure. Tell your HCP if you have a history of heart problems, or are taking blood pressure medications, before starting naproxen sodium (Aleve) to make sure it's safe for you. Your HCP will screen you for heart problems before starting you on this medication. Some forms of naproxen sodium (Aleve) contains sodium, so it's important to keep track of how much you're getting from your doses if you're on a low-salt diet. If you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while taking naproxen sodium (Aleve), contact your HCP.
Kidney damage
- Risk factors: Older adult | Kidney problems | Heart failure | Liver problems | High blood sugar levels | Not enough fluids in the body (dehydration) | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) can cause kidney problems. Your risk is higher if you have certain factors like older age, certain medical problems like diabetes, or you're taking medications that can cause kidney problems. Your healthcare professional might order lab tests to monitor your kidney health before and during treatment with naproxen sodium (Aleve). If your kidney health worsens, your HCP might stop your naproxen sodium (Aleve) treatment. Contact your HCP if you develop any signs or symptoms of kidney failure, including changes in your need to urinate, tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, and muscle cramps.
Liver problems
- Risk factors: History of liver problems
Though rare, naproxen sodium (Aleve) can cause serious liver problems that can lead to liver failure. Get medical attention right away if you notice swelling of your stomach, stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools), nausea, vomiting, confusion, or dark or brown urine. You might need to stop using the medication to prevent further liver damage.
Severe allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy
Severe allergic reactions to naproxen sodium (Aleve) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis. Let your HCP know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before starting naproxen sodium (Aleve). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using naproxen sodium (Aleve), get medical attention right away.
Although rare, naproxen sodium (Aleve) can cause serious skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). If you notice changes in your skin, such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling, stop using naproxen sodium (Aleve) and get medical attention right away.
Not for use while pregnant or breastfeeding
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) can cause harm to your unborn baby, especially if it's taken in the second half of pregnancy (after week 20). It can cause serious complications, such as heart or kidney problems in your unborn baby or problems during delivery. Speak to your HCP about the risks and benefits of taking naproxen sodium (Aleve) if you're pregnant before taking this medication. Ask whether there are safer alternatives.
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Naproxen sodium (Aleve) dosage
Typical dosage for Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 220 mg by mouth every 8 to 12 hours while you're having symptoms. If you're starting naproxen for the first time, you can take 440 mg within the first hour. Don't take more than 660 mg in a 24-hour period.
- Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's pediatrician.
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Naproxen sodium (Aleve) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Naproxen sodium (Aleve) will not be safe for you to take.
- History of asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or another NSAID
- Right before or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), a type of open heart surgery
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