Naproxen is a medication to reduce pain, swelling, and redness due to inflammation caused by a number of conditions, such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis,juvenile arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.
Naproxen works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced when the body is injured or injured and cause signs and symptoms of inflammation, including pain and swelling.
When the production of prostaglandins is inhibited, the complaints that arise due to inflammation can subside.
naproxen trademark: Alif 500, Xenifar
What's that Naproxen
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Benefit | Relieves pain, swelling, and redness due to inflammation |
| Consumed by | Adults and children over 5 years old |
| Naproxen for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Naproxen can be absorbed into breast milk. For breastfeeding mothers, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking this drug. |
| Drug form | Caplet |
Precautions Before Taking Naproxen
Naproxen should not be taken carelessly. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take naproxen if you are allergic to naproxen or to other NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, indomethacin, or ibuprofen.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had asthma, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, kidney disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, diabetes, high cholesterol, or lupus.
- Be wary of the use of naproxen for the elderly over the age of 65.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires alertness while you are taking naproxen, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, including supplements and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking naproxen before having any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking naproxen.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Naproxen
The naproxen dose prescribed by the doctor may vary from patient to patient. The following are general doses of naproxen based on the intended use and age of the patient:
- Purpose: Overcome juvenile rheumatoid arthritisChildren >5 years old: 10 mg/kgBB per day, divided into 2 consumption schedules.
- Purpose: Overcome rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or ankylosing spondylitisMature: 500–1,000 mg per day, which can be divided into 1 or 2 consumption schedules.
- Purpose: Overcoming gout
Mature: The initial dose is 750 mg, then followed by 250 mg every 8 hours, until the pain subsides.
- Purpose: Overcoming muscle pain, joint pain, or menstrual pain
Mature: The initial dose is 500 mg, then 250 mg every 6–8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 1,250 mg per day.
How to Consume Naproxen correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before starting to take naproxen. This medicine is recommended to be taken with food or immediately after eating.
For the elderly, it is advisable to regularly check with the doctor while taking naproxen, so that their health condition can be continuously monitored.
If you forget to take naproxen, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store naproxen in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Naproxen with Other Drugs
Drug interactions that can occur if naproxen is used together with other drugs are:
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding if taken with other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, or SSRI antidepressant drugs
- Decreases the blood pressure lowering effect of antihypertensive drugs, such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitor, or angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Increased risk of kidney damage if used with ciclosporin or tacrolimus
- Increases blood levels of naproxen when used with probenecid
- Decreases the effect of diuretic drugs, such as furosemide or thiazides
- Decreased absorption of naproxen when used with antacid ulcer medications, cholestyramine, or sucralfate
- Increase levels of methotrexate or aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Increase the concentration or level of lithium in the blood
Side Effects and Dangers Naproxen
Side effects that may arise after taking naproxen are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizzy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Jaundice
- Visual disturbance
- Easy bruising skin
- Swelling in the ankles or legs
- Gastrointestinal bleeding that can be characterized by vomiting blood, bloody stools, or black stools