Naproxen was sold under the trade name Naprosyn as a prescription drug since 1976. It was in 1994 that the Food and Drug Administration approved its use as an over-the-counter drug under the trade name Aleve.

Inflammation is the immune system's response to an injury or infection. It facilitates tissue repair and helps speed up the healing process. However, it can give rise to unpleasant symptoms. Under such circumstances, doctors prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for providing relief from such symptoms. Naproxen or other NSAIDs work by inhibiting or blocking cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes that are responsible for the production of prostaglandins. More often than not, naproxen is prescribed for the following conditions: ✦ Osteoarthritis ✦ Rheumatoid arthritis ✦ Juvenile arthritis ✦ Psoriatic arthritis ✦ Gout ✦ Tendinitis ✦ Bursitis ✦ Sprains and strains ✦ Back pain ✦ Ankylosing spondylitis ✦ Migraine ✦ Kidney stones ✦ Menstrual cramps/Painful menstruation While naproxen tablets and suspension are prescribed for the treatment of certain types of arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, or pain experienced during menstruation, nonprescription naproxen is used as a painkiller and antipyretic for reducing fever and relieving mild pain due to headaches, muscle aches, backache, toothache, menstrual periods, common cold, etc. It is often prescribed for long-term use in case of individuals who are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Unlike other NSAIDs, it is less likely to cause such complications. Though the reduction in the production of prostaglandins due to naproxen usage helps alleviate fever, pain, or swelling, there can be adverse drug interactions. Therefore, this drug is contraindicated under certain circumstances. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider if: ✦ You are allergic to naproxen or any ingredients used in naproxen ✦ You are allergic to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ✦ You are pregnant or breastfeeding ✦ You are trying to conceive ✦ You are 65 years old or more (Dosage will be lower for the elderly) ✦ You have hypertension ✦ You are affected by a blood clotting disorder ✦ You are affected by bronchial asthma or other breathing problems ✦ You are affected by nasal polyps ✦ You have been asked to follow a low-sodium diet ✦ You are taking medicines for other medical conditions ✦ You are affected by gastrointestinal bleeding ✦ You have peptic ulcers or ulcers in the duodenum ✦ You are affected by liver, kidney, or heart failure ✦ You have recently undergone a surgery or are going to have a surgery Inform the healthcare provider, if you are taking the following drugs: ✦ Anticoagulants ✦ Lithium ✦ Methotrexate ✦ Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors ✦ Angiotensin II receptor antagonists/Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) ✦ Beta blockers ✦ Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ✦ Sulfa drugs ✦ Antacids ✦ Prednisone or other steroids ✦ Diuretics ✦ Other NSAIDs ✦ Drugs for treating hypertension or heart problems COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes are responsible for the production of prostaglandins within the body's cells. However, COX-1 has a beneficial effect of producing prostaglandins that support the blood clotting function and protect the lining of the stomach from the stomach acid. Since NSAIDs block the COX enzymes and reduce prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining and support blood clotting, the use of these drugs can cause ulcers in the stomach. This can give rise to bleeding. Other side effects that have been associated with the use of these drugs include: ✦ Constipation ✦ Diarrhea ✦ Indigestion ✦ Belching ✦ Itchy skin ✦ Headache ✦ Dizziness or lightheadedness ✦ Excessive thirst ✦ Drowsiness ✦ Ringing in the ears Some of the serious side effects include: ✦ Changes in vision ✦ Unexplained weight gain ✦ Sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection ✦ Blisters/rashes ✦ Shortness of breath ✦ Chest pain ✦ Tarry stools ✦ Reduced urine output ✦ Back pain ✦ Difficult or painful urination ✦ Tingling/numbness ✦ Coughing up blood ✦ Nausea ✦ Loss of appetite ✦ Dark urine ✦ Jaundice ✦ Bruising ✦ Bruises or purple blotches under the skin ✦ Fast heartbeat Seek medical help immediately, in case of a severe allergic reaction that causes the following symptoms: ✦ Hives ✦ Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or the face ✦ Difficulty breathing or swallowing It is extremely important to take the drug as per the prescribed dosage. While the extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day, the delayed-release tablets and suspension are usually taken twice a day by individuals affected by arthritis. The tablets and suspension are usually taken every 8 hours for gout, and every 6 to 8 hours as needed for pain. While prescription naproxen should be taken at the same time daily, nonprescription naproxen tablet and the gelatin-coated tablet can be taken every 8-12 hours with a glass of water, or as needed. It must be noted that untoward effects can occur in the event of an overdose. The symptoms of an overdose might include: ✦ Dizziness ✦ Extreme tiredness ✦ Drowsiness ✦ Stomach pain ✦ Heartburn ✦ Nausea ✦ Vomiting ✦ Slow or difficult breathing