How does it work?

Naproxen belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is an enzyme that is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury or certain diseases and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. As naproxen stops the production of prostaglandins, it is effective at relieving pain and inflammation. All the medicines in this group reduce inflammation caused by the body's own immune system and are effective pain killers.

What is it used for?

A form of arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis)

Abdominal pain associated with menstrual periods (dysmenorrhoea)

Acute gout

Childhood inflammatory disease of the joints (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) in children over five years of age

Inflammatory disease of the joints

Musculoskeletal disorders such as tendon inflammation (tendinitis), sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures

Osteoarthritis

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

If you have cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure or kidney disease, you are on a low sodium diet, or you are taking diuretic medicines, you should have your kidney function assessed before and during treatment with this medicine.

Use with caution in

Blood clotting disorders

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

Heart failure

History of allergies

History of asthma

History of diseases of the stomach or intestines

Not to be used in

Active peptic ulcer

Allergy to aspirin or other medicines in this class

Bleeding from the stomach or intestines

People in whom aspirin or other medicines in this class (NSAIDs), cause attacks of asthma, itchy rash (urticaria) or nasal inflammation (rhinitis)

Peptic ulcer disease

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy, particularly in the first and third trimesters, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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