Naproxen

What is Naproxen used for?

Naproxen belongs to a group of medications known as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). In simpler terms, it’s an anti-inflammatory painkiller often used to treat:

• joint problems, such as gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis;
• pain, such as period, dental or muscle pain;
• ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic condition that causes pain in the neck and back; and
• migraines (this is an off-label use).

Although Naproxen treats multiple conditions, this page will primarily focus on how it works to relieve symptoms of gout. Gout is a condition caused by the buildup of uric acid in your joints. Uric acid is formed when food breaks down and is usually excreted as urine. However, too much uric acid results in the formation of uric acid crystals. These crystals get stored in tissues, mainly around the joints, causing them to swell.^[5] This can be painful (known as gout attacks) and irritating.

Gout attacks can come on suddenly, causing severe joint pain and inflammation. Although gout usually occurs in the joints of the big toe, it can also affect your hands, wrists, elbows, or knees.^[1] By taking Naproxen, it can help reduce swelling and pain.

How does Naproxen work?

Naproxen works by stopping your body making chemicals called prostaglandins, which are involved in pain and inflammation. By doing this, it’s able to reduce both: pain, and your sensitivity to pain.

Gout attacks are caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. These crystals trigger an inflammatory response, which involves chemicals, such as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are an important chemical in the inflammatory process and are usually released when tissue is damaged. Naproxen can stop the production of prostaglandins, helping relieve pain and inflammation.

Put simply, NSAIDs like Naproxen work by calming down the inflammatory response that causes swelling and pain.

What doses of Naproxen are there?

Naproxen tablets come in two different doses: 250mg and 500mg.^[2] Whereas Naproxen oral suspension comes as either a 25mg/ml or 50mg/ml dose.

The dosage for gout attacks is an initial 750mg dose, followed by a 250mg dose every eight hours. This helps provide steady pain relief until the attack finishes.^[3]

If you’re taking the oral solution of Naproxen, you’ll usually be prescribed 30ml as a first dose and then a 10ml dose every eight hours until you feel better. ^[4]

How to take Naproxen

Always take Naproxen as advised by your clinician.

When taking Naproxen tablets, swallow them whole with a glass of water, with or after a meal. This should help to avoid getting an upset stomach. Try to take the tablets at the same time each day. If you’re worried you’ll forget, set an alarm on your phone.

How long does it take Naproxen to work?

Naproxen tends to work within an hour, and it reaches peak levels in your bloodstream two-to-four hours after taking it. This is the period when you’ll notice the most benefit from it. ^[1] If you feel like Naproxen isn’t working for you, contact your clinician. They’ll look into options that might suit you better.

Naproxen should usually only be taken for a short period of time. This is because it can cause stomach issues if taken for too long. If you are prescribed Naproxen long-term, you’ll likely be prescribed an additional medicine to take alongside it, called a proton pump inhibitor. These medicines work to stop your stomach producing too much acid, which helps protect it from problems like ulcers. Making sure you take Naproxen with food can also help.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Naproxen?

If you forget or miss a dose of Naproxen, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the time you’re due to take your next dose then skip the missed one and carry on as normal.

Don’t take a double dose to make up for the missed one. Taking too much Naproxen can greatly increase the risk of side effects. If you’ve taken too much Naproxen, seek medical advice from your doctor immediately.