About Naproxen 500 mg Tablet
Naproxen 500 mg Tablet contains Naproxen 500 mg. Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve pain, swelling and stiffness in conditions such as arthritis, gout attacks, muscle and joint injuries, and painful periods. It eases symptoms but does not treat the underlying cause. It is best taken with food.
Uses of Naproxen 500 mg Tablet
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Acute gout attacks
- Muscle, bone and joint pain such as sprains
- Painful periods
Benefits
In pain and inflammation
It reduces pain, swelling and stiffness so you can move more comfortably. Your doctor will aim for the lowest dose that works, for the shortest time needed.
Side effects
Stomach upset is the most common problem. Taking it with food can help. Tell your doctor if side effects bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Get medical help if you notice
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or severe stomach pain (signs of stomach bleeding) — stop taking it and get medical help straight away
- Chest pain, breathlessness, or sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body (heart attack or stroke risk) — seek emergency care
- Passing much less urine or swelling of the legs (possible kidney problems) — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction or severe skin rash with blistering — seek emergency care
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes — contact your doctor
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water, with or after food.
How it works
It blocks cyclo-oxygenase enzymes that make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause pain, swelling and inflammation, so lowering them eases these symptoms.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It increases the risk of stomach bleeding with this medicine.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It must not be used in the last three months of pregnancy and is generally avoided from mid-pregnancy, as it can harm the baby. Earlier in pregnancy use it only if your doctor says it is clearly needed.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Naproxen passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
Use with caution in kidney disease; your doctor may check your kidney function. It should not be used in severe kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease. It should not be used in severe liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it with food as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Do not take other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac with it unless your doctor advises.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, kidney problems or a past stomach ulcer.
- Use it for the shortest time needed to control your symptoms.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Propionic acid derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Pain relief / anti-inflammatory
- Action class
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other NSAIDs and aspirin | Increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding |
| Blood thinners such as warfarin, and SSRI antidepressants | Increase the risk of bleeding |
| Blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) and diuretics | Their effect may be reduced and kidney problems are more likely |
| Lithium and methotrexate | Their blood levels may rise and cause side effects |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Naproxen prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA labelling for naproxen (NSAID class warnings)). Pharmacist review pending.