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Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID) with a long duration of action and the most favourable cardiovascular profile in its group. It helps with joint, muscle and back pain – when taken for a short time, at a low dose and in a stomach-friendly way.
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Naproxen is a strong painkiller, but not a long-term medication. Take it for as short a time and at as low a dose as possible, and never together with other anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs). Naproxen (brand name Dolormin® or Aleve) is an anti-inflammatory painkiller from the NSAID group (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It relieves pain, reduces fever and fights inflammation – and among the NSAIDs it has a particularly long duration of action, so two doses a day are usually enough.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Naproxen |
| Brand name | Dolormin® (also Aleve) |
| ATC code | M01AE02 |
| Drug class | NSAID – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
| Formulation | Tablets 200, 250, 500 mg |
| Intake | Usually 2× daily, with or after food |
| Standard dose | 250–500 mg 1–2×/day (max. 1,250 mg/day under medical supervision) |
| Prescription status | Small packs available over the counter, higher doses on prescription |
| Notable feature | Most favourable cardiovascular profile among the NSAIDs |
In response to pain and inflammation, the body produces messenger substances called prostaglandins. They make nerve endings more sensitive, drive inflammation and trigger fever. Naproxen blocks the enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) responsible for producing prostaglandins – as a result, pain, swelling and inflammation subside.
This makes Naproxen particularly useful for inflammatory, painful conditions: for osteoarthritis, for joint and muscle pain, and for back pain. Because it stays active in the body for many hours, its pain-relieving effect lasts longer than that of short-acting NSAIDs – an everyday advantage when you need continuous relief at night or throughout the day.
For self-treatment the dose is usually 250–500 mg once or twice daily, always with or after food to protect the stomach. The exact dose depends on the symptoms, age and kidney function – higher doses belong in medical hands.
| Situation | Dose |
|---|---|
| Mild to moderate pain (self-medication) | 250 mg every 8–12 hrs |
| More severe pain / inflammation | 500 mg 2×/day (under medical supervision) |
| Older people / impaired kidney function | Lowest effective dose |
| Maximum daily amount | Max. 1,250 mg (medical supervision only) |
A missed dose is made up as soon as you notice – but if the next dose is already almost due, skip the missed one and never take a double amount. Which NSAID suits which symptoms is set out in the guide Painkillers compared.
brite reminds you to take your Naproxen and warns you about risky combinations.
Together with Ibuprofen and Diclofenac, Naproxen is one of the most commonly used NSAIDs. The most important everyday difference: Naproxen acts longer and needs to be taken less often – and it is considered the gentlest of the three in terms of cardiovascular risk.
| Property | Naproxen | Ibuprofen | Diclofenac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intake | 1–2× daily | 3–4× daily | 2–3× daily |
| Duration of action | Long | Short | Medium |
| Cardiovascular risk | Most favourable | Low–medium | Highest |
| Gastrointestinal risk | Increased | Medium | Increased |
| Typical use | Longer-lasting joint/back pain | Acute pain, fever | Joint & inflammatory pain |
Anyone who needs an NSAID despite cardiovascular disease or an increased risk is therefore often given Naproxen rather than Diclofenac or Ibuprofen. Which agent is suitable depends on pre-existing conditions and the state of the stomach and kidneys – the doctor makes the choice on an individual basis.
Like all NSAIDs, Naproxen places a burden above all on the stomach, kidneys and cardiovascular system. Taken short-term and at a low dose, it is usually well tolerated; the risks rise with duration and dose.
| Side effect | Frequency | What to do? |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach pain, heartburn, nausea | Common | Take with food; if symptoms occur, discuss stomach protection |
| Headache, dizziness, fatigue | Occasional | Monitor; if it persists, seek medical advice |
| Fluid retention, rising blood pressure | Occasional | Have your blood pressure checked |
| Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer | Rare | Emergency – call 112 immediately |
Naproxen has a number of significant interactions. Check combinations in advance in the interaction checker.
| Substance / medication | Interaction | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Other NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, ASA) | Greatly increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding | Do not combine |
| Blood thinners (DOACs, phenprocoumon) | Increased bleeding risk | Under medical supervision only; consider stomach protection |
| Blood-pressure-lowering drugs (ACE inhibitors, diuretics) | Weakened effect, strain on kidneys | Monitor blood pressure & kidney values |
| Corticosteroids, SSRI antidepressants | Additional risk of gastrointestinal bleeding | Discuss stomach protection with Pantoprazole |
Where there is an increased risk of gastrointestinal problems – for example from age 65, after a previous stomach ulcer, or when taking blood thinners, corticosteroids or certain antidepressants at the same time – Naproxen is combined with stomach protection. The usual choice is a proton pump inhibitor such as Pantoprazole, which lowers stomach acid and helps prevent ulcers.
Naproxen can also cause fluid retention, raise blood pressure and strain the kidneys. Caution is needed with existing heart failure, high blood pressure or impaired kidney function. Drink enough, watch out for swollen legs or a marked rise in blood pressure, and have your kidney values checked during longer-term use. During pregnancy – especially in the last trimester – Naproxen is not suitable.
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