Naprosyn

Legal status and availability in the UK

Naprosyn (naproxen) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.

In our online pharmacy, Naprosyn is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.

Basic Naprosyn information

• INN (international nonproprietary name): Naproxen
• Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Naprosyn, generic naproxen
• ATC code: M01AE02
• Forms and dosages: Oral tablets 250mg and 500mg, gastro-resistant tablets 250mg–500mg, suspension 125mg/5mL
• Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Roche, Teva, Sandoz, Torrent
• Registration status in the United Kingdom: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
• OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)

Common uses

Naproxen is widely used in the UK for musculo‑skeletal pain, chronic arthritis and acute inflammatory flares such as gout and dysmenorrhoea.

Patients often prefer naproxen when they need longer‑lasting relief than ibuprofen provides.

Naprosyn is supplied on prescription.

Sustained‑release options are popular for once‑daily dosing in chronic arthritis.

Product identity

INN, ATC code and classification

The International Nonproprietary Name is Naproxen.

The ATC code is M01AE02, placing it among NSAIDs for musculo‑skeletal disorders.

It is a nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drug that inhibits COX‑1 and COX‑2 to reduce prostaglandin synthesis.

Naprosyn is the brand name; generic naproxen is also available.

Forms and strengths

Available forms and strengths

Naproxen is sold as oral tablets, commonly in 250mg and 500mg strengths.

Delayed‑release and enteric‑coated tablets are sold in 375mg–500mg strengths for reduced gastric irritation.

Liquid suspensions for paediatric dosing are typically 125mg/5mL or 250mg/5mL.

Choosing the right formulation for the patient

For rapid onset in acute pain choose a sodium salt or immediate‑release tablet where available because absorption is slightly faster.

For chronic inflammatory conditions prefer sustained‑release formulations to improve adherence and reduce dosing frequency.

For children use the suspension and calculate dose by weight; avoid use in children under two years unless directed by a specialist.

Always match formulation choice to patient comorbidities, prior response and risk of GI or renal adverse effects.

Indications and typical regimens used in practice

Common indications

Typical indications are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout flares and dysmenorrhoea.

It is frequently selected when inflammation is suspected or when longer duration of analgesia is desirable.

It is also used in juvenile idiopathic arthritis with weight‑based dosing.

Typical dosing regimens by indication

Quick reference adult regimens commonly used in the UK:

• Arthritis: 250–500mg twice daily.
• Acute gout: 750mg initially, then 250mg every 8 hours.
• Dysmenorrhoea: 500mg initially, then 250mg every 6–8 hours PRN.
• Mild–moderate pain: 250–500mg every 8–12 hours as required, avoiding exceeding recommended daily limits.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: ~10mg/kg/day in divided doses for paediatric patients.

Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest period needed.

Contraindications and precautions

Absolute contraindications

Naproxen must not be used in the following situations.

• Known allergy to naproxen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Active peptic ulcer disease or current GI bleeding.
• Recent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
• Severe heart failure.

Relative risks

Discuss with the GP or pharmacist if relative risks are present.

These include uncontrolled hypertension, established cardiovascular disease, renal or hepatic impairment, NSAID‑sensitive asthma and concomitant anticoagulant therapy.

Older patients are at higher risk of GI, renal and cardiac adverse effects and need closer monitoring.

Naproxen is contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Side effects, safety signals and monitoring

Common adverse effects patients report

Mild effects include nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and drowsiness.

Some patients notice fluid retention or a mild skin rash.

Liver enzyme elevations are possible but uncommon.

Serious risks and when to refer urgently

Serious but less common risks include GI ulceration and bleeding, renal impairment, raised blood pressure and cardiovascular events.

Risk increases with higher doses and longer duration of use.

Seek urgent medical help if you have black‑tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, reduced urine output, chest pain or acute confusion.

For prolonged therapy monitor blood pressure, renal function and any GI symptoms, especially in elderly and multi‑medication patients.

Drug interactions and counselling

High‑risk combinations to avoid

• Concurrent anticoagulants or antiplatelets — increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk.
• ACE inhibitors, ARBs and diuretics — risk of renal impairment.
• SSRIs — additive bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin — additive GI and renal toxicity; avoid combining.
• Methotrexate — NSAIDs can reduce clearance and increase methotrexate toxicity.

Counselling points

Take naproxen with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation.

Avoid alcohol while taking NSAIDs.

Do not combine naproxen with non-prescription ibuprofen or diclofenac.

Report any signs of bleeding, breathlessness or significant swelling to the GP immediately.

Storage and shelf life

Store between 15°C and 30°C and protect from excessive heat and moisture.

Keep medicines in their original container to preserve batch and expiry details, and out of reach of children.

Do not store medicines in bathrooms, and discard them after the expiry date. Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unused naproxen.

Dosing adjustments: elderly, renal, hepatic, and paediatrics

Practical dose changes and monitoring

Dose adjustments are common and should be individualised.

Use the lowest effective dose in older adults and increase monitoring of renal function and blood pressure.

In moderate renal impairment reduce dose or increase dosing interval; avoid in severe renal impairment.

Exercise caution in hepatic impairment and consider dose reduction depending on severity.

Long-term repeat prescriptions should be reviewed by the GP.

Paediatric formulations and weight‑based dosing

Paediatric dosing uses suspension formulations with exact dosing by weight.

For juvenile idiopathic arthritis guidance is approximately 10mg/kg/day in divided doses.

Do not generally use naproxen in children under two years without specialist advice.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility considerations

Pregnancy trimester‑specific advice

Naproxen is contraindicated in the third trimester because of the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and complications during labour.

Caution is advised earlier in pregnancy and any use should be discussed with the obstetric team.

Advise women planning conception that long‑term NSAID use may interfere with ovulation and to discuss alternatives with their GP.

Breastfeeding and fertility notes

Occasional short‑term use during breastfeeding is typically acceptable but should be discussed with the prescriber.

Monitor breastfed infants for signs of irritation or unusual bleeding.

Overdose management and missed dose advice

Missed doses

If a patient misses a dose take it as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose.

Do not double the next dose to catch up.

For chronic regimens, reminders can help with adherence.

Recognising overdose and emergency steps

Symptoms of overdose can include severe stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, confusion and seizures.

There is no specific antidote and management is supportive in hospital.

Advise carers to call NHS 111 or emergency services for severe signs and to bring the medicine packaging to the emergency department.

Comparators and when to choose Naprosyn over alternatives

Key differences from ibuprofen, diclofenac and celecoxib

Naproxen offers longer duration of analgesia than ibuprofen, making twice‑daily dosing feasible.

Its efficacy for musculo‑skeletal pain is similar to diclofenac, though safety profiles differ.

COX‑2 selective agents such as celecoxib may reduce GI risk but carry different cardiovascular trade‑offs.

Patient suitability

Choice of NSAID depends on comorbidities, drug interactions and prior response.

Naproxen is a pragmatic option for inflammatory pain in many adults when GI and cardiovascular risks are acceptable.

Consider adding gastroprotection with a PPI for long‑term NSAID therapy in patients at increased GI risk.

Delivery across the United Kingdom