Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn)

Category:

• Analgesic

Description:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) analgesic

Indications:

• Inflammatory disease (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis)

• Mild to moderate pain (orthopedic pain, dental procedures, dysmenorrhea)

• Fever

  Contraindications:

• Patients with aspirin or NSAID-induced nasal polyps, bronchospasm or angioedema

  Precautions:

• Pregnancy Category B

• Patients may experience potentially serious GI effects, including GI bleeding and ulceration with prolonged, high dose therapy.

• Avoid use with anticoagulants (warfarin) due to increased bleeding times and potential for GI bleeding and decreased platelet aggregation.

• Liver function tests should be performed periodically for long-term naproxen use.

  Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• GI effects (nausea, heartburn, dyspepsia, pain)

• CNS effects (dizziness, headache, nervousness)

• Tinnitis

Dosage:

Administered orally with food or milk to decrease GI effects

Inflammatory diseases:

• Adult:  250-500mg bid (275-550mg of naproxen sodium) or 750-1000mg extended release tablets once a day (825 or 1100mg of naproxen sodium)

Pain:

• Initial dose of 500mg, followed by 250mg q6-8h as needed