Has the doctor prescribed naproxen for you? If you are looking for information about what naproxen is and how to take it safely, you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will take a look at the uses of naproxen and the guidelines that should be followed for safe use. We will see who should and should not take naproxen, and explore why it is important to only take it under instructions.

This article also introduces the side effects of naproxen, including common problems such as headaches, stomach pain, and drowsiness, as well as more serious problems such as gastric ulcers, hypertension, and allergic reactions. We will also take a look at some long-term side effects that may arise from long-term use of naproxen.

In the second half of the article, we answered common drug combination questions, including whether it is safe to mix naproxen with alcohol.

What is naproxen used for?

Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat a range of health problems, including osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendonitis, and menstrual pain. Due to its non steroidal anti-inflammatory properties, it is also used to treat a range of muscle and skeletal diseases, including sprains and back pain.

How should I take naproxen?

You should only take naproxen with the advice of your general practitioner or healthcare provider. This typically includes following the following guidelines:

Naproxen can only be taken with food or shortly after consumption

Use the lowest possible dose in the shortest possible time

If you are taking naproxen according to the prescription, it may be three tablets (standard, effervescent, and anti gastric) or liquid. You can take the following measures:

Standard usage: Immediately swallow with water or with food after eating.

Effervescent tablets: Dissolve the tablet in a cup of water and take it after the tablet has broken down. Consume with or shortly after food.

Anti stomach tablets: Avoid chewing, but swallow with food or a glass of water shortly after the food. This is because this version is covered with a layer of coating to avoid being eroded by stomach acid, but rather released in your intestines.

Liquid: Use a plastic syringe to measure the correct amount, which is included with this version. Once again, take it with food or shortly after the food.