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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)✓ Over-the-counter

What Is Naproxen (Aleve) Used For?

Brand names: Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox

Naproxen is an NSAID used for pain, fever, and inflammation. It lasts longer than ibuprofen — 8–12 hours versus 4–6 — making it convenient for twice-daily dosing.

What is Naproxen used for?

  • Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Muscle pain
  • Back pain
  • Gout attacks
  • Fever

How does Naproxen work?

Like ibuprofen, naproxen blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes that produce prostaglandins. The key difference is its longer half-life (12–17 hours vs 2 hours for ibuprofen), allowing less frequent dosing with sustained anti-inflammatory effect.

Dosage information

💊Available forms
  • 220mg tablets (OTC — Aleve)
  • 250mg tablets
  • 375mg tablets
  • 500mg tablets
  • 550mg tablets (as sodium salt)
  • +2 more
📏Typical dosage

OTC (Aleve): 220mg every 8–12 hours, maximum 660mg/day. Prescription: 250–500mg twice daily. Always take with food.

⚠️ Dosage varies by individual. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions — never self-dose based on general information.

Side effects

Common

  • Stomach upset and heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation

⚠️ Serious — contact your doctor

  • Stomach ulcers and bleeding (especially with long-term use)
  • Kidney damage
  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke (long-term use)
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver damage (rare)

Important warnings

Always take with food or milk
Avoid in third trimester of pregnancy
Avoid with kidney disease, active ulcers, or heart failure
Do not combine with other NSAIDs including aspirin (for pain)
People over 65 have significantly higher GI bleeding risk

Drug interactions

These substances may interact with Naproxen. This is not a complete list — always tell your doctor and pharmacist ALL medications and supplements you take.

Aspirin (increased bleeding risk, reduces aspirin heart protection)ACE inhibitors like lisinopril (reduces effectiveness)Warfarin (increased bleeding)SSRIs (increased GI bleeding risk when combined)LithiumMethotrexate

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

🤰 Avoid in third trimester — discuss with your doctor for earlier use

Always consult your doctor or obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

What is naproxen (Aleve) used for?

Naproxen treats pain, inflammation, and fever including arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, muscle pain, and gout. It lasts longer than ibuprofen so requires less frequent dosing.

What's the difference between naproxen and ibuprofen?

Both are NSAIDs with similar effects. Naproxen lasts 8–12 hours (dose twice daily), ibuprofen lasts 4–6 hours (dose 3–4 times daily). Naproxen may be slightly harder on the stomach. Ibuprofen works faster.

Can I take naproxen every day?

Short-term daily use (1–2 weeks) is generally safe. Long-term daily use carries significant risks of stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and cardiovascular events. Always discuss with your doctor for chronic conditions.

Can I take naproxen and paracetamol together?

Yes — naproxen (an NSAID) and paracetamol (acetaminophen) can be safely combined. They work via different mechanisms and combining them often gives better pain relief than either alone.

Is naproxen safe during pregnancy?

Avoid naproxen in the third trimester — it can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus. Use with caution in the first and second trimesters and only under medical supervision.

Related medications

💊IbuprofenNSAID💊AspirinNSAID / Antiplatelet Agent💊Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)Analgesic / Antipyretic💊OmeprazoleProton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Information on this page is sourced from general pharmaceutical references and is provided for educational purposes only. Drug information may change — always verify with your pharmacist or prescriber. PillCodex.com is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.