$Unique_ID{BRK03248} $Pretitle{} $Title{naproxen} $Subject{Anaprox Syntex DS Naprosyn Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic naproxen sodium salt inflammation pain swelling stiffness arthritis gout bursitis tendinitis painful menstruation prostaglandins} $Volume{} $Log{ Anaprox*0324801.scf Anaprox DS*0324802.scf Naprosyn 250 mg*0324803.scf Naprosyn 375 mg*0324804.scf Naprosyn 500 mg*0324805.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. naproxen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Anaprox (Syntex) Anaprox DS (Syntex) Naprosyn (Syntex) TYPE OF DRUG Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic INGREDIENT naproxen (Naprosyn) naproxen as the sodium salt (Anaprox) DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg {Naprosyn}; 275 mg and 550 mg {Anaprox}) Oral suspension (125 mg per 5-ml spoonful {Naprosyn}) STORAGE This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. USES Naproxen is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and stiffness) of certain types of arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendinitis. Naproxen is also used to treat painful menstruation. Naproxen has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that may trigger pain. However, it is not yet fully understood how naproxen works. TREATMENT You should take this medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before meals or two hours after meals, so that it gets into your bloodstream quickly. However, to decrease stomach irritation, your doctor may want you to take the medicine with food or antacids. It is important to take naproxen on schedule and not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. If you are taking naproxen to relieve arthritis, you must take it regularly, as directed by your doctor. It may take up to four weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medication. This medication does not cure arthritis, but it will help to relieve the condition as long as you continue to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, and vomiting. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). If you become dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression; palpitations; ringing or buzzing in the ears or a problem with hearing; shortness of breath or wheezing; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; sudden decrease in amount of urine; swelling of the feet; tightness in the chest; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual weight gain; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Naproxen interacts with several other types of medications: 1. Concurrent use of anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) can lead to an increase in bleeding complications. 2. Aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory medications can cause increased stomach irritation when used concurrently with naproxen. 3. Naproxen can decrease the elimination of lithium and methotrexate from the body, resulting in possible toxicity from these medications. 4. Naproxen may interfere with the blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta-blocking medications (such as acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, and timolol). 5. This medication can also interfere with the diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazide-type diuretics. 6. Probenecid can increase the amount of naproxen in the bloodstream when both drugs are being taken. Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Before you take this medication, it is important to tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to any medications, especially to naproxen or any of the other chemically related drugs (including aspirin, other salicylates, carprofen, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or tolmetin). * Before taking this medication, it is important to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had bleeding problems, colitis, stomach ulcers or other stomach problems, asthma, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's disease. * If naproxen makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * Because this drug can prolong your bleeding time, it is important to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment. * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication. You should avoid taking frequent doses of aspirin or drinking alcohol while undergoing treatment with this medication (unless your doctor tells you otherwise). * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Naproxen analgesic may cause unwanted effects on the heart or blood flow of the fetus. Studies in animals have shown that taking naproxen late in pregnancy may increase the length of pregnancy, prolong labor, or cause other problems during delivery. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you are currently breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication have been shown to pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.