Naprox 500mg Tablet

Uses of Naprox 500mg Tablet

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Dysmenorrhea
• Fever and Pain

How does Naprox 500mg Tablet work?

Naproxen works by blocking the enzyme that produces prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play an essential role in inflammation. The body produces them at the site of injured tissue, and they cause redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Side Effects of Naprox 500mg Tablet

• Headache
• Skin rash
• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Hearing impairment
• Change in appetite
• Irregular menstrual periods

Quick Suggestions:

• Naprox 500mg Tablet is used to provide relief from the pain associated with various types of arthritis such as spondylitis, rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, gout, and also menstrual pain.
• It's best to take it with or after meals to avoid stomach upset. Do not miss a dose or exceed the amount prescribed by your doctor.
• This medicine should not be used if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your baby could be seriously harmed by this medication.
• If you become pregnant while taking Naprox 500mg Tablet, stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor. Also, inform your doctor about all other medicines that you take and your complete medical history.
• Do not take any medicine on your own without confirming with your doctor during the treatment.
• Naprox 500mg Tablet should not be given to children under 16 years of age without a doctor’s advice.
• Heartburn, indigestion, chest pain, constipation, and nausea/vomiting may occur in some individuals with the use of this medicine. Inform your doctor if these effects bother you or do not go away.
• If you experience sleepiness or blurred vision after taking Naprox 500mg Tablet, it is recommended to avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or performing any such tasks that require mental alertness.
• It is also advised to quit alcohol intake and smoking for better treatment.

Indication of Naprox 500mg Tablet

Naprox 500mg Tablet is used to relieve pain in the following conditions:

• Muscles, joints, and tendons problems such as strains, gout, ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the neck and back), or arthritis
• Painful heavy periods and bleeding due to insertion of an intrauterine device (women)
• Migraine headache
• Rheumatoid arthritis (children)

Pharmacology

Naproxen is a prototypical NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and belongs to the class of propionic acid derivatives. It works by reversibly inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and -2) enzymes, leading to a reduction in the synthesis of prostaglandin precursors. This inhibition can result in anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. Naproxen can also inhibit platelet aggregation, which is why it is advised to be cautious in patients with blood clotting problems.

Dosage & Administration of Naprox 500mg Tablet

Naproxen Tablet is used to treat various conditions, and the dosages may vary depending on the specific condition being treated:

• For Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: The usual dose is 500-1000 mg daily, divided into two doses after meals.
• For Management of pain, primary dysmenorrhea, acute tendonitis, and bursitis: The recommended starting dose is 500 mg, followed by 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 6-8 hours. The initial total daily dose should not exceed 1250 mg, and thereafter, it should not exceed 1000 mg.
• For Acute gout: The recommended starting dose is 750 mg, followed by 250 mg every 8 hours until the attack subsides.

Always follow your physician's advice regarding the correct dose and duration of Naproxen Tablet for your specific condition, taking into account your age, body weight, and disease condition. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water and do not crush or chew it.

Interaction

• Naproxen can interact with several medications and substances, leading to potential adverse effects or reduced efficacy. Here is a summary of some of the notable interactions:
• Methotrexate: Naproxen may enhance the toxicity of methotrexate, a medication used to treat certain cancers and autoimmune conditions.
• ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II receptor antagonists: Naproxen may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of these antihypertensive medications.
• Aspirin: Concurrent use of naproxen and aspirin may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) events, such as ulcers.
• Warfarin: Naproxen can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when used with warfarin, an anticoagulant medication.
• Furosemide and Thiazide diuretics: Naproxen may reduce the natriuretic (water and salt elimination) effects of these diuretic medications.
• Lithium: Naproxen may increase serum lithium concentrations and decrease renal lithium clearance, potentially leading to higher lithium levels in the blood.
• Antacids, Colestyramine, and Sucralfate: These medications may delay the absorption of naproxen.
• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol): Naproxen may interfere with the antihypertensive effects of beta-blockers.
• Probenecid: Naproxen levels in the blood may increase when used with probenecid, a medication used to treat gout.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to naproxen or any other ingredient of Naprox 500mg Tablet.
• If you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other medicine from NSAIDs.
• If you have an active history of stomach/intestinal ulcers.
• If you have a history of liver or kidney disease.
• If you have a history of heart failure.
• If you are in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Naproxen is classified as a pregnancy category C medication by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pregnancy category C indicates that animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are limited human studies, and the potential benefits to the mother may outweigh the risks to the fetus.

During pregnancy, Naproxen should be used only if deemed essential by the healthcare provider and if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child. It should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration possible.

Naproxen is also not recommended during breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk and may harm the nursing infant. If a woman needs to take Naproxen while breastfeeding, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits and explore alternative medications that are safer during lactation.

Overall, it's crucial for pregnant or breastfeeding women to seek medical advice and supervision before taking any medications to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

Precautions & Warnings

Patients with known cardiovascular (CV) disease or risk factors, history of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or peptic ulceration, fluid retention, or heart failure should use Naproxen with caution or avoid it altogether, as it may exacerbate these conditions.

• Naproxen should be used with caution in patients with hepatic and renal impairment, as it may affect liver and kidney function.
• Elderly patients should also use Naproxen with caution, as they may be more prone to certain side effects.
• Naproxen is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation, as it may pose risks to the developing fetus and nursing infant. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider for safer alternatives.
• Patients taking Naproxen should be advised that it may impair their ability to drive or operate machinery, and they should exercise caution while performing such activities.
• During therapy with Naproxen, blood pressure should be closely monitored, especially during initiation and long-term treatment. Regular monitoring of renal function, complete blood count (CBC), and chemistry profile may also be necessary for patients receiving long-term therapy.
• For lactating women, it is important to note that Naproxen is excreted in breast milk, and its effect on the nursing infant is unknown. Therefore, it is not recommended during breastfeeding.

As with any medication, patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions and report any adverse effects or concerns promptly. It's essential to have open communication with the healthcare provider to ensure the safe and effective use of Naproxen.

Storage Conditions

Naprox 500mg Tablet is to be stored in a cool and dry place, away from excessive heat and sunlight. Keep it away from children and pets.