Naproxen® Tablets for Pain and Inflammation Relief

What Naproxen® Is and How It Works

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and reduce swelling. It treats arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, tendinitis, gout flares, menstrual cramps, and acute musculoskeletal pain. Common strengths include 250 mg, 375 mg, and Naproxen 500mg tablets. Naproxen sodium forms include OTC 220 mg and prescription 275 mg and 550 mg.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; a licensed pharmacist reviews each prescription before dispensing, and we offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices along with OTC health products; ordering is available online and by phone where applicable, with customer-service chat during posted hours.

Naproxen works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. This lowers prostaglandins that drive pain, fever, and inflammation. The result is less soreness, stiffness, and swelling. The generic name for naproxen is naproxen, and it is available as immediate-release tablets, delayed-release tablets, and naproxen sodium tablets or caplets.

Naproxen has a long half-life, so many patients use twice-daily dosing. Naproxen sodium may act a little faster for acute pain due to quicker absorption. Prescription strengths such as naproxen 375 mg and 500 mg are intended for conditions needing stronger or steady control.

Dosage and Usage

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis): 250–500 mg twice daily or 375 mg twice daily. Typical maximum is 1,000 mg naproxen base per day for ongoing treatment.
• Acute pain or primary dysmenorrhea: 500 mg once, then 250 mg every 6–8 hours as needed. Naproxen sodium option: 550 mg once, then 275 mg every 6–8 hours. Do not exceed 1,250 mg on day 1; then limit to 1,000 mg/day.
• Acute gout: 750 mg once (as naproxen base), then 250 mg every 8 hours until the attack resolves.
• Naproxen dosage per day should be the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.
• Swallow tablets with water. Taking with food or milk may reduce stomach upset.
• Do not crush or split delayed-release or extended-release forms.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless near the next dose. Do not double up.
• Avoid using with other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin doses for pain). Low-dose aspirin for heart protection may increase stomach risk; discuss management with the prescriber.

• Store at 15–25 °C (59–77 °F) in a dry place away from light.
• Keep tablets in the original bottle with the label and child-resistant cap.
• For travel, pack your prescription and keep medicine in your carry-on.
• Do not leave medicine in a hot car or near heat sources.
• Use a pill organizer for short trips; keep the labeled bottle for security checks.

Benefits and Savings

Naproxen helps reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis and soft-tissue injuries. It also helps relieve menstrual cramps and acute gout symptoms. The longer half-life allows twice-daily dosing for many indications, which supports steady control through the day and night.

People often compare naproxen medication with other NSAIDs because of its balance of pain relief, anti-inflammatory effect, and dosing convenience. It is a well-studied naproxen pain killer with decades of clinical use. Naproxen 500 mg uses include moderate to severe arthritis pain where lower OTC strengths are not enough.

Ordering through YouDrugstore can lower costs compared to typical US pricing. Many customers see 60–80% savings, especially on multi-month supplies. Reorder reminders can help prevent gaps in therapy, and bulk promotions may reduce your per-month cost.

We source through licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to provide authentic brand medicines alongside a wide range of generics at competitive prices.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, gas, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, edema, and rash.
• Less common: ringing in the ears, easy bruising, photosensitivity, or elevated blood pressure.
• GI effects can be reduced by taking with food and using the lowest effective dose.

Serious risks include gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers; cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke); kidney problems; fluid retention and heart failure; liver injury; severe skin reactions (Stevens–Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis); and severe allergic reactions in those sensitive to NSAIDs. Do not use after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Avoid in late pregnancy (risk increases at 20 weeks and later) and especially in the third trimester because of fetal risks. Seek urgent care for black stools, chest pain, sudden weakness, shortness of breath, or severe skin reactions.

Onset Time

Naproxen base typically begins to relieve pain within 1–2 hours after a dose. Naproxen sodium may start a bit faster, often within about an hour. Swelling and stiffness from chronic arthritis may improve over several days, with fuller benefit over 2–4 weeks as regular dosing stabilizes.

During menstrual cramps, many notice symptom reduction within the first day of scheduled dosing. In acute gout, pain and swelling commonly ease within 24–48 hours, depending on attack severity and timing of treatment.

Compare With Alternatives

Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID that may reduce the risk of gastric ulcers compared with nonselective NSAIDs at equipotent doses, though cardiovascular and renal risks still apply. If a prescriber recommends a COX-2 option, consider Celebrex® or its generic Celecoxib.

Topical diclofenac can be useful for localized osteoarthritis pain of superficial joints. It delivers NSAID directly to the area with lower systemic exposure. For example, see Voltaren® Emulgel Extra Strength and learn more in our article What Is Voltaren Gel Used For.

Ibuprofen is another nonselective NSAID with a shorter half-life, often needing dosing every 6–8 hours. Some patients prefer naproxen for fewer daily doses, while others tolerate ibuprofen better. Choice depends on response, risk factors, and prescriber guidance.

Combination Therapy

• Acetaminophen can be combined with naproxen for multimodal pain relief. Follow each product’s dosing limits.
• Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole) are often used to lower GI risk in higher-risk patients on NSAIDs.
• Avoid combining two NSAIDs at the same time, including OTC products that contain NSAIDs.
• Low-dose aspirin may be continued for cardioprotection if directed; discuss timing and GI protection strategies.
• For gout, clinicians may use colchicine or steroids in addition to naproxen during severe flares.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Naproxen is used for many conditions that involve pain and swelling. It may not suit people with a history of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, prior stroke, significant kidney disease, severe liver disease, or NSAID-sensitive asthma or allergy. It is not recommended in late pregnancy and should be discussed in early pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

Drug interactions include anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, SSRIs/SNRIs, corticosteroids, some antihypertensives, lithium, and methotrexate. Using alcohol or smoking increases GI risk. Have a clinician confirm the right naproxen dosage and duration for the specific condition.

For those comparing naproxen pain pills, prescription strengths such as naproxen 375 mg and 500 mg provide stronger relief than OTC doses. Naproxen sodium 550 mg is roughly comparable to naproxen 500 mg (different salt, similar naproxen amount). Questions like “naproxen for what” or “naproxen what does it do” are answered by its role in blocking inflammatory prostaglandins. Para que sirve el naproxen 500 mg: aliviar dolor e inflamación por artritis, lesiones, cólicos menstruales y gota.

To save more, consider a 2–3 month supply if appropriate, as larger fills often reduce the monthly cost. You can turn on reorder reminders at checkout so you remember when to renew. Explore condition guides such as Arthritis or Gout for education that supports discussions with a clinician.

Authoritative Sources

Review official guidance in the FDA’s NSAID Medication Guide: FDA NSAID Medication Guide (PDF). For OTC naproxen sodium information, see the manufacturer page: Aleve naproxen sodium tablets.

Order Naproxen® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express handling.

This content is educational and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis, treatment, and medication choices.