Naproxen 500mg Tablets for Pain and Inflammation Relief

What Naproxen Is and How It Works

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and swelling. Many adults use naproxen 500mg tablets for arthritis, sprains, tendon pain, menstrual cramps, and dental pain. It works by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that drive prostaglandin production. Lower prostaglandins help reduce inflammation, pain, and fever.

Naproxen is the generic name for this medicine. Common brand names include Naprosyn® for naproxen and Aleve® for naproxen sodium. Tablets are taken by mouth. Doses are often given twice daily for ongoing conditions and can be used as needed for short-term pain. Your prescriber will set the naproxen dosage based on your condition and risk factors.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba that follows Canadian pharmacy standards. Pharmacists review prescriptions before we dispense. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, and we also carry OTC health products for everyday needs.

We work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies to source authentic brands and a broad range of generics at affordable prices.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescription label and your clinician’s directions. Typical prescription-strength naproxen 500mg dosage patterns include arthritis, strains, and period cramps. Food can reduce stomach upset. Do not exceed the recommended naproxen dosage per day.

• Starting dose: Often 500 mg, then 250 mg every 6–8 hours as needed, or 500 mg twice daily for chronic conditions.
• Daily limits: Many adults use 500 mg twice daily. Some patients may start with 750–1000 mg on day 1. Do not exceed the dose your clinician advised.
• Menstrual cramps: A common approach is 500 mg initially, then 250 mg every 6–8 hours as needed.
• Dental pain: Short-term use at doses similar to strains and sprains may be advised.
• Naproxen sodium: The sodium form is absorbed faster. OTC naproxen sodium is usually 220 mg per tablet; prescription strengths vary.
• Missed dose: Take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.

• Storage: Keep tablets in the original container at room temperature (15–25°C). Protect from moisture and heat.
• Travel: Carry your medicine in your hand luggage, with the label. Use a pill organizer if needed and keep a copy of your prescription.

Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about naproxen daily dosage, dose timing, or switching between naproxen and naproxen sodium.

Benefits and Savings

Naproxen provides relief from mild to moderate pain and inflammation. It helps with arthritis symptoms, acute sprains, bursitis, tendinitis, and period cramps. It can reduce swelling and improve function when used as directed. Many people find it effective for dental pain after procedures. The tablet form is convenient for home and travel.

Ordering through YouDrugstore is simple. You can order online and by phone where available, and our friendly customer-service chat is available during posted office hours. You can expect competitive Canadian pricing. Many US customers save 60–80% versus typical US prices, especially on longer supplies.

Side Effects and Safety

NSAIDs can irritate the stomach and affect the kidneys and heart. Read your medication guide. Seek urgent care for signs of a severe reaction.

• Common: Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, bloating, dizziness, headache, drowsiness.
• Less common: Fluid retention, increased blood pressure, ringing in the ears, rash.
• Serious: Stomach or intestinal bleeding, ulcers, black stools, vomiting blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, slurred speech, severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling, breathing trouble), kidney problems (low urine, swelling), liver problems (yellowing skin or eyes).
• Interactions: Other NSAIDs, aspirin (non-cardiac doses), anticoagulants, antiplatelets, SSRIs/SNRIs, corticosteroids, lithium, methotrexate, certain blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics), and alcohol can increase risks.
• Precautions: Avoid in late pregnancy. Discuss use if you have ulcers, GI bleeding, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, stroke, or uncontrolled hypertension. People with asthma or NSAID allergy should not use naproxen.

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. Do not combine naproxen with other NSAIDs.

Onset Time

Naproxen starts to relieve pain within about one hour. Peak relief often occurs in two to four hours. The anti-inflammatory effect can build over several days with regular dosing. The sodium salt form may act faster than base tablets for acute pain.

Compare With Alternatives

Ibuprofen is another NSAID used for similar problems. It often needs dosing every six to eight hours. Some patients respond better to one agent over another. Safety risks overlap, including stomach and cardiovascular risks.

Celebrex® (celecoxib) is a COX-2 selective NSAID. It may have a lower risk of stomach ulcers in some patients but still carries cardiovascular warnings. It is taken once or twice daily, depending on the dose and condition.

Topical NSAIDs help pain with less systemic exposure. Voltaren® Emulgel Extra Strength (diclofenac gel) targets localized joint or soft-tissue pain. It can be useful for knees, hands, or soft-tissue injuries when oral NSAIDs are not desired.

Your clinician may prefer one option based on your history, other medicines, and risk factors.

Combination Therapy

Naproxen can be used with acetaminophen for added pain control since they work differently. Avoid using it with other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen or aspirin at analgesic doses. In higher-risk patients, a proton pump inhibitor or misoprostol may be added to help protect the stomach. Always discuss combinations with your prescriber or pharmacist.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Naproxen is used for many painful conditions. It is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and acute sprains. It also helps with menstrual cramps and some dental pain. The generic name for naproxen is simply naproxen; brand choices vary by country. If you need long-term therapy, ask about the lowest effective naproxen dosage per day.

People with a history of GI bleeding, severe kidney disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke risk may need a different plan. Talk to your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Doses for children are weight based and require individualized advice.

You can reduce costs by choosing generic naproxen 500mg tablets, using multi-month supplies when appropriate, and timing refills with our reorder reminders. Many patients treating chronic Arthritis or monthly Menstrual Cramps find that larger fills lower the per-month cost. For localized joint pain, you can read our article What Is Voltaren Gel Used For to learn about topical options you might discuss with your clinician.

Authoritative Sources

For detailed safety information, see the FDA Medication Guide for NSAIDs.

Canadian listings can be searched in the Health Canada Drug Product Database: Naproxen.

For an example of an OTC sodium product, see the manufacturer’s page for Aleve® (naproxen sodium).

Ready to get started? Order from YouDrugstore, a licensed Canadian pharmacy with pharmacist review of every prescription. We ship to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping available when a product requires temperature control.

This information does not replace medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the package insert. Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements you use. If you think you are having a serious reaction, seek emergency care.