Naproxen is a longer-acting anti-inflammatory, usually taken twice a day rather than three or four times. That makes it a common choice for ongoing conditions like arthritis and gout, where steady cover matters more than a quick effect.
Naproxen treats pain and inflammation in arthritis, gout attacks, muscle and joint injuries, back pain and period pain. It is also used for some other inflammatory conditions.
Compared with ibuprofen it lasts longer, which suits pain that is present all day. The trade-off is that the risks common to all anti-inflammatories still apply, and a longer-acting medicine means longer exposure.
Take exactly as prescribed — usually once or twice a day, with or just after food. Gastro-resistant tablets must be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
Take the lowest dose that controls your symptoms, for the shortest sensible period. For gout, a short higher-dose course is normal. For arthritis, ongoing use should be reviewed periodically by your GP.
Many people prescribed naproxen long term are also given a stomach-protecting medicine such as omeprazole or lansoprazole. Take it — it is there for a reason, not as an optional extra.
Indigestion, heartburn, nausea and stomach pain are the common ones. Taking it with food helps but does not remove the risk.
Stop and get medical help for:
Like other anti-inflammatories, naproxen carries a small increase in the risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly at higher doses and with longer use — which is another reason for periodic review.
Avoid from 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards. Do not take alongside ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories — that doubles the risk without improving pain relief.
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