Content
Naproxen is a remedy with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic action and is therefore indicated for the treatment of sore throat, toothache, flu and cold symptoms, menstrual pain, muscle pain and rheumatic pain.
This remedy is available in pharmacies, in generic or with the trade names Flanax or Naxotec, and can be purchased for a price of about 7 to 30 reais, depending on the brand, dosage and size of the package.
What is it for
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, indicated for the treatment of:
- Throat pain and inflammation, toothache, abdominal pain, menstrual pain and pelvic pain;
- Pain and fever, in situations like flu and cold;
- Periarticular and musculoskeletal conditions, such as torticollis, muscle pain, bursitis, tendonitis, synovitis, tenosynovitis, back and joint pain and tennis elbow;
- Pain and inflammation in rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis;
- Migraine and headache, as well as its prevention;
- Post-surgical pain;
- Post-traumatic pain, such as sprains, strains, bruises and pain from sports.
In addition, this remedy can also be used to treat postpartum pain, but only in women who are not breastfeeding.
How to use
The naproxen dosage depends on the purpose of the treatment, and should be determined by the doctor.
For the treatment of chronic painful conditions with inflammation, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, the recommended dose is 250 mg or 500 mg, twice a day or in a single daily dose, and the dose can be readjusted.
For the treatment of acute painful conditions with inflammation, such as for analgesia, menstrual pain or acute musculoskeletal conditions, the initial dose is 500 mg, followed by 250 mg, every 6 to 8 hours, as needed.
To treat acute gout attacks, an initial dose of 750 mg can be used, followed by 250 mg every 8 hours until the attack is relieved.
For the treatment of acute migraine, the recommended dose is 750 mg as soon as a first symptom of an impending attack appears. Half an hour after the initial dose, an additional dose of 250 mg to 500 mg can be taken throughout the day, if necessary. For the prevention of migraine, the recommended dose is 500 mg twice a day.
Who should not use
Naproxen is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to naproxen, naproxen sodium or to the other components of the formula, people with asthma, rhinitis, nasal polyps or hives caused or exacerbated by the use of acetylsalicylic acid or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) .
In addition, naproxen should also not be used in people with active bleeding or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation related to previous use of NSAIDs, with a history of peptic ulcer, in people with severe heart failure or with creatinine clearance below 30 mL / min
It should also not be used in children under 2 years old, pregnant and lactating.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects that can occur during treatment with naproxen are gastrointestinal and liver disorders, such as nausea, poor digestion, heartburn and abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting.