Naproxen 500mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It has a similar method of action of the over-the-counter medicine ibuprofen; it blocks chemicals that cause pain and inflammation at the site of injury. Naproxen is a stronger anti-inflammatory than ibuprofen and is used in moderate pain and inflammation or where ibuprofen has been ineffective.

Naproxen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as:

• Back pain
• Sprains
• Strains
• Gout
• Menstrual cramps

Naproxen is thought to have less side effects than other anti-inflammatory drugs, with it being less harsh on the stomach than treatments such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. At The Independent Pharmacy, we only supply Naproxen in gastro-resistant tablets, which means that they have an extra protective coating to help reduce the chance of side effects even further. Naproxen should always be taken with or after food to help protect the stomach lining.

Naproxen is suitable to purchase online for those with short-term, non-serious injuries that do not require a visit to the doctor. For serious injuries or long-term conditions, it is more appropriate to see your GP for examination and management.

You can take Naproxen with paracetamol and opioid-type painkillers such as codeine, co-codamol, tramadol or morphine. However, don't take aspirin, or other related anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or diclofenac, as this heightens the risk of side effects on the stomach and intestines. If you take selective inhibitors of COX-2 such as etoricoxib or celecoxib you should not take Naproxen for the same reason.

It is important to remember that cold and flu remedies and over-the-counter painkillers often contain ibuprofen or aspirin. For this reason, you should avoid these medications while you're taking naproxen to prevent an accidental interaction. Check the ingredients of other medicines you wish to take before taking them with naproxen or ask us for advice.

You should also check with us before you use anti-inflammatory gels (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoprofen or piroxicam) alongside Naproxen tablets because this is not safe for everyone.

If you take any of the following medicines, we will need to check that your kidneys are functioning properly. The blood tests will be conducted twice a year by your doctor. Please inform us about your exams when you order to prevent any delays.

You may have an increased risk of side effects on the kidneys if you take Naproxen with any of the following medications:

• ACE inhibitors, e.g. enalapril, captopril
• Ciclosporin
• Diuretics, e.g. furosemide.

Naproxen may reduce the body’s removal of the following medicines from the body and thus may increase the risk of their side effects:

• Digoxin
• Methotrexate
• Lithium

Naproxen may counteract the blood pressure lowering effects of certain high blood pressure treatments, such as:

• ACE inhibitors such as captopril
• Calcium-channel blockers such as amlodipine
• Beta-blockers such as atenolol

If you take Naproxen with quinolone antibiotics, such as or norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin you may have an increased risk of seizures, particularly if you have epilepsy.

Probenecid may reduce the body’s removal of Naproxen. If you take this combination, inform your doctor if you develop Naproxen side effects; your dose may need to be lowered.

Non-Prescription Alternatives for the treatment of Pain are;

• Ibuprofen
• Paracetamol
• Aspirin
• Topical Treatments (Ibuprofen gel)
• Rest the area

If your pain does not ease or becomes severe, contact your GP or Pharmacist for further advice.

Naproxen 500mg tablets can interact with some medicines and should not be purchased online if you are taking any of the following:

• Other anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or diclofenac.
• Blood-thinners or medicines that reduce blood clotting such as heparin or warfarin.
• corticosteroids such as prednisolone or dexamthasone.
• diuretics (‘water tablets’) such as furosemide.
• Medicines to treat high blood pressure such as captopril, ramipril or propranolol, losartan or candesartan.
• Ciclosporin or tacrolimus
• Mifepristone – do not take NSAIDs 8-12 days after mifepristone
• SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram and fluoxetine.
• Zidovudine.
• Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin.
• Probenecid.
• Methotrexate.
• Bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid.
• Colestyramine (take naproxen 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after colestyramine to avoid interference with absorption).
• Lithium.
• Hydantoins such as phenytoin.
• Sulphonamides such as sulfamethoxazole.
• Sulphonylureas such as glibenclamide or gliclazide.
• Cardiac glycosides such as digoxin.

If you are taking any of the above medicines you should always check with your doctor before taking Naproxen as it can interfere with the action of your current medicines.

Naproxen should not be used during preganacy or breast-feeding.

Naproxen may cause a small increase in the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially when used long-term or if you have an existing heart disease. You should not use Naproxen before or after any kind of heart surgery.

Long-term use of Naproxen can cause internal bleeding of the stomach or intestines. This can be fatal if untreated. Whilst taking Naproxen you should always look out for stomach pain, indigestion, passing blood or black, tarry stools. If any of hese symptoms occur, seek medical treatment immediately.

You should see your doctor before taking Naproxen if you have:

• A history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• Heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
• A history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• Liver or kidney disease;
• Asthma;
• Polyps in your nose;
• A bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• If you smoke.

Naproxen 500mg tablets should be taken TWICE daily, with a gap of at least six to eight hours between doses. They are normally taken with breakfast and your evening meal. Naproxen can be taken as required although it is often best to take it regularly for a number of days to help an acute injury such as a sprain or strain.

Always ensure Naproxen is taken with or after food.

If you miss a dose of Naproxen, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. You should never take more than two Naproxen 500mg tablets in 24 hours and ensure you leave a gap of at least six to eight hours between doses.

Whilst taking Naproxen you should ensure you avoid other medicines containing NSAIDs (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen & diclofenac).

You should try to avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Naproxen can cause you to burn more easily in direct sunlight. Ensure that you wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. You should avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.

Naproxen 500mg gastro-resistant tablets contain 500mg naproxen as the active ingredient.

It also contains the following inactive ingredients: Methacrylic acid-ethylacrylate copolymer (1:1), Lactose, Magnesium stearate, Maize starch, Crospovidone, Propylene glycol, Sodium hydroxide, Triethyl citrate, Titanium dioxide (E171) , Potassium sorbate (E202) , Sodium citrate (E331) , Xanthan gum (E415), Hydroxypropyl cellulose (E463), Purified talc (E553), Beeswax.

Like all anti-inflammatory medicines, Naproxen can cause side effects.

Common side effects can include:

• Gastric side effects including upset stomach, heartburn, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhoea. These can also include bloating and gas.
• Dizziness & headache.
• Blurred vision or ringing in the ears.
• Skin itching and rash.

Some of these side effects may be less likely to occur if Naproxen is taken with or after food.

Naproxen can cause an allergic reaction in a very small number of people. You should not take Naproxen if you know you are allergic or if you have an allergy to any other anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin or diclofenac. If you suffer with an allergic reaction to Naproxen, symptoms may include: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. If any of these symptoms occur you should seek medical attention immediately.

You should stop taking Naproxen and see your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following symtpoms occur:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• swelling or rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions) or
• severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.