NAPROSYN

Who is Naprosyn for ?

Naproxen is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It also is used to relieve other pain, including muscle and menstrual pain and pain after surgery, dental work, or childbirth. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Naproxen is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body called prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation. Naproxen blocks prostaglandin production by decreasing the activity of an enzyme, called cyclo-oxygenase (COX), which is used to make prostaglandins.

When should I be careful taking Naprosyn ?

Before taking naproxen,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to naproxen, aspirin or other medications for pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ("water pills"), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamins. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using naproxen unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; any stomach problems; or any other gastrointestinal disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking naproxen, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking naproxen.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

Side Effects

Although side effects from naproxen are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness
• nervousness
• upset stomach
• stomach pain or cramps
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• bloody vomit
• bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
• ringing in the ears
• blurred vision
• swelling of hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• skin rash
• itching