Naproxen: Side effects and overdose concerns
The bottom line
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that decreases pain and inflammation and reduces fever. Side effects include nausea and stomachache, as well as mild drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. Acute overdose and chronic use may cause reversible kidney toxicity. A naproxen overdose is usually not considered serious unless a large amount is taken.
Prevention Tips
Store medicines up, away, and out of sight of children.
Read medication labels for directions and warnings.
Follow dosing instructions exactly.
Keep medicine in the original container.
Check with your doctor, pharmacist, or poison center before mixing medicines.
For liquid preparations, measure the dose with a medicine dropper or medicine cup, not with a teaspoon or tablespoon.
Don’t use expired medicines.
This Really Happened
A 65-year-old woman accidentally took a double dose of naproxen 500 mg tablets. She took a tablet at 8:00 AM and another tablet at 9:00 AM. She called the poison center as soon as she realized the mistake. She was anxious, but was otherwise fine. The poison specialist told her that she might experience a mild upset stomach, but otherwise would be fine. It would be okay for her to take her next dose as scheduled.
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What is naproxen and what is it used for?
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Common brand names include Aleve, Anaprox, and Naprosyn. It decreases inflammation and pain and reduces fever. Its therapeutic uses include treating mild to moderate pain from arthritis, tendinitis, gout, menstrual cramps, and other conditions. Naproxen and naproxen sodium are available without a prescription at lower strengths and with a prescription at higher strengths. It is also available as an oral suspension for children.
What are the side effects of naproxen?
Side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomachache, and bleeding in the digestive tract. Some people experience mild drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. Like other NSAIDs, naproxen can cause acute kidney failure, which is usually reversible. Kidney failure is more likely to occur in older adults and in people with other diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and pre-existing kidney disease. More serious adverse effects are possible, including those due to allergy or blood abnormalities.
Naproxen vs. Ibuprofen and Naproxen vs. Acetaminophen: What’s the difference?
Ibuprofen and naproxen are both NSAIDs. Ibuprofen starts working faster, but naproxen has a longer lasting effect. Acetaminophen is not a NSAID. It is used to treat pain and reduce fever, but does not decrease inflammation and swelling.
Can you drink alcohol with naproxen?
Both naproxen and alcohol are irritating to the digestive tract. Taking them together can increase the risk of an upset stomach, as well as bleeding in people with stomach ulcers. Do not drink excessively when on naproxen or any NSAID.
Who should not take naproxen?
Do not give naproxen to children under 2 years of age. People who are allergic to naproxen or who have experienced a severe allergic reaction or asthma attack from aspirin or another NSAID should not take naproxen. If you are on another NSAID, such as ibuprofen, you should not take naproxen at the same time. People with stomach ulcers or bleeding and women in the second half of pregnancy should not use naproxen unless recommended by a doctor.
How much naproxen is safe?
When used according to the directions on the label, naproxen is safe. Unintentionally taking more than the recommended dose (e.g., a double dose) or taking additional doses sooner than recommended is usually not harmful.
What should I do if I overdose on naproxen or take it by accident?
An overdose of naproxen can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes drowsiness, ataxia (i.e., wobbly walking), ringing in the ears, and disorientation. Naproxen overdose is usually not serious unless a large amount is taken, in which case altered mental status, coma, seizures, digestive tract bleeding, kidney failure, and acidosis may occur.
If someone takes an overdose of naproxen, takes it by accident, or if you have a question about using it safely, use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
