The following information is NOT meant to be used to treat yourself or patients
Generic name= Naproxen
Source: HealthSquare.com
Trade name = Aleve, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, Naprosyn, Naprelan
Class = anti-inflammatory
MOA
- Blocks cyclooxygenase (COX-1 & COX-2) and thus production of prostaglandins
Advantages
- Relatively inexpensive as generic
- Available OTC
- Least cardiovascular risk when using high-dose
Dosing
- 200, 220, 250, 275, 375, 500, 550-mg pills
- Comes in 200 and 220-mg over-the-counter [220 mg of naproxen sodium contains 200-mg naproxen]
- Typical dosing:
- 250-mg PO q6-8 hrs prn
- 500-mg PO q12 hrs
- Max dose: Do not exceed 1250-mg/day for more than a week
Note:
- COX-1 normally produces prostaglandins that are gastroprotective. Thus, blocking it can lead to gastric ulcers/bleeds
- Take with food or 8-oz of water
- May increase risk of cardiovascular thrombotic events, MI, and stroke
- Consider avoiding in patients with cardiac history
- The above warning is with all NSAIDs.
Keep in mind that naproxen at a high dose (500mg BID) has NOT been shown to increase the risk of cardiac and cerebral events
- Absolute contraindication: ASA allergy
- Naprelan is a controlled-release formulation
