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Naproxen 500 mg – Effects, Dosage & Side Effects

Naproxen 500 is a prescription-strength pain reliever from the NSAID group, used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever in adults.

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Things worth knowing about "naproxen 500"

Naproxen 500 is a prescription-strength pain reliever from the NSAID group, used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever in adults.

What is Naproxen 500?

Naproxen 500 refers to a dosage form of the active ingredient naproxen containing 500 milligrams per tablet or capsule. Naproxen belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. At this dosage, naproxen is typically available by prescription only.

Indications

Naproxen 500 is indicated for a variety of conditions, including:

Joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Back pain and muscle tension
Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
Headaches and migraine
Sports injuries and sprains
Acute gout attacks
Fever

Mechanism of Action

Naproxen works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). These enzymes are responsible for the production of prostaglandins -- chemical messengers that promote pain, inflammation, and fever in the body. By blocking prostaglandin synthesis, naproxen effectively reduces pain, lowers inflammation, and brings down fever. The effect typically begins within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts approximately 8 to 12 hours, making naproxen longer-acting than many other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.

Dosage and Administration

The standard adult dose is 500 mg naproxen twice daily, taken approximately every 8 to 12 hours. The maximum recommended daily dose is generally 1,000 mg, unless otherwise directed by a physician. Tablets should be swallowed with a full glass of water and preferably taken with food or milk to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.

Do not use for longer than recommended
Always use the lowest effective dose
Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen

Side Effects

Like all NSAIDs, naproxen 500 may cause side effects. Common side effects include:

Gastrointestinal complaints: nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, or constipation
Peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding with prolonged use
Headache and dizziness
Fluid retention (edema)
Increased blood pressure
Kidney function impairment with long-term use
Rarely: allergic reactions, skin rash

To protect the stomach lining during prolonged use, doctors often prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (e.g., omeprazole) alongside naproxen.

Contraindications and Warnings

Naproxen 500 should not be taken in the following situations:

Known hypersensitivity to naproxen or other NSAIDs
Active peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
Severe renal or hepatic impairment
Severe heart failure
From the 6th month of pregnancy onwards (contraindicated)
Concurrent use of anticoagulants without medical supervision

Naproxen 500 mg should only be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age under medical supervision.

Drug Interactions

Naproxen may interact with various other medications:

Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, aspirin): increased risk of bleeding
ACE inhibitors and diuretics: reduced antihypertensive effect
Lithium and methotrexate: elevated plasma levels of these drugs
Corticosteroids: increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding

References

European Medicines Agency (EMA) - Summary of Product Characteristics for Naproxen, current edition.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Drug Label Information: Naproxen Sodium 500 mg (2023).
Patrono C. & Baigent C. - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the heart, Circulation, 2014.

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