Naproxen is also available in enteric-coated tablets. These tablets release naproxen in the gut rather than the stomach. This formulation helps prevent the gastrointestinal side effects that manufacturers sometimes associate with naproxen. Similar to generic naproxen, enteric-coated tablets are available in 250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg tablets.
Dosage and Form
Naproxen is available in tablet, liquid capsule, and liquid forms.
The dose of naproxen a person needs depends on the reason they are using the drug. The general rule is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. This dosage helps prevent side effects from occurring.
Doctors recommend that people take naproxen and other NSAIDs with food to prevent gastrointestinal side effects.
mild to moderate pain
For fever and mild to moderate pain, adults 12 to 65 years of age may take one 220 mg naproxen tablet every 12 hours. Children younger than 12 should not take naproxen unless advised by their doctor.
Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis
People can manage symptoms of osteoarthritis, commonly known as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, by taking 220 mg to 550 mg of naproxen every 12 hours. Naproxen does not cure these conditions, but it can relieve pain and inflammation.
People who have experienced acute gout attacks may take 825 mg as one dose, followed by 275 mg every 8 hours.
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Doctors can prescribe naproxen to control the pain and inflammation caused by JRA. People can give naproxen suspension to children 2 years and older. The recommended dose is 10 mg per kilogram (kg), or mg/kg divided into two doses 12 hours apart.
Headache
The use of naproxen for pain relief from headaches and migraines is controversial.
People can try taking 550 mg of naproxen sodium every 12 hours, which can be increased to 825 mg if needed. The daily dose should not exceed 1,375 mg.
Naproxen sodium degrades more slowly than generic naproxen and other NSAIDs. This means that naproxen sodium should remain active longer than other anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, after 2 hours, naproxen sodium was less effective than other NSAIDs for headache relief.
While naproxen can be used to reduce the pain of headaches and migraines, other NSAIDs may provide better relief.
