How should I take naproxen?
Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your
doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.
EC-Naprosyn is a slower-acting form of naproxen and this brand should be used only for
treating arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not crush, chew, or break an
extended-release or enteric-coated tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The extended-release pill is specially
made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug
to be released at one time. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach.
Breaking the pill could damage this coating.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure
you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not
with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for
one.
If you take naproxen for a long period of time, your doctor may want to check you on a
regular basis to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any
scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store naproxen at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since naproxen is sometimes taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If
you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly
scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine. Symptoms of a naproxen overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain,
confusion, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or
coma.
What should I avoid while taking naproxen?
Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first
asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or
other medicines similar to naproxen (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen). If you take certain
products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label
of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen.
Do not drink alcohol while taking naproxen. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach
bleeding caused by naproxen.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Naproxen may increase the sensitivity of the
skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is
unavoidable.
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