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Generic Name: Naproxen
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Naprosyn is a pain reliever used primarily for arthritis.
Like other
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, it may also be prescribed for
menstrual cramps, bursitis, tendinitis, sprains, strains and other painful
conditions.
Naprosyn is virtually identical to Anaprox, a popular pain
reliever, so these two drugs should never be taken together.
It is also
available by its generic name, naproxen, and as an over-the-counter pain
reliever, Aleve.
Side Effects and Interactions
No matter how you swallow this medicine, the
most common side effects of Naprosyn involve the gastrointestinal tract.
They include nausea, indigestion, heartburn, cramps, gas, constipation,
and diarrhea.
Some people may develop ulcers and intestinal bleeding
while taking Naprosyn. Occasionally these problems can occur without obvious
symptoms and lead to a life-threatening crisis due to perforation of the stomach
lining.
Older people appear to be more susceptible to this problem and
should be monitored carefully. Warning signs include weight loss, persistent
indigestion, a feeling of fullness after moderate meals, dark or tarry stools,
anemia and unusual fatigue.
Home stool tests such as Hemoccult or Fleet
Detecatest may provide an early indication of bleeding.
Other side
effects to watch for include headache, ringing in the ears, rash, itching,
difficulty breathing and fluid retention.
Drowsiness, dizziness,
lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and confusion are possible, so do not
drive if you become impaired.
Less common adverse reactions include
jitteriness, insomnia, heart palpitations, hair loss, depression, tremor,
tiredness, visual disturbances, and sores in the mouth. Report any symptoms to
your physician promptly.
Naprosyn can affect both the kidney and liver,
so periodic blood tests to monitor the function of these organs is important.
Some people become sensitive to sunlight while on Naprosyn, with a
severe burn or rash resulting, so use an effective sunscreen, stay covered or
avoid the sun.
This medication can interact with many other drugs,
including aspirin and alcohol.
Naprosyn may blunt the effectiveness of
many blood pressure medicines, including beta-blockers like Corgard or Tenormin,
ACE inhibitors like Capoten, Vasotec or Zestril and diuretics like Dyazide or
Lasix.
It can increase blood levels of the heart drug Lanoxin and
increase the toxicity of the transplant drug Sandimmune and the cancer medicine
methotrexate.
Because it has the potential to cause GI bleeding,
Naprosyn could be dangerous in combination with the blood thinner Coumadin.
If you must take Naprosyn together with either the seizure medication
Dilantin or the manic-depression medicine lithium, your physician should monitor
blood levels and effects of these drugs closely.
Check with both your
doctor and your pharmacist before taking Naprosyn in combination with any other
drugs.
Special Precautions
People who are allergic to aspirin or other anti-inflammatory agents should avoid Naprosyn.
Signs of allergy include breathing difficulties, rash, fever, or a sudden drop in blood pressure and require immediate medical attention.
Taking the Medicine
Because Naprosyn can be hard on the digestive tract, it may be taken with food to reduce stomach irritation. This offers no guarantee of safety, however.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000