Nalgesin (Naproxen Sodium)

Nalgesin (naproxen sodium) works within the prostaglandin pathway to manage pain and inflammation.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesia for headaches, dental pain, musculoskeletal aches, and dysmenorrhea.
• Osteoarthritis: reduces joint inflammation and improves mobility in chronic degenerative joint disease.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: helps control inflammatory activity and pain in autoimmune joint disease.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature associated with acute infections or inflammatory conditions.

• Naproxen sodium non‑selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The reduced prostaglandin synthesis diminishes peripheral sensitization of nociceptors, limits inflammatory exudate formation, and lowers the hypothalamic set‑point for temperature, thereby providing analgesic, anti‑inflammatory, and antipyretic effects.

Adverse reactions may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Skin rash: transient erythema or pruritus.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, which can be life‑threatening.
• Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke, especially with long‑term use.
• Acute renal impairment or worsening of chronic kidney disease.
• Severe skin reactions including Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Hepatic injury presenting as jaundice or elevated transaminases.
• Anaphylaxis or other severe hypersensitivity reactions.

Before initiating therapy, consider patient‑specific risk factors and monitor appropriately.

• Assess gastrointestinal risk: avoid in patients with a history of ulcer disease or bleeding.
• Evaluate renal function: use caution in those with impaired kidney function.
• Review cardiovascular history: limit use in patients with established heart disease.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity to naproxen or other NSAIDs.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Naproxen sodium can alter the pharmacodynamics or pharmacokinetics of several medicines.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Warfarin: increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Lithium: elevated lithium levels and potential toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• SSRIs (e.g., sertraline): heightened bleeding tendency.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in renal function.
• Diuretics (especially thiazides): risk of reduced renal perfusion and electrolyte imbalance.