Naproherm (Naproxen)

• Naproxen acts systemically to reduce pain, inflammation and fever across several common conditions.
• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesic relief for headaches, dental pain, and musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis): decreases joint inflammation and improves mobility.
• Dysmenorrhea: alleviates menstrual cramps and associated pelvic pain.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature in acute febrile episodes.

• Naproxen non‑selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Reduced prostaglandin synthesis diminishes inflammation, pain signaling, and fever generation at the site of tissue injury or systemic response.

Naproxen may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe. Awareness of common and serious events helps guide safe use.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort or dyspepsia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild skin rash
• Elevated blood pressure

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
• Severe cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction
• Acute renal failure or worsening of chronic kidney disease
• Life‑threatening skin reactions (e.g., Stevens‑Johnson syndrome)
• Anaphylaxis or severe hypersensitivity reactions
• Hepatotoxicity

• Before initiating therapy, clinicians should evaluate individual risk factors and monitor patients for potential complications.
• Assess gastrointestinal risk: consider ulcer history or concurrent NSAID use.
• Monitor renal function: avoid in patients with severe renal impairment.
• Evaluate cardiovascular risk: use lowest effective dose in those with heart disease.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.
• Avoid in individuals with known hypersensitivity to naproxen or other NSAIDs.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture.

Naproxen can interact with several drug classes, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): heightened bleeding potential.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in antihypertensive effect and renal function.
• Lithium: increased lithium serum concentrations.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may impair renal clearance.
• Corticosteroids: enhanced risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.
• Antihypertensive agents: possible attenuation of blood pressure control.
• Oral hypoglycemics: potential alteration of glucose control.