Naproxen Aflofarm (Naproxen)

Naproxen is an NSAID that acts on inflammatory pathways to manage several common conditions.

• Pain: provides relief from mild to moderate acute pain such as musculoskeletal or dental pain.
• Inflammation: reduces swelling and discomfort in conditions like tendonitis or bursitis.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature associated with infection or inflammatory disease.
• Arthritis: alleviates joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Naproxen inhibits cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. This reduction in prostaglandin synthesis diminishes inflammation, pain signaling, and fever generation at the site of tissue injury or disease.

Naproxen may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: dyspepsia, heartburn, or abdominal discomfort.
• Nausea: occasional feeling of queasiness.
• Headache: mild to moderate head pain.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness.
• Rash: mild skin irritation or itching.
• Elevated liver enzymes: mild, transient changes in laboratory tests.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration.
• Severe renal impairment or acute kidney injury.
• Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens‑Johnson syndrome).
• Hepatotoxicity: significant liver injury.
• Anaphylaxis: rare, life‑threatening allergic reaction.

When prescribing or dispensing Naproxen, consider the following precautions to minimize risk.

• Renal function: assess kidney status before initiating therapy, especially in patients with chronic renal disease.
• Gastrointestinal risk: avoid use in individuals with active peptic ulcer disease or a history of serious GI bleeding.
• Cardiovascular risk: use cautiously in patients with established heart disease, hypertension, or stroke history.
• Concomitant medications: review all current drugs for potential interactions, particularly anticoagulants and other NSAIDs.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and heat, and store below 25 °C.

Naproxen can interact with other medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): heightened bleeding risk.
• Lithium: naproxen may raise lithium serum concentrations.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal perfusion and function.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: potential for reduced diuretic effectiveness and renal impairment.
• Methotrexate: naproxen can decrease clearance, raising toxicity risk.
• Corticosteroids: combined use may exacerbate GI ulceration.
• Alcohol: concurrent use can increase gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding risk.