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What are the Advantages of Naproxen Sodium?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Naproxen sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which can have certain advantages for some patients and situations. Like all medications, however, this drug comes with some precautions which must be observed to ensure that it is used effectively and appropriately. For patients with certain conditions and patients on some medications, the use of naproxen sodium is contraindicated and could in fact be dangerous. A doctor can provide specific advice and recommendations about dosages, frequency, and duration of use after going over a patient's history and medications list to confirm that naproxen sodium is safe to use.

This drug was initially released in prescription form in the 1970s, and in some regions of the world, it continues to be available by prescription only. In other regions, a weaker over the counter version is available to patients who want more pain relief options, while a prescription-strength version can be ordered by a doctor. This drug is commonly recommended for issues such as menstrual pains, aches, muscle strains, and so forth. It can be a useful item to keep in the medicine cabinet.

Naproxen sodium may be used to treat menstrual pain.
Naproxen sodium may be used to treat menstrual pain.

The active ingredient in naproxen sodium is the naproxen, which blocks the actions of certain enzymes in the body to bring down inflammation. This in turn reduces pain levels. The sodium in the medication helps the body absorb the naproxen more quickly so that the drug will take effect rapidly.

One of the advantages of naproxen sodium is rapid action, along with long-lasting relief. For patients with pain which can be managed by naproxen sodium, the drug lasts for hours and the pain relief remains very consistent. This drug has also been shown to be useful in post-operative pain management. Patients who are given a dose of the drug before surgery experience less inflammation and pain after surgery, which keeps them more comfortable and can speed the healing time from surgery.

Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 12 hours both before and after taking naproxen sodium.
Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 12 hours both before and after taking naproxen sodium.

There are some precautions for naproxen sodium. It has been linked with adverse cardiovascular events, including clots and strokes, which make it inadvisable for patients with a history of cardiovascular problems. It has also been linked with liver disease, making it important to avoid overdosing, and it can contribute to gastrointestinal problems including ulcers. Before this drug is used, it is a good idea to consult a doctor to confirm that it is safe.

Some names under which naproxen sodium is sold include: Aleve®, Feminax Ultra®, Anaprox®, Narocin®, Flanax®, and Naprosyn®.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon81295

I'm going to try this for a while, but I really hate taking drugs for anything, but I have a slightly bulging disc in my lumbar spine that seems to be pressing on the nerve or something. Anyhow, tried one and it seemed to work. Just don't want to get hooked on it long term.

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    • Naproxen sodium may be used to treat menstrual pain.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Naproxen sodium may be used to treat menstrual pain.
    • Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 12 hours both before and after taking naproxen sodium.
      By: Alliance
      Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 12 hours both before and after taking naproxen sodium.
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen sodium may help alleviate mild to moderate pain.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen sodium may help alleviate mild to moderate pain.
    • A doctor can give advice on whether naproxen sodium is necessary and in what dosage it should be taken.
      By: michaeljung
      A doctor can give advice on whether naproxen sodium is necessary and in what dosage it should be taken.
    • In some regions of the world, naproxen sodium is available by prescription only.
      By: Kaspars Grinvalds
      In some regions of the world, naproxen sodium is available by prescription only.
    • Taking naproxen sodium may be dangerous for patients taking certain medications.
      By: Scott Griessel
      Taking naproxen sodium may be dangerous for patients taking certain medications.
    • Taking naproxen sodium offers rapid action and long-lasting relief.
      By: Andy Dean
      Taking naproxen sodium offers rapid action and long-lasting relief.
    • Some medications -- such as naproxen sodium -- can affect how the liver functions.
      By: 7activestudio
      Some medications -- such as naproxen sodium -- can affect how the liver functions.