Apo Naproxen 500MG: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions
What is Apo naproxen 500 mg used for?
Apo naproxen 500 mg is a pain medication that relieves inflammation and joint stiffness. Other NSAIDs in the same medication class include acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and meloxicam. Apo naproxen 500 mg is used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headache, muscle aches, tendonitis, dental pain, and menstrual cramps. It also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis, bursitis, and gout attacks. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
How Apo naproxen 500 mg works
Apo naproxen 500 mg works by blocking the enzyme that produces prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play an essential role in inflammation. The body produces them at the site of injured tissue, and they cause redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
Is Apo naproxen 500 mg a strong painkiller?
Apo naproxen 500 mg is a powerful anti-inflammatory painkiller that is used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with a range of different health conditions (such as arthritis, gout, or menstrual pain).
How should I take Apo naproxen 500 mg?
All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:
• your age
• the condition being treated
• how severe your condition is
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose
The use of naproxen should be limited to the lowest possible dose for the shortest length of treatment.
The recommended adult dose of naproxen tablets for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis ranges from 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily. Take naproxen with food or milk. The suppository form of naproxen is usually used once daily to replace one of the oral doses.
If you are maintained on a dose of 750 mg or 1,000 mg daily, the long-acting (sustained-release) form of the medication may be substituted for the immediate-release form. In many cases, this will allow the medication to be taken only once daily. The sustained-release form of the medication should be swallowed whole.
The dose of naproxen for children treated for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is based on body weight. The recommended dose is given in 2 divided doses every 12 hours. Naproxen suspension is often used for young children who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Shake the suspension gently before using.
Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons. Naproxen should not be given to children under the age of 2 years, as the safety and effectiveness of the medication for this age group have not been established.
When used to treat pain or muscle and skeletal injuries, the usual recommended adult dose of naproxen is 250 mg 2 or 3 times daily or 375 mg 2 times daily.
For treatment of menstrual pain and cramps, the recommended first dose is 500 mg followed by 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed. No more than 1,250 mg should be taken in one day. Alternatively, one 500 mg tablet may be taken twice daily as recommended by your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
How long does it take for Apo naproxen to kick in?
This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Typically, it is used for pain or for inflammation. It may also be used for the relief of osteoarthritis, as well as for other uses. The body reaches peak levels of naproxen in 2–4 hours, its effects can be felt within 1 hour.
What are the side effects of Apo naproxen 500 mg?
More common side effects
The more common side effects that occur with Apo naproxen 500 mg oral tablet include:
• stomach pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• heartburn
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness
Mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if they’re more severe or don’t go away.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
• chest pain
• shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• weakness in one part or side of your body
• difficulty speaking
• swelling of the face or throat
• high blood pressure
• bleeding and ulcers in your stomach and intestines, with symptoms such as:
o stomach pain
o bloody vomit
o blood in your stool
o black and sticky stool
o asthma attacks in people who have asthma
o low red blood cell count, which can cause fatigue, lethargy, and weakness
o yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
o unusual weight gain or swelling of your arms, legs, hands, and feet
o skin rash or blisters with fever
What drugs can interact with Apo naproxen 500 mg?
Apo naproxen 500 mg oral tablets can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with naproxen are listed below.
Antidepressant drugs
Combining selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with naproxen increases your risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding. Examples of these drugs include:
Blood pressure drugs
Naproxen might make your blood pressure medications not work as well. If you’re older than 65 years, combining naproxen with certain blood pressure medications may damage your kidneys. Examples of these medications include:
• angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• angiotensin receptor blockers
• beta-blockers, such as propranolol
• diuretics
Heartburn drugs and drugs that protect the stomach
Taking any of these medications with naproxen may make naproxen treat your pain more slowly:
• aluminum hydroxide
• magnesium oxide
• sucralfate
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Combining naproxen with other NSAIDs increases your risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding. Examples of these medications include:
• aspirin
• ibuprofen
• etodolac
• diclofenac
• flurbiprofen
• ketoprofen
• ketorolac
Cholestyramine
If you take cholestyramine with naproxen, your body may absorb naproxen more slowly than usual. That means it may take longer to work.
Lithium
If you take naproxen with lithium, it may increase the lithium in your body to harmful levels.
Methotrexate
Taking methotrexate with naproxen can lead to harmful levels of methotrexate in your body.
Warfarin
Taking warfarin with naproxen increases your risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding.
Does naproxen 500 make you sleepy?
Yes, Apo naproxen 500 mg may cause drowsiness. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do other activities that require alertness until you know you can function normally. This drug can also cause other side effects.
