Naproxen sodium, more often referred to as naproxen, is one of the most used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID available in the market today. It is usually taken to treat inflammation, pain, fever and menstrual cramps. It is also one of the most reliable medications used by patients to treat stiffness condition usually associated with the different types of arthritis such as the general arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Other conditions that affect one’s joints are also treated by naproxen sodium. Naproxen sodium is also used to treat illnesses as Bartter’s syndrome and Paget’s disease.
In 1976, Naproxen sodium was initially introduced in the market as a prescription drug; it was the main ingredient in a drug with the brand name Naprosyn. It was not in 1994 that the United States Food and Drug Administration or FDA allowed the purchase of naproxen sodium over the counter and generally without the need for prescription. Today, in most drugstores and pharmacies, people will find that naproxen sodium is sold under Aleve and Anaprox brand names.
When prescribed by a health professional, naproxen sodium is usually bought in its tablet form. It is also available in a coated tablet with delayed release. Naproxen can also be purchased in its liquid form or extended release pill. Naproxen Sodium tablet is typically taken 3 times a day, while the one in the form of extended release pill is advised to be taken once daily. When purchased over the counter, naproxen comes in dosages of eight to twelve hours. Naproxen sodium is actually the medication of choice for many people, particularly those with chronic body pain issues. Taking naproxen is more convenient for people who need pain drugs as they only have to take this medication once a day unlike with acetaminophen or ibuprofen medication, is needed to be taken 3 to 4 times a day.
While naproxen sodium is widely known to be a very effective medication, it can still cause mild to serious side effects in some cases. It is generally recommended that a patient takes it with food or glass of water in order to avoid stomach upset. Naproxen sodium is known to have caused bleeding ulcers and even intestinal and stomach holes. Since these can be considered serious adverse effects, those with ulcers should avoid taking Naproxen altogether.
Aside from complications occurring for those with ulcers, naproxen sodium can also cause diarrhea, gas, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, ringing in the ears and headache. It is also advised that patients taking aspirin, lithium and anticoagulants should stop taking naproxen sodium; otherwise they must take it with care and only under the close supervision of a health professional. Likewise, patients suffering from high blood pressure should avoid taking naproxen if only because of its sodium content.
An article in a 2006 medical journal contained a study suggesting pregnant women have a high risk of having offspring with congenital birth defects. In 2007, the American Heart Association issued a strong recommendation that patients who possess high risk for stroke must likewise avoid naproxen due to the high possibility of suffering a stroke.
