Naproxen

Naproxen is part of a group of medicines called NSAIDs, which stands for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Simply put, it's an anti-inflammatory painkiller commonly used to treat:

While Naproxen is used for various conditions, we'll mainly discuss how it helps with gout symptoms here. Gout occurs when uric acid accumulates in your joints. Normally, uric acid is produced when food is broken down and is then passed out of the body in urine. However, an excess of uric acid can lead to the formation of crystals. These crystals settle in tissues, especially around the joints, leading to swelling. This can be painful and cause what are known as gout attacks.

Gout attacks can appear out of the blue, leading to intense joint pain and swelling. While gout often affects the big toe joints, it can also impact your hands, wrists, elbows, or knees. Taking Naproxen can help lessen the swelling and ease the pain.

Naproxen helps by preventing your body from producing chemicals known as prostaglandins, which play a role in pain and inflammation. This action helps to lessen pain and make you less sensitive to it.

Gout attacks happen when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to inflammation. This inflammation involves chemicals like prostaglandins, which play a key role in the process and are typically released when tissue is injured. Naproxen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which helps to ease pain and reduce inflammation.

In simple terms, NSAIDs such as Naproxen help reduce the inflammation that leads to swelling and pain.

Naproxen tablets are available in two strengths: 250mg and 500mg. The oral suspension is offered in doses of either 25mg/ml or 50mg/ml.

For gout attacks, start with a 750mg dose, then take 250mg every eight hours. This helps maintain consistent pain relief until the attack subsides.

If you're using Naproxen in liquid form, you'll typically start with a 30ml dose, followed by 10ml every eight hours until you start to feel better.

Avoid taking Naproxen while breastfeeding because it can get into your breast milk and might harm your baby.

Before taking naproxen, it's important to inform your clinician if you are pregnant. During the first six months of pregnancy, avoid using naproxen unless it's absolutely essential. In the final three months of pregnancy, you should not take naproxen as it could be harmful to your baby.

Certainly, there are several treatments that function similarly to Naproxen. Paracetamol and co-codamol are available over the counter and are effective initial options for various pain-related issues. It's always wise to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional to ensure the treatment you select is suitable for you. Additionally, there are many other prescription NSAIDs that a clinician might suggest.

If you prefer not to take tablets or the oral solution, there's an effervescent form of Naproxen available called Stirlescent. It has the same active ingredient, naproxen, but you dissolve it in water, and it's sold under a brand name.

Naproxen belongs to the same group of pain relief medicines as ibuprofen, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. While ibuprofen is available over the counter, naproxen is stronger and its effects last longer. This might make it a better option if you've used ibuprofen before and found it wasn't quite effective enough.

Unlike ibuprofen, you'll need to consult a clinician if you wish to use Naproxen for treating gout. A prescription is necessary to ensure it's safe and suitable for you.

A clinician will determine the appropriate dose of Naproxen for you, depending on your symptoms. Typically, gout attacks are initially treated with a higher dose, which is gradually reduced.

The choice of which form of Naproxen to take is mostly yours. If you find tablets hard to swallow or they upset your stomach, the oral solution could be a better fit. On the other hand, if you're worried about managing symptoms while you're out and about, the effervescent option might be more convenient. Have a chat with a clinician about your symptoms, preferences, and needs, and they'll help guide you to the best option.

For many years, Naproxen has been an effective and generally well-tolerated treatment for gout, meaning it usually doesn't cause many side effects. Because of this, it's often one of the first treatments a clinician will recommend for gout.

In a 2007 randomised controlled trial, researchers compared naproxen with a corticosteroid called prednisolone to evaluate their effectiveness in treating gout. The study found that both medications were similarly effective in reducing pain, general disability, and walking disability over four days, with naproxen showing slightly better results. Additionally, naproxen caused slightly fewer side effects than prednisolone.

You'll need to speak with a clinician about your condition, symptoms, and any other medications or health concerns you may have to ensure they're suitable for you. Naproxen isn't meant for long-term use, so you'll need to be monitored while you're on it.

The most common side effects, experienced by up to 1 in 100 people, include:

Sometimes, Naproxen may lead to serious side effects in certain individuals. If you experience any of the following problems, stop taking Naproxen immediately and get medical help:

If you notice any signs of a heart attack, like chest pain, symptoms of aseptic meningitis such as a high temperature, nausea and vomiting, confusion, headache, neck stiffness, or sensitivity to light, or if you experience a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis, call 999 immediately.

Naproxen isn't suitable for everyone. Make sure to inform your clinician if you currently have or have ever had any of the following conditions before taking Naproxen:

This is because naproxen might worsen these conditions.