Naproxen: Uses and Side effects

Uses of Naproxen

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It reduces swelling (inflammation) and pain in the joints and muscles. It is indicated for the treatment of pain, pressure, swelling and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis; it may also provide relief from bursitis, tendonitis, gouty arthritis, and other causes of pain caused by shoulder pain, back pain, sprains, and strains; and it is also effective for menstrual pain.

Naproxen co-administration evaluation

To assess the effects of naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate, naproxen sodium-dexamethasone, and naproxen sodium on myofascial pain. Methods: This randomized, double-blind prospective clinical study was conducted with patients who applied with the complaint of pain in the temporomandibular region. A total of 169 patients were randomly divided into four groups and received the following treatments: Group A: naproxen sodium 550 mg; Group B: naproxen sodium 550 mg + codeine phosphate 30 mg; Group C: naproxen sodium 550 mg + single-dose dexamethasone 8 mg, and Group D: paracetamol 500 mg. Results: Of the patients, 132 were female, and 37 were male, with a mean age of 27.04 ± 10.56 (18-69 years). Analgesic efficiency of the naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate group was the most effective at the 2nd week and 4th week (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate might be preferred as an analgesic in similar cases with severe myofascial pain.

Side effects of Naproxen

Common side effects of Naproxen may include indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, bruising, itching, rash, swelling, or ringing in the ears. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following serious drug reactions. For example: shortness of breath, swelling or rapid weight gain, rash, signs of stomach bleeding (bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds), liver problems (nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, feeling tired, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice), kidney problems (little or no urination, pain or difficulty in urinating, swelling of the feet or ankles, feeling tired or shortness of breath), low red blood cells (anaemia), etc. In addition, in rare cases, a severe allergic reaction to naproxen may occur. You may also suffer from stomach ulcers and other adverse reactions when taking it for a long time.

References

[1] LEVENT CIGERIM; Volkan K. Analgesic efficacy of naproxen-codeine, naproxen+dexamethasone, and naproxen on myofascial pain: A randomized double-blind controlled trial.[J]. Cranio-The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice, 2023. DOI:10.1080/08869634.2020.1824411.

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