$Unique_ID{BRK02049}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{NAPROXEN}
$Subject{Anaprox (Syntex)
Anaprox DS (Syntex)
Naprosyn (Syntex)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anaprox*0204901.scf
Anaprox DS*0204902.scf
Naprosyn 250*0204903.scf
Naprosyn 375*0204904.scf
Naprosyn 500*0204905.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


NAPROXEN
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Anaprox (Syntex)
     Anaprox DS (Syntex)
     Naprosyn (Syntex)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic
INGREDIENT:
     naproxen (Naprosyn)
     naproxen as the sodium salt (Anaprox)
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg {Naprosyn}; 275 mg and 550 mg
       {Anaprox})
     Oral suspension (125 mg per 5-ml spoonful {Naprosyn})
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container at room
       temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight.

USES

     Naproxen is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and
stiffness) of certain types of arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendinitis.
Naproxen is also used to treat painful menstruation.  Naproxen has been shown
to block the production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that
may trigger pain.  However, it is not yet fully understood how naproxen works.

TREATMENT

     You should take this medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes
before meals or two hours after meals, so that it gets into your bloodstream
quickly.  However, to decrease stomach irritation, your doctor may want you to
take the medicine with food or antacids.
     It is important to take naproxen on schedule and not to miss any doses.
If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time
for your next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just
return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.
     If you are taking naproxen to relieve arthritis, you must take it
regularly, as directed by your doctor.  It may take up to four weeks before
you feel the full benefits of this medication.  This medication does not cure
arthritis, but it will help to relieve the condition as long as you continue
to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness,
drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of
appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, and
vomiting.  As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should
disappear.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you become dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression;
palpitations; ringing or buzzing in the ears or a problem with hearing;
shortness of breath or wheezing; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain;
sudden decrease in amount of urine; swelling of the feet; tightness in the
chest; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising;
unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual weight gain; or yellowing of the eyes or
skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Naproxen interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin)
can lead to an increase in bleeding complications.
     2. Aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory medications can cause
increased stomach irritation when used concurrently with naproxen.
     3. Naproxen can decrease the elimination of lithium and methotrexate from
the body, resulting in possible toxicity from these medications.
     4. Naproxen may interfere with the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
beta-blocking medications (such as acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol,
esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol,
and timolol).
     5. This medication can also interfere with the diuretic effects of
furosemide and thiazide-type diuretics.
     6. Probenecid can increase the amount of naproxen in the bloodstream when
both drugs are being taken.
     Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Before you take this medication, it is important to tell your doctor if
you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to any medications, especially
to naproxen or any of the other chemically related drugs (including aspirin,
other salicylates, carprofen, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen,
flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid,
oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or tolmetin).
     * Before taking this medication, it is important to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had bleeding problems, colitis, stomach
ulcers or other stomach problems, asthma, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood
pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's
disease.
     * If naproxen makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity
that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially
dangerous machinery.
     * Because this drug can prolong your bleeding time, it is important to
tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having
surgery or any other medical or dental treatment.
     * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly
or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication.  These should,
therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor tells you otherwise).
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Naproxen analgesic
may cause unwanted effects on the heart or blood flow of the fetus.  Studies
in animals have shown that taking naproxen late in pregnancy may increase the
length of pregnancy, prolong labor, or cause other problems during delivery.
Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of this medication can pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
