Naprelan (Naproxen)

What is Naprelan?

Naprelan (naproxen) is an oral drug which belongs to the class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

What is Naprelan used for?

Naprelan is used to provide relief from pain, swelling, joint stiffness caused by arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis and gout attacks. It is also used in the treatment of various other conditions such as headache, backache, muscle ache, dental pain, tendonitis, or menstrual cramps.

How does Naprelan work?

Naprelan is an NSAID and its mechanism of action is yet to be fully understood. However its action is assumed to be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition, i.e. it blocks the action of inflammation-causing hormones thereby reducing pain and inflammation.

How to use Naprelan

Naprelan should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking the medicine for a longer time or in larger amount than prescribed may prove to e harmful. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Naprelan is usually taken orally once a day with a glass full of water. It may be taken with food, milk or antacid to prevent stomach upset. The extended release tablets should be swallowed whole and not be broken, opened or crushed. In case you are using an oral medication measure your dose carefully with a dose-measuring device.

You should avoid lying down within 10 minutes of taking Naprelan.

If you have been prescribed to take this drug for a long time, you should go for regular check-ups with your doctor to detect harmful side-effects from the drug at the earliest.

The drug should be taken regularly for best results.

Do not increase or stop your dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Naprelan warnings and precautions

Naprelan is not administered to patients who are allergic to naproxen or other NSAIDs. To prevent life-threatening consequences such as heart attack or stroke, avoid using the drug before or after a recent coronary artery bypass graft. Patients having a severe kidney disease are also advised against using this medication.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you smoke or are suffering from any of the following conditions: liver or kidney disease, a history of stomach ulcers, a history of heart disease, stroke or blood clotting disorders, congestive heart failure, asthma, high blood pressure, or polyps in nose. You may need a dose adjustment in such cases.

Naprelan should be administered to older patients with extreme caution. The medicine should not be given to a child younger than 2 years of age.

Naprelan may cause harmful effects on fetus, especially in the last three months of pregnancy. The drug is also believed to pass through breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing baby. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors. Also inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or plan a pregnancy during treatment.

What do I do if I have missed a Naprelan dose?

If you are on a dosing schedule and have missed a Naprelan dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Naprelan overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Naprelan, seek medical attention immediately.

Naprelan interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Naprelan are: antidepressants, ACE inhibitors, anticoagulants, diuretics, steroids, lithium, cyclosporine, methotrexate, aspirin or other NSAIDs.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using Naprelan.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Naprelan side effects

Side effects from Naprelan include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. as well as some serious symptoms such as bruising, muscle weakness, numbness, pain in muscles, shortness of breath, slurred speech, chest pain, vision problems, imbalance, decreased urination, rapid weight gain, swelling, symptoms of intestinal bleeding (black bloody tarry stools, blood in cough or vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds), jaundice, painful urination, blood in urine, loss of appetite, headache with a blistering, peeling red skin rash, purple spot on skin, fever, seizure, or neck stiffness.

Blurred vision, dizziness, headache, nervousness, stomach upset, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, mild heartburn, gas, mild skin rash, ringing in ears are some less serious side effects of Naprelan.