Dosage and strength
Naproxen tablets come in strengths of 250mg, 375mg and 500mg. The liquid contains either 25mg or 50mg in 1ml.
Your dose of naproxen depends on the reason why you're taking it, your age, how well your liver and kidneys work, and how well it helps your symptoms.
Usually, the dose to treat:
- joint conditions is 500mg to 1,000mg a day in 1 or 2 doses
- muscle and bone disorders and painful periods is 500mg at first, then 250mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed
- attacks of gout is 750mg, then 250mg every 8 hours until the attack has passed
Doses are usually lower for older people and people with heart, liver or kidney problems.
For children, the doctor will use your child's weight to work out the right dose.
Important
If you have been prescribed naproxen for painful periods, after the first day do not take more than 1,250mg (five 250mg tablets) in 24 hours.
How to take it
Naproxen on prescription comes as 3 different tablets: standard, effervescent and gastro-resistant tablets. It's also available as a liquid.
Always take naproxen with or just after a meal so it does not affect your stomach.
How to take tablets
Gastro-resistant tablets have a coating to protect them from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. Instead, the medicine is released further down the gut in your intestine.
If you take gastro-resistant tablets, swallow them whole, with or after food. Do not crush or chew them.
Effervescent tablets are dissolved in water before you take them.
If you take effervescent tablets, dissolve 1 to 2 tablets in a full glass of water and drink all the contents.
To make sure there's no medicine left, when your glass is empty, put some more water in there – a small amount will do – rinse it around the glass, and drink it.
How to take liquid
Naproxen liquid comes with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the correct dose. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give you the right amount.
How long to take it for
Depending on why you're taking naproxen, you may only need to take it for a short time. For example, if you have a sore back or period pain, you may only need to take naproxen for 1 or 2 days.
You may need to take it for longer if you have a long-term condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
If you need to take naproxen longer than that, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to protect your stomach from side effects.
It's best to take the lowest dose of naproxen for the shortest time to control your symptoms.
Talk to your doctor if you're unsure how long you need to take naproxen for.
If you forget to take it
Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
If you take more than your prescribed dose of naproxen tablets, you're more likely to get some of the common side effects. Contact your doctor straight away.